Measurement Guide

How to measure

1. 1. Button the shirt and smooth the front without stretching.
2. 2. Measure straight from armpit seam to armpit seam.
3. 3. Double the number only when a total chest circumference is requested.

Common mistakes

• xLetting the tape arc upward
• xMeasuring below the pit seam
• xMixing flat width with doubled circumference

How to measure

1. 1. Flip the shirt face down.
2. 2. Find the outer shoulder seam points.
3. 3. Measure straight across, keeping the tape level.

Common mistakes

• xFollowing the curve of the yoke
• xStarting at the sleeve edge
• xMeasuring across wrinkles

How to measure

1. 1. Lay the sleeve flat with the cuff closed.
2. 2. Start at the shoulder seam.
3. 3. Measure along the outside edge to the cuff.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring from the collar
• xStopping at the cuff seam
• xLetting the sleeve bend under the tape

How to measure

1. 1. Keep the shirt face down.
2. 2. Start where the collar band meets the back panel.
3. 3. Measure straight to the longest point of the hem.

Common mistakes

• xStarting at the top of the collar
• xMeasuring the front instead of the back
• xIgnoring a curved tail

How to measure

1. 1. Button or zip the jacket as it would be worn.
2. 2. Smooth the body without pulling the lining tight.
3. 3. Measure straight across at the pit seam.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring with the jacket open
• xIncluding sleeve fabric
• xPulling padded fronts taut

How to measure

1. 1. Turn the jacket face down.
2. 2. Identify the sleeve head seam on each side.
3. 3. Measure straight across the upper back.

Common mistakes

• xIncluding shoulder padding overhang
• xFollowing a curved seam
• xMeasuring across the front lapels

How to measure

1. 1. Flatten the sleeve without forcing the elbow shape.
2. 2. Start at the shoulder seam.
3. 3. Measure to the cuff edge.

Common mistakes

• xStarting at the collar
• xMeasuring the inner sleeve
• xIgnoring working button cuffs

How to measure

1. 1. Lay the jacket face down.
2. 2. Start below the collar at the center back seam.
3. 3. Measure straight to the hem.

Common mistakes

• xStarting at the collar top
• xUsing front length on a cutaway jacket
• xMeasuring over folded vents

How to measure

1. 1. Fasten the waist closure.
2. 2. Align front and back waistband edges naturally.
3. 3. Measure straight across and double for circumference.

Common mistakes

• xStretching elastic or denim
• xMeasuring a dipped waistband unevenly
• xForgetting to double flat width

How to measure

1. 1. Fold one leg so the inseam is visible.
2. 2. Start at the crotch seam intersection.
3. 3. Follow the inner seam to the hem edge.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring outseam instead
• xStarting below the crotch seam
• xIgnoring cuff allowance

How to measure

1. 1. Lay the front rise flat.
2. 2. Start at the crotch seam intersection.
3. 3. Measure to the top front waistband edge.

Common mistakes

• xUsing back rise without labeling it
• xStarting below the seam intersection
• xPulling the fly into a curve

How to measure

1. 1. Lay the leg flat with the inseam visible.
2. 2. Start about one inch below the crotch seam.
3. 3. Measure straight across to the outside leg edge.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring too far down the leg
• xPulling pleats open
• xComparing thigh width to circumference

How to measure

1. 1. Lay the sweater flat and let ribbing relax.
2. 2. Measure from pit to pit without stretching.
3. 3. Record whether the knit is heavy, ribbed, or elastic.

Common mistakes

• xStretching the knit while measuring
• xIgnoring drop shoulders
• xComparing shrunk wool to tagged size

How to measure

1. 1. Identify whether the sweater has set-in, raglan, or drop shoulders.
2. 2. Measure from the clearest sleeve start point.
3. 3. Note the start point in the measurement label.

Common mistakes

• xTreating drop shoulders like set-in sleeves
• xStretching ribbed cuffs
• xHiding the measurement start point

How to measure

1. 1. Let the hem ribbing relax.
2. 2. Start at the back collar seam or high shoulder point.
3. 3. Measure straight down without stretching the body.

Common mistakes

• xPulling ribbing to gain length
• xStarting at the top of the collar
• xIgnoring cropped hems

How to measure

1. 1. Record the marked size exactly.
2. 2. Measure insole length when removable.
3. 3. Use outsole length only when it is clearly labeled as outsole.

Common mistakes

• xUsing outsole length as insole length
• xConverting size systems without noting the source
• xIgnoring toe shape

How to measure

1. 1. Record any marked width letter.
2. 2. If measuring, use the widest forefoot point.
3. 3. Compare against a known comfortable pair from the same category.

Common mistakes

• xIgnoring width letters
• xMeasuring the sole edge instead of usable interior width
• xComparing dress shoes and sneakers directly

How to measure

1. 1. Start at the buckle prong, not the buckle end.
2. 2. Measure to the tightest and loosest usable holes.
3. 3. Record the range rather than total leather length.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring total belt length only
• xIgnoring buckle allowance
• xRecording only one hole

How to measure

1. 1. Measure around the inside sweatband.
2. 2. Keep the tape level and relaxed.
3. 3. Record inches or centimeters with the tagged size.

Common mistakes

• xMeasuring outer brim width
• xMixing diameter and circumference
• xIgnoring adjustable closures

How to measure

1. 1. Measure width across the widest structured point.
2. 2. Measure height and depth separately.
3. 3. Add strap drop for shoulder and crossbody bags.

Common mistakes

• xCombining depth with width
• xIgnoring strap drop
• xMeasuring collapsed soft bags inconsistently