Lay a well-fitting garment on a flat surface, smooth it without stretching, and measure between clearly defined points. Compare those measurements only with a product chart that uses the same garment-measuring method.
*Use the retailer's stated starting point for length.
Use an item that fits the way you want
Choose a reference garment with a similar shape, fabric and intended use. A stretch running top is a poor reference for a woven shirt, even when you like the fit of both. Use a flexible tape measure, fasten the garment as you would wear it, and lay it flat.
Record whether each number is a flat width, a full circumference, or a length. Include the unit. Repeat the measurement once; if the readings differ, check your start and end points before taking an average.
Measuring shirts and jackets
| Measurement | Where to measure | What can change the result |
|---|---|---|
| Chest width | Across the flat garment from underarm to underarm | Placement below the armhole; stretch; curved seams |
| Shoulder width | Between the shoulder seams across the back | Dropped shoulders, raglan sleeves, no shoulder seam |
| Body length | From the retailer's stated starting point to the hem | Shoulder-point versus centre-back methods |
| Sleeve length | From the stated shoulder or neck point to the cuff | Different sleeve constructions and cuff positions |
Measuring trousers and jeans
An elastic waistband may have separate relaxed and stretched measurements. Record which you took. A trousers' waistband also may sit below the natural waist, so its garment circumference need not equal your natural-waist measurement.
- Waist: fasten the waistband and measure it across without pulling. Note whether the retailer measures the top edge or another line.
- Hips: use the retailer's stated distance below the waistband. A width measured at another point is not directly comparable.
- Inseam: measure along the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem.
- Rise: measure from the crotch seam up to the waistband using the front or back method specified. Keep those two measurements separate.
When can you double a flat width?
A flat chest width of 20 inches is approximately 40 inches around when the front and back widths are equivalent. It is still a garment measurement, not the wearer's chest size. Pleats, shaping, elastic and stretch can make that shortcut less useful.
If the retailer provides a body size chart, follow its body-measuring instructions instead. Label your own notes clearly so that a flat garment width is never entered as a body circumference.
1 inch equals 2.54 centimetres. The converter below changes units only; it does not convert clothing size labels.
Convert inches and centimetres
Change measurement units before comparing charts. Clothing size labels such as M, US 8 or EU 40 cannot be converted here.
Common questions
Should I stretch the garment while measuring?
Use the retailer's stated method. For an unstretched measurement, smooth the garment gently without pulling. If both relaxed and stretched values are needed, record them separately.
Is pit-to-pit the same as chest circumference?
No. Pit-to-pit is usually a flat garment width. Chest circumference is a measurement all the way around the body or garment. Check the chart's definition before comparing.
Sources & review
Official references checked on . Follow the current product page if its instructions differ.
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