Measurement Guide

• All measurements are to be taken in CM not inches.

• Be sure to write down each measurement after to take it, so you don’t forget.

• Using a mirror while measuring can act as having a second person with you. It helps making sure the measuring tape is in the right position.

• Taking measurements is a part of the bespoke process. You never need to feel awkward about asking a client to re-position, etc.

• You need to ask the height and weight of each client. This does not need to be exact, but a rough number is fine.

Neck

Measure around the middle of the neck with one finger allowance.

If the client is wearing a collared shirt, it is best to have them unbutton it.

Shoulder (point to point)

Feel for the point of where the shoulder end joins the top of the arm. Do this on each side.

Measure from one point to the other, with the measuring tape crossing the bottom of the neck.

Overarm

With the client’s arms by their side, measure around the chest and arms. The tape should be in the middle of the pecs, parallel to the ground. Use one finger of allowance.

Chest

Ask the client to raise his arms. Measure around the largest part of the chest with the tape parallel to the ground. Ask the client to lower his arms and take the measurement. Use one finger of allowance.

Stomach

After measuring the chest, keep a hold of the measuring tape and shimmy it until it rests on the love handles. This should be the smallest point of the stomach. The tape should be parallel to the ground. Use one finger of allowance.

Sleeve Length

Finding the same point as the shoulder measurement. Take 1cm of allowance at the top and measure directly down to where the wrist meets the hand. You can use a hair-tie to easily find this point.

Measure both left and right arm length.

Bicep

Finding the largest part of the bicep (usually the middle), measure this circumference with no allowance.

Wrist

Asking the client to make a fist in front of them. Measure around the circumference of the wrist with no allowance.

You only need to measure one wrist.

If the client wears a watch, add 1cm to the corresponding wrist for a small watch and 2cm for a large watch.

Back Length

Place the top of the measuring tape at the bottom of the neck (wear a t-shirt collar would sit). Measure to the bottom of the buttocks.

You can have the client place their thumbs parallel to the ground underneath their buttocks if it is difficult to see or they are wearing loose clothing.

Top Button Position

Place the top of the tape where the shoulder and neck meet. Measure diagonally to the middle of the stomach to its smallest point.

Using a mirror is extremely helpful in finding an accurate top button position.

Waist

Ask the client to adjust their trousers to where they would like the waistband to sit and have them tuck in their shirt.

Measure just above the waistband making sure no parts of the tape is on the waistband of the trousers they are wearing. This is measured with no allowance and a firm tightness.

Seat

Ask the client to remove everything from their pockets. Measure around the largest part of the seat with the tape parallel to the ground. Use one finger of allowance.

Thigh

Placing the tape about two inches below the crotch. Measure the thigh with the tape parallel to the floor. Use one finger of allowance.

Only one thigh needs to be measured.

Knee

Placing the tape around the largest part of the knee. Measure the circumference with the tape parallel to the floor. Use one finger of allowance.

Outseam

Measure from the top of the waistband (should be in the same place from when taking the waist measurement). Measure directly to the floor if the client is not wearing shoes, or to between the top of the shoe and the start of the sole if they are wearing shoes.

U-Rise

Measure from the top of the waistband at the front (should be in the same place from when taking the waist measurement). Take the tape under the groin and around to the top of the waistband at the back.

Profile Photos

You will need to take four profile photos of each client. Front, back, right and left full body profiles. This should be done against a plain, light coloured wall.

Profile photos help with body posture, shoulder slope and arm pitch.