Measurement Basics

Having the proper equipment will simplify the measuring process. In addition, prepping yourself for the measuring process will increase accuracy.
 
Equipment

  • A tape measure in good condition. Check the end to determine if the first inch measures accurately, as this often gets stretched.
  • A straight edge ruler (or two), ideally rulers that are rigid and do not bend.
  • A L-Square (if you have one).
  • A water-soluble pen (optional).
  • String.
     

Prior to Measuring

  1. Remove your outer clothing.
  2. Tie a string around your waist.
  3. Take an erasable marker or pins and mark the following points on your body with a small dot or intersecting pins if you are wearing light clothing.
  1. Shoulder Neck Point - Typically, on your body, this is the point on your shoulder line, just before your neck begins to curve up. If you were wearing a fitted neckline, it would be the point at which the shoulder seam of your garment and your neckline intersect.
  2. Shoulder Armhole Point - On your body, this point generally sits on top of a bone on the upper part or the shoulder/arm area. It is where your shoulder line and armhole intersect. If you follow your shoulder line down, it is the bone just before the curve of your shoulder drops off for the arm. Think of your shoulder line as a plateau. This is the last point just before it drops off over the cliff.
  3. Mark your Back Neck Bone. If you feel your center back neck, you will find a bone.

If you have distinct figure problems, caused by physical disabilities, aging, or carrying too many babies/heavy purses, you may want to choose to use the Refined Fit sloper measurements. For certain styles, you can decide whether to override asymmetrical measurements as this will make assembling the garment simpler. See the Garment Designer manual for an explanation on how to override certain body measurements.