How to measure for clothing sizes
Because clothing labels vary so much, your body measurements are the reliable anchor. Three numbers, chest or bust, waist and hips, drive almost every chart.
Because clothing labels vary so much, your body measurements are the reliable anchor. With a soft tape measure you can take the three numbers that drive almost every size chart: chest or bust, waist and hips.
Measure over light clothing or bare skin, keep the tape level and snug without compressing, and note each figure in centimetres and inches.
- Measure your chest or bust. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest or bust, keeping it level across the back. This drives tops, shirts and dresses.
- Measure your waist. Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above the navel. Keep the tape comfortably snug.
- Measure your hips. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. This matters for trousers, skirts and fitted dresses.
- Match to the chart. Find the row where your measurements fall and read across to US, UK, EU, IT and FR. Choose the larger size if you fall between rows.
With your measurements in hand, match them on the women's or men's clothing chart, which lists the bust, chest and waist ranges behind each size.
Measuring questions
How do I take clothing measurements at home?
Use a soft tape to measure chest or bust, waist and hips, keeping the tape level and snug. Match those figures to the measurement columns in the chart rather than trusting the size label alone.
Which measurement matters most?
For tops and dresses it is the chest or bust, for trousers and skirts it is the waist and hips. Pick your size from the measurement that governs the garment.
Last reviewed and updated on July 2, 2026. Conversion tables are checked against published international sizing standards.