How To Take Your Own Body Measurements Like A Pro

It is really important to have your most recent body measurements on hand when looking for the perfect fit online. The Lakeside Collection is always trying to improve the customer experience, recently adding even more specific sizing details for select women’s apparel. It definitely helps to have a few of those important measurements at the ready so you can use them as a reference during your online shopping experience. Learn a few tips on how to take your own body measurements just like a professional tailor in this how-to guide.

 What Measuring Tools Do I Need?

It’s no secret that the most important tool tailors use to take basic clothing measurements is the flexible measuring tape. This special type of measuring tape is made of cloth, which gives you the flexibility to measure the natural curves of your body. If you don’t have the flexible type of measuring tape, you might be interested to know that it’s a tool that can be used for craft projects and everyday household measurements. In addition to the flexible measuring tape, another household tool that will be useful is a full-length bathroom mirror.

Body Measurement Tips & Tricks

Most body measurements are best done after removing clothes to get the most accurate number. However, you also have to take into account the undergarments that you will be wearing. For example, if you’re shopping for a specific top and are planning on wearing a specific type of bra under that top, you should take your body measurements with a bra.

In addition, it’s important to know how to use the cloth measuring tape. When taking your own measurements, you’ll soon find that you’ll get more accurate readings if you pull the measuring tape so that it overlaps by a few inches rather than trying to measure with the tip of the tape measure. Allow yourself some slack and subtract the overlapping inches.

Body Measurements – How to Measure Waist And Hips

Waist measurements and hip measurements are commonly confused, but as their name indicates, they measure different parts of the body. The waist is usually described as the area between the top of the hips and the bottom of the rib cage. The easiest indicator for this area is the bellybutton. Hips are measured at the widest part of the hips. Having the hip measurement is very helpful for clothing like pants, while knowing measurements for the waist is useful when shopping for women’s apparel like spring dresses and skirts.

Body Measurements – How to Measure Bust

To measure the bust, pull the tape measure under your arms and around the back. Don’t pull too tight–just apply enough pressure to keep the tape measure in place. Make sure it is completely straight in the back. Make sure that it isn’t tangled either. This will distort the overall measurement. Then measure in front at the fullest point of the bust. Also, it’s better to measure with a mirror so you can check the back to ensure you’re measuring properly.

Lakeside’s Apparel Measurements – Common Terms

While exploring The Lakeside Collections selection of women’s apparel online, you’ll have access to detailed size charts that will make it easy to find the perfect size. Once you get your body measurements recorded, you’ll have a quick reference to compare against our products to help you choose the best size. Below are a few of the common terms you will find in our size charts. In addition to body measurements like bust, waist and hips, certain apparel items will also include clothing measurements like sweep, length and inseam that will help you get a sense of how the garment is tailored and how it will drape on your body.

Bust is measured at the fullest point of the bust.

Waist refers to the natural waist, which is the narrowest part of the torso, located between the bottom of the rib cage and the navel.

Hip is measured around the fullest part of the hip area.

Sweep refers to the circumference of the bottom hem of the garment. Measure by laying the garment flat and measuring the hem from end to end. Then, double the measurement to get the circumference.

Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem of the garment.

Rise is the distance from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.

Inseam is the length from the crotch seam to the hem.

After you get your measurements recorded, it’s time to start shopping the new selection of women’s apparel available right now for spring and summer. Find a new maxi dress for the summer months, search our selection of affordable fashion accessories and much more!