How to Measure
The methods behind garment measurements — and why consistency matters
Measurements are the language the clothing industry uses to agree on what it is making. A designer or pattern maker records how a garment is to be measured in a tech pack — the technical specification packet that acts as a blueprint for the factory — and the factory prices, creates and re-creates the product from those instructions. The catch is that 'how to measure' is not perfectly standardized: methods can vary from one company to the next, so a measurement only means something when the method behind it is stated. This page explains how garment measurement works, how it differs from body measurement, and links to the body measurement methods, garment points of measure and textile measurement units covered in this section.
Measurements of a garment are very important to both the clothing
industry and consumers. It is the industries job to make sure
clothing is produced with accurate measurements and it is important for
people shopping for clothing to select the proper sizes that fit their
unique body shape and size.
The clothing industry will
typically use
Tech Packs (technical specification packets or spec
sheets) to communicate measurements between the design team to the
apparel factory.
Tech packs are essentially a blue print for any manufacturer to price
out, create and re-create the
product desired. The pattern maker or designer will create a grouping of
documents that describe all of the details for the fabric, trims, and
stitching information needed to make the garment consistently and at the
quality the designer ascertains. A portion of the tech pack will
contain detailed information about the measurements of the clothes and
accessories that need to be produced. It is extremely important
that the manufacture follows the proper method for "how to measure".
It is important to note that How to Measure instructions may vary
from one company to the next. Unfortunately, the industry does not
have one set of rules that are used by all companies. If you work
in the industry and are passing measurements along to a factory or
consumer, it is critical that you also provide information on how you
take the measurements.
How to Measure
1) How to take body
measurements for clothing.
2) How to take
clothing measurements
We will be expanding on this section in the near future..
When it comes to designing clothes, getting the right measurements is essential. Taking the time to take accurate body measurements for clothing design can make a big difference in the fit, look, and feel of the finished garment. Whether you’re designing for yourself, a friend, or a client, here are some tips to make sure you get the measurements you need.
Before you start taking measurements, make sure you have the right tools. A measuring tape, fabric marker, and paper and pen (or a laptop) for recording results are all you need. Ask the person whose measurements you’re taking to wear form-fitting clothing, such as a tank top and leggings.
Obviously the point of measure will depend on the type of garment you are producing. If you are making a shirt, you obviously don't need the leg measurements. If you are make a pair of jeans, you don't need a chest measurement. Below is simply reference of some key points of measure, but again it depends on the garment you are trying to fit.
Start with the bust, which is the distance around the fullest part of the chest. Wrap the measuring tape around the body, crossing it over the shoulder blades, and make sure it’s parallel to the floor. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Next, measure the waist. Wrap the tape around the body at the narrowest part, usually just above the belly button. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. Again, record the measurement.
Then, measure the hips. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks, making sure it’s parallel to the floor.
Next, measure the length from the shoulder to the waist. Place the tape at the top of the shoulder and bring it down to the waist. Make sure the tape is straight and parallel to the floor.
Finally, measure the length from the waist to the hem. Place the tape at the waist and bring it down to the desired hem length.
These measurements should give you enough information to create a well-fitting garment. Make sure to double-check your measurements and keep them in a safe place for future reference. Taking accurate body measurements for clothing design is an important part of the process, and it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
You may also want to learn about textile units of measure.
Clothing Size Guides
The Tech Pack Is the Contract
A tech pack bundles everything a factory needs — fabric, trims, stitching and construction details — and its measurement pages are the part quality is judged against. Each point of measure names where the tape goes, how the garment is positioned, and what tolerance is acceptable, because a half-inch of drift at the waist or chest is the difference between a production run that fits and one that comes back as returns. When a brand reorders a style a season later, the same tech pack is what lets a different factory — or the same factory with different staff — re-create the garment to the same measurements rather than to someone's memory of it.
Method First, Number Second
Because the industry has no single enforced measuring method, experienced teams never quote a measurement without its method. Was the chest measured flat across, or around the body of a form? Was the garment relaxed or stretched to the tape? Was length taken from the high point of the shoulder or the center back? Shoppers benefit from the same habit at home: when you record your own measurements or the measurements of a favorite garment, note how each was taken. A number with a method can be compared, repeated and trusted; a number alone often cannot.
You may find the Fashion Virtual Try on Technology page to be of interest.
Common Questions
What is a tech pack?
A tech pack (technical specification packet or spec sheet) is the set of documents a design team sends a factory describing a garment in full — fabric, trims, stitching and detailed measurements — so the product can be priced, made and re-made consistently.
Do all clothing companies measure garments the same way?
No. How-to-measure instructions vary from one company to the next because the industry does not have one single enforced method, which is why each company's spec states its own method for every point of measure.
What is the difference between body measurements and garment measurements?
Body measurements are taken on the wearer; garment measurements are taken on the finished clothing. The garment numbers are larger where ease is added, and each set has its own page in this section.