Clothing Measurements

Where body measurements describe the wearer, clothing measurements describe the garment. The industry calls each standard measuring point a POM — a point of measure — and a tech pack lists them so a factory can build the garment to spec and a quality team can check finished production against the same points: inseam from the center crotch seam to the hem, front rise from crotch seam to the top of the waistband, waist measured across, and dozens more for tops, dresses and outerwear. Measurements may be taken on the half or in total, depending on the company's requirements. This page explains the basic garment measurements and links to the detailed guides for suits and sport coats, shoes, socks and petite sizes.

Folded jeans, a dress shirt and a jacket laid flat on a work table with a tape measure across each garment and a spec sheet beside them, a small Apparel Search tag on one garment

The clothing industry must follow basic POMs (points of measure) when specing different garments, shoes, and fashion accessories. Measurements can be taken "on the half", or total depending on the particular companies requirements.

Visit our Size Conversion Chart Tool for a fabulous experience.

Learn about the difference between How to Measure and Points of Measure.

How to measure a dress shirt (Proper Cloth)

Garment Points of Measure (Designer Nexus)

Here are a few examples of how you can take measurements.

How to Measure a Hood (Fashion Industry Network) - what is a hoodie?

Suit & Sport Coat Size Chart

Shoe Measurements

Sock Sizes

Petite Sizes

Bottoms:

Inseam: measure the inseam by starting at the center crotch seam, then measuring all the way down one leg to the hem. Be sure that the tape measure lays flat against the jeans to get an accurate measurement.

Front Rise: take the front rise measurement of the pants by measuring from the center crotch seam up to the top of the waistband.

Rear rise: flip the pants over so that the front of the pant is laying flat on the table. Measure from the center crotch seam to the top of the waistband on the backside.

Waist: measure the waits of the pants by stretching the measuring tape horizontally across the waistband while the pants are laying flat. After measuring, multiply the number by two to determine the full waist circumference (note: some size specs will indicate if the factory should use the half or full circumference measurement).

How to measure and points of measure go hand in hand. When producing garments it is important to understand full details regarding both the points of measure and the method in which to take the measurement.

More information about this subject will follow soon.

We hope that you find this information to be helpful. If we can do anything to help make your research easier please let us know. If you work in the apparel industry, please join in the discussions about garment fit and size specs at the Fashion Industry Network.

Learn about tech packs in our fashion terms section.

Learn more about the rise of pants.

Clothing Size Guides

Points of Measure Keep Production Honest

A point of measure is a promise written as a number: this waist will measure this much, this inseam will run this long. Designers set the POMs in the tech pack, the factory sews to them, and inspectors re-measure finished garments at exactly the same points to confirm production followed instructions. Because the same point can be measured flat or around, on the half or in total, a good spec also states the method — how the garment is laid, where the tape starts and ends, and how much tolerance is allowed. Without that discipline, two factories can both claim to have made a size medium while producing garments that fit noticeably differently.

How to Measure a Garment You Already Own

The same POMs are a shopper's shortcut: lay a favorite pair of jeans flat and measure the inseam, front rise, rear rise and waist, and you have a personal template for comparing new pants in a store or online. A well-fitting shirt gives chest, shoulder and sleeve numbers the same way. Measuring clothing you already like is often more reliable than measuring your body, because the garment numbers already include the ease and styling you prefer. The linked guides on this page take the method garment by garment, from hoods and dress shirts to suits, shoes and socks.

The inseam method above is also the most accurate way to find your own size when shopping: see how to measure your inseam from a pair of pants that already fits.

You may also find our Fashion Virtual Try on Fit Tech page to be of interest.

Common Questions

What does POM mean in clothing measurements?

POM stands for point of measure — one of the standard points at which a garment is measured in a spec or tech pack, such as inseam, rise, waist, chest or garment length.

What does it mean to measure a garment 'on the half'?

Some companies record a measurement taken across half the garment laid flat — for example across the chest from side seam to side seam — rather than the full circumference; the spec states which method applies so factory and inspector measure the same way.

How do I measure the rise of a pair of pants?

For front rise, measure from the center crotch seam up to the top of the waistband with the pants laid flat; for rear rise, flip the pants over and measure from the center crotch seam to the top of the back waistband.

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