SIZE CHARTS · HOW TO MEASURE
How to measure yourself.
Five minutes with a soft tape is the best way to stop returning clothes. Here's exactly where to measure, and the small mistakes that throw sizes off.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
Use a soft tape, wear thin clothing, keep the tape level and snug (one finger underneath), and breathe out normally. Waist = narrowest point; bust/chest and hips = fullest points.
What you need
- A soft tape measure, or string and a ruler.
- A mirror, or someone to help with the back.
- Thin clothing or underwear, and bare feet for height and foot length.
Waist
Find your natural waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Bend to one side; the crease is your waist. Wrap the tape round, level all the way, and breathe out normally before you read it. Don't pull in your stomach.
For jeans and low-rise trousers, also measure where the waistband actually sits, often 2–5 cm (1–2 in) lower.
Bust (women)
Wear a non-padded bra. Measure round the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape level across your back and under your arms.
This is a clothing measurement, not a bra size. For bras you also need the underbust.
Chest (men)
Lift your arms, place the tape round the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits and across the shoulder blades, then lower your arms and read it.
Keep one finger under the tape so it isn't tight.
Hips
Stand with feet together and measure round the fullest part of your hips and bottom, usually about 20 cm (8 in) below your waist.
Look in a mirror to check the tape is level at the back.
Inseam (leg length)
Easiest with a pair of trousers that fit you well: lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the hem.
To measure your body, stand against a wall in socks and measure from the crotch to the floor, then subtract about 2.5 cm (1 in) for shoes-on trousers.
Neck (for shirts)
Measure round the base of your neck, where a shirt collar sits, with one finger under the tape. Round up to the next half inch.
Foot length
Stand on paper with your heel against a wall, mark your longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark. Do both feet in the afternoon and use the longer one.
Height
Stand against a wall without shoes, look straight ahead, and mark the top of your head with a flat object like a book.
Common mistakes
- Tape not level: dipping at the back adds 2–3 cm.
- Pulling tight: you'll get clothes that are too small. Snug, not squeezing.
- Holding your breath: breathe out normally, as you'll be wearing the clothes.
- Using an old size: sizes change between brands and over time; your measurements are what count.
Got your numbers? Put them in the calculator to see your size in every country.
Open the size calculatorQuestions people ask
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Find the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button, wrap a soft tape round it level and snug but not tight, breathe out normally and read the number.
Where is your waist for pants?
Tailored trousers sit at the natural waist. Jeans and most casual trousers sit lower, so measure where you actually wear the waistband too.
Can I measure myself without a tape measure?
Yes. Wrap a piece of string or a phone charger cable round yourself, mark it with a pen, then lay it along a ruler, a sheet of A4 paper (29.7 cm) or a US dollar bill (15.6 cm).
Should I measure over clothes?
Measure over underwear or thin clothing only. Jeans and jumpers can add 2–5 cm.
How often should I re-measure?
Every few months, or whenever clothes start fitting differently. Bodies change, and so do brands.