- Bust Line; the bust line position is a line that is level with the floor and crosses over the bust points. The bust point indicates the fullest part of the bust which is what needs to be addressed for a good fit. The bust position can be different for everyone. Younger and smaller busts tend to be higher on the body; while more mature and fuller busts tend to sit lower on the body, but this is not always the case since we are all unique. A general rule of thumb is a bust position of about 10 1/2" from the "high shoulder point" for a size 8 and 1/4" difference for each size above and below.
- Waist Line; the waistline position is a line that is level with the floor and crosses the narrowest part of the torso. This position greatly varies as well. A waist position from the CB neckbone of 16 1/4" is quite standard in the fashion industry for a size 8 with about a 3/8" difference for each size above and below.
- Hip Line; position is a line that is level with the floor and crosses over the fullest and widest part of the buttock. The position of this line also varies for everyone but 8" down from the waistline is quite standard. There is normally a variance of 1/4" from waist to hip for each size above and below a size 8.
The hip Line not to be overlooked is the "high hip" position which is a line level with the floor and divides the distance between the waistline and the hip line. The high hip line position can then be said to be 4" down from the waistline with a 1/8" difference for each size above and below a size 8. This position is important because this is an area that varies greatly on each body and indicates the shape or silhouette of the area between the waist and the hip. To understand how variable this point can be just do a Google search on personal coquis and you will know what I mean.
- Ankle; circumference of ankle.
- Arm length; from the end of your shoulder to your wrist bone with the arm slightly bent (loose).
- Around armpit; circumference of armpit.
- Bicep; circumference at bicep level.
- Chest / Bust; circumference of the widest area (fullest part) of your bust. Measure across chest/breast and around back. The total circumference of the chest at the largest point. Measure under the armpit across the breast with arms relaxed. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. Usually, 1 inch under the arms and across the shoulder blades holding the tape firm and level.
- Head; wrap a flexible measure around your head approximately one inch above the eyebrows and ears.
- Hips (Seat); circumference of the widest area of your hips (also known as full hip). Keep your legs slightly apart.
- Inseam; while standing in a relaxed position, measure the total length of the inside of your leg, from crotch to ankle. Measure from the bottom of the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem along the inside seam. “OR” Stand with both feet flat on the ground with legs straight and slightly apart, and straighten the tape down the inside of the leg to the top of the shoe.
- Neck to shoulder; length from base of neck to end of your shoulder.
- Neck; circumference of your neck at the base of your throat.
- Shoulder to Shoulder; from the end of one shoulder reaching the end of the other shoulder take from the backside.
- Shoulder to Waist; length from the end of shoulder straight down to waist level.
- Sleeve; slightly bent relax arm side when taking measurement. Begin at the neck bone. Measure over shoulder and elbow points. Finish at the wrist bone. OR Measure from the nape of the neck to the elbow point and then to the wrist. “OR” Measure from the bottom center back of the neck, down the arm across the elbow to the far end of the wrist bone.
- Top Arm length; from the end of your shoulder to your elbow.
- Waist to Ankle Bone; length from waist level straight down to ankle bone.
- Waist; circumference of the natural waistline. While standing in a relaxed position, measure around your natural waistline, while keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor. Bend to one side to the natural crease of your waist and measure across this point.
Note:
For accurate measurements, pull the measuring tape snuggly to your body and avoid stretching.
If the stomach is bigger than the chest/bust, use the larger of the two measurements. Keep arms to their sides as much as possible it will affect measurement if they are raised too high.
If the tape can’t be moved up and down, it is not around the fullest part.