Armhole Depth

This is the depth measurement taken away from the body between two levels on your body; the shoulder/armhole level and the underarm level. When you take this measurement, you are determining the depth of your armhole. Most people are surprised to learn that their armhole depth is not nearly as deep as they think it is. An average Size 10 woman’s body may have a physical armhole depth of approximately 5 inches. Of course, this armhole depth is dropped further on the pattern for both the armhole and the sleeve so that the garment feels comfortable, and does not bind the wearer.

• Place a rigid device such as a ruler at your high shoulder point and extend it over your shoulder line, parallel to the floor.
• Lift your arm, and place a rigid ruler under your arm, snug against your body. This ruler should also be parallel to the floor, but the end of the ruler should be facing the person taking the measurements.
• Using a third ruler or measuring tape, determine the difference between the two rulers to measure your armhole depth.
• Record the measurement.