How to Measure Yourself for Clothing Sizes

5 min read•June 1, 2025•Reviewed: June 1, 2026

✓Reviewed by Apex Conversion Editorial Team · Last reviewed June 1, 2026

Knowing your body measurements in centimeters is more useful than knowing your clothing size. Size labels are inconsistent across brands and countries; your body measurements are fixed. Once you know your bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements, you can find your correct size in any system.

You need only a flexible tape measure — the kind used for sewing — and about 10 minutes. Take measurements in your underwear for accuracy. Do not pull the tape tight; it should lie flat against your skin with room for a finger between the tape and your body.

Key Measurements for Women's Clothing

Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, passing over the largest part of the breasts and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Waist: measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually about 2–3 cm above the navel. Do not suck in — a natural relaxed posture gives the measurement you will wear clothing at.

Hips: stand with feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, typically 18–22 cm below the natural waist.

Key Measurements for Men's Clothing

Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades. Keep arms relaxed at your sides.

Waist: measure around your natural waist at the level you wear your trousers — this is often at or just below the navel. Relax your stomach.

Neck: for dress shirt sizing, wrap the tape around the base of your neck at the point where the collar will sit. Add 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) for comfort.

Inseam: measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. This is easiest with a well-fitting pair of trousers — lay them flat and measure the inside seam.

How to Use Your Measurements

Women — find your EU size:
  Bust 86cm  → EU 36 (US 4)
  Bust 93cm  → EU 40 (US 8)
  Bust 101cm → EU 44 (US 12)

Men — find your suit size:
  Chest 96cm  = ~38 inches → US/UK 38 suit → EU 48
  Chest 102cm = ~40 inches → US/UK 40 suit → EU 50

When measurements fall between sizes:
  Choose the larger size for tailored/fitted garments
  Choose based on your largest measurement when sizes conflict

Quick Tips

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Re-measure every 1–2 years, or whenever your weight changes significantly.
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Measure twice, use the average — measurements can vary depending on posture and time of day.
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For online purchases: check if the brand lists 'garment measurements' vs 'body measurements.' Garment measurements are the actual dimensions of the garment; body measurements are what it is designed to fit. The difference is the 'ease.'
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For jeans: measure your natural waist (not your hip), and measure the inseam of a well-fitting pair of trousers rather than your leg length.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between body measurements and garment measurements?

Body measurements are your actual dimensions. Garment measurements are the dimensions of the finished garment. The difference is 'ease' — extra room built in for movement and comfort. A size 40 (EU) garment may have a bust of 94 cm to fit a 93 cm bust.

How do I measure my inseam accurately alone?

Wear fitted underwear. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold one end of the tape at your crotch and measure down to the floor. Alternatively, measure the inside leg of a well-fitting pair of trousers laid flat.

My bust and waist suggest different sizes — which do I use?

Use the larger size and have it altered if needed, or look for brands that offer separate top and bottom sizing (some brands offer separate waist and hip sizing for trousers, or petite/tall options for height).

What is ease in clothing, and how much should I account for?

Ease is the difference between your body measurement and the garment measurement, built in for comfort and movement. Most ready-to-wear clothing has 2–5 cm of ease. Very fitted items (lingerie, athletic wear) have minimal ease. Oversized items have much more.

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