FASHION TABLE WITH STEPHANIE: HOW TO TAKE ACCURATE BASIC MEASUREMENTS

 HOW TO TAKE ACCURATE BASIC MEASUREMENTS 

So last week when talking on how to get the perfect fit, the first thing on our list was "taking accurate measurements". Being the nice and helpful person I am, I've taken the time out to list the basic measurements we need for a simple dress and how to take these measurements accurately.

Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments.  However, a close-fitting clothing will be fine.  Do NOT measure yourself or a client that's wearing jeans, sweats, or other bulky clothing.  It DOES make a difference fam.

The body is made of soft tissue, so it can be a bit difficult to know exactly how tight to pull the tape around the body. The tape should be a bit snug, but not tight - it should not "dig in" or make an indentation in the body.  It should not be loose, either!  Just wrap the tape around the area of the body being measured and hold it in place.  You should be able to put a finger behind the tape, but no more than that.

Shoulder (some tailors just label it "Back") - Measure the shoulder from the back, placing your tape on the shoulder bone and recording the distance between both points. 

Bust - Measure the bust at the fullest part. Measure all around the body (total circumference).

Waist - Measure the waist where the body bends.  It helps to bend side to side to identify exactly where to measure.

High Hip - Measure around the fullest part, about 3 - 4 inches below the waist. This is helpful when fitting a slim skirt or pants (to get an accurate idea of the shape of the hip, or the belly).

Hip - Measure the hips at the fullest part, usually around the seat. This is usually 7 - 8 inches below the waist. 

Front Waist Length (Half length) - Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), and measure to the waist, measuring over the fullest part of the bust.

Back Waist Length (Half length) - Measure from the base of the neck (in the center, not the side), to the center of the waistline.

P. S. The differentiation between front and back waist lengths is important and done mainly for ladies with a relatively big bust line or people with high or big backs. These tend to raise the clothing, making the measurements of the front and back differ. 

Arm (Sleeve) Length - Measure from the top of the arm (find the bone at the shoulder/top of arm) to the wrist (find the bone at the side of the wrist), WITH THE ELBOW BENT.  It's important to keep the elbow bent to allow for movement when you make a sleeve.

Arm (Sleeve) circumference - Measure the fullest part of the arm and the wrist (total circumference). 

Gown Half cut (Gown Half length) - Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), and measure to the knee (1 or 2 inches above the knee cap to be precise), measuring over the fullest part of the bust.

Gown Full length - Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), measuring over the fullest part of the bust and measure to the floor (space between the feet) for a floor length dress, measure to the ankle for an ankle length dress, measure to the shin or mid-calf for a Midi length dress, etc (measure to the point you want the dress to end basically). 

Till I come your way again;

Welcome back to "FASHION TABLE"

Always remember fam the goal is to thrive and not just survive. 

Love, light and peace always from this side fam  

Post by: Osaruyi Stephanie Aiseosa

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