How to measure yourself correctly for online shopping

Short answer: Measure directly on the body, not over clothes. Keep the tape level and snug without pressing. Chest, waist and hip are the three that decide most.

Measure on the skin or over thin underwear

Measured over a jumper, you get two to four centimetres too much. See bamboo underwear for women.

The tape must be level all the way round

A tilted tape gives an oversized measurement. Use a mirror to check. See bamboo clothing for women.

Measure the chest at the widest point

Not over the shoulder blades, but where the ribcage is widest. See bamboo tops for women.

Compare with the brand's chart

Brand sizes vary. Your measurements are fixed, their chart is not. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

Frequently asked questions

Should you measure over your clothes?

No. Measure on the skin or over thin underwear. Over a jumper the measurement comes out too large.

Where do you measure the chest?

At the widest point around the ribcage with the tape level all the way round.

Why do sizes fit differently between brands?

Because each brand drafts to its own chart. That is why you compare your measurements with their chart.