Where garment measurements are taken, and what they are called

• Shoulder width

  • For woven fabrics •

  

  Width measured from shoulder tip to shoulder tip. (Center back of neckline is measured.)

  • For knitted fabrics •

  

  Width measured from shoulder tip to shoulder tip.

• Bust/Chest

  

  The garment is measured straight across the chest where the bodice joins the sleeves. This measurement is doubled. (Tucks and gathers are spread out before measuring.)

• Waists

  

  The garment is measured straight across the waistline (the narrowest part) and this measurement (the inner diameter) is doubled.

  

  f there is no obvious waistline, the garment is measured straight across at a point 42 cm below the line where the neckline meets the shoulder line.

• Sleeve length

  

  Measured in a straight line from the shoulder seam to the tip of the sleeve hem (or the end of the cuff).

• Hips

  • Skirts •

  

  With fasteners or buttons fastened, the skirt is measured straight across the hipline (18 cm below the waistband seam, or the waistline), and this measurement is then doubled. (Tucks are spread out before measuring.)

  • Pants •

  

  With fasteners or buttons fastened, the pants are measured straight across at the bottom of the fastener opening. This measurement is then doubled.

  • One-piece dresses •

  

  If there is no obvious waistline, the dress is measured straight across at a point 60 cm below the line where the neckline meets the shoulder line. This measurement is then doubled.

• Shoulder and sleeve length

  

  Measured in a straight line from center back of neckline, through tip of shoulder, down to end of sleeve hem (or end of cuff).

• Garment length from base of collar

  

  Measured in a straight line from center back of neckline to back hem of garment.

• Garment length

  

  Measured in a straight line from point where neckline meets shoulder line, down to back hem of garment.

• Skirt length

  • With waistband •

  

  Measured in a straight line from center back of waistband seam, or from waist inset position, down to skirt hem.

• Pants length

  • With waistband •

  

  Measured in a straight line from side waistband seam down to hem. (Same for culottes.)

• Inseam

  

  Measured in a straight line from crotch, along inseam down to hem.

• Thigh cross-width and Knee width

  • Thigh cross-width •

  

  Measured in a straight line across the thigh at crotch height.

  • Knee width •

  

  Measured in a straight line across the leg 30 cm below the crotch.

• Hem width

  

  Measured in a straight line across the hem.

• Total length

  • Without waistband •

  

  Measured in a straight line from top center back to hem.

  • Without waistband •

  

  Measured in a straight line from top side to hem.

• Vents and slits

  

  Measured in a straight line from top of opening to hem.

  Collar circumference

  

  Length around collar from top button position to center of corresponding buttonhole (for dress shirts).