How to measure yourself correctly for online shopping
Short answer: Measure directly on your body, not over clothing. Keep the tape horizontal and snug without pressing. Chest, waist and hip decide the most.
Measure on skin or thin underwear
Measuring over a sweater adds two to four centimeters too many, because the fabric places an extra layer on top of the body. That sounds like a small difference, but it can easily decide whether you pick a size too large. See bamboo underwear for women.
The tape must stay level all the way around
A tilted tape gives a measurement that is too large, because it no longer follows the body's natural circumference at its widest point. Use a mirror to check that the tape stays level in front, at the side and at the back before you read the number. See bamboo clothing for women.
Measure the chest at its widest point
Not across the shoulder blades, but where the rib cage is widest, usually across the nipples while standing relaxed with arms down. A measurement taken too high or too low gives a number that does not match any of the brand's sizes correctly. See bamboo tops for women.
Compare with the brand's chart
Brand sizes vary, even when they use the same letters like S, M and L on the label. Your own measurements are fixed, the brand's chart is not, so you always adjust to the chart, never the other way around. See bamboo t shirt for women.
Measure the waist at its narrowest point
The waist usually sits just above the navel, where the body narrows the most between the ribs and the hip. Do not hold your breath while measuring, since that gives a number smaller than your actual waist.
Use a soft tape, not a ruler
A soft tape follows the curve of the body, while a ruler or a stiff tape gives an inaccurate, often too small number. A kitchen tape measure from a sewing kit works fine if you do not have a dedicated body tape at home.
Ask someone to help if you can
It is hard to keep the tape fully level around your own body without help, especially on the back where you cannot see. If you have the chance, measurements taken by someone else are often more accurate than your own.
Re measure every so often
The body changes slowly over time, and a measurement taken a year ago can be outdated without you noticing. Re measure a couple of times a year so you always choose based on current numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Should you measure over your clothes?
No. Measure on skin or over thin underwear for the most accurate result. Over a sweater the measurement ends up too large.
Where do you measure the chest?
At the widest point around the rib cage with the tape level all the way around, without it pressing into the skin.
Why do sizes fit differently between brands?
Because each brand draws its own chart with its own references. That is why you should compare your measurements with their chart each time.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
