Taking accurate body measurements is essential for creating a custom piece. Here is a guide on how to take common body measurements.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Soft measuring tape

GENERAL TIPS

Stand upright and keep your posture natural and relaxed when measuring.

Don’t pull the tape too tight. The measuring tape should fit snugly, but not constrict the skin.

Ideally measure on bare skin without clothing. If this is not possible, measure wearing one thin layer of clothing.

KEY MEASUREMENTS

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the widest part of your head, around the forehead, just above the eyebrows.

NECK CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the centre of your neck.

CHEST/BUST CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape comfortably under your arms and across your shoulder blades.

UNDERBUSTBUST CIRCUMFERENCE

The underbust measurement is taken directly under your bust, where your ribcage is the narrowest. This is typically just below the band of your bra.

Tip: Make sure the tape stays level and horizontal across your back and front. Breathe normally and take the measurement when you exhale.

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button.

HIPS CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

UPPER THIGH CIRCUMVERENCE

How: Measure around the fullest part of your thigh.

Tip: Stand with your legs slightly apart for an accurate measurement.

KNEE CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the fullest part of your knee.

CALF CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the fullest part of your calf.

ANKLE CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure around the narrowest part of your ankle, which is just above the ankle bones on either side of your ankle.

COLLAR BONE TO MIDDLE CROTCH DISTANCE

The distance from the collarbone (clavicle) to the middle of the crotch can be measured by following these steps:

1. Locate the collarbone: The collarbone is the bone located at the top of your chest, just below the neck.
2. Locate the middle of the crotch: This is roughly the midpoint of the area between your legs, where your legs meet your torso.
3. Place the tape at the top of the collarbone and run it down the torso, passing over the chest and abdomen, until it reaches the center of the crotch.

If you want an accurate measurement, it may be best to use a flexible measuring tape or ruler and get someone to assist you.