Measuring Guide – How to Take Your Measurements at Home
Short answer: A good measuring guide only needs a tape measure and a mirror. Measure your chest at the widest point, your waist at the narrowest and your hips at the widest, all level and without pulling tight. With those three measurements you can look up the right size with any brand.
What you need
You only need a soft tape measure, a mirror and a piece of paper to write the figures down. If you do not have a tape measure, use a piece of string and measure it afterwards with a ruler or folding rule. Measure in the morning if you can, and stand relaxed without shoes.
The three key measurements
The chest is measured level across the widest part of the bust, the waist at the narrowest point above the navel, and the hips around the widest part of hips and seat. Stand relaxed, keep the tape level and do not pull it tight. Write the figures down so you have them ready when you shop.
How to measure your chest
Lift your arms slightly, place the tape around your back and bring it forward over the widest part of your chest. Lower your arms again before you read the figure. Check in the mirror that the tape is level all the way round and has not slipped up your back. For bras, many brands also use an underbust measurement.
How to measure waist and hips
The waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually a few centimetres above the navel. Breathe normally and do not pull your stomach in. Measure your hips around the widest part of hips and seat with your feet together. Look at yourself side on in the mirror to make sure the tape is level.
How to use your measurements
Look up your measurements in the chart for the brand you want to buy, such as the JBS of Denmark size guide for men, the women's version or the Lindbergh size guide. If you fall between two sizes, read our size guide for bamboo clothing for advice.
Which measurement applies to which item?
The chest is most important for t-shirts, tops and jumpers. For briefs and underpants the hip measurement decides the size, while the waist matters most for trousers and skirts. Notice which measurement the chart emphasises and use it as your starting point, even if the others point slightly in another direction.
Small mistakes that skew the result
Typical mistakes are measuring over thick clothing, pulling the tape too tight and holding your breath for the waist. Measure in underwear or close-fitting clothes, breathe normally and repeat the measurement once more. Two identical readings in a row give you a reliable result you can shop by.
Measure again from time to time
Your body changes over time, so last year's measurements are not necessarily the same today. Measure again if your clothes start to fit differently, or before you buy from a new brand. It only takes a few minutes and saves you returns and clothes that do not fit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take my measurements at home?
Use a soft tape measure and a mirror. Measure your chest at the widest point, your waist at the narrowest and your hips at the widest, all level and without pulling the tape tight.
Should I measure with or without clothes?
Measure in underwear or close-fitting clothes. Thick clothing adds centimetres, so you risk choosing a size that turns out too big when the item arrives.
What if I do not have a tape measure?
Wrap a piece of string around your body, mark where it meets, and measure the length afterwards with a ruler or folding rule. Keep the string level for a usable result.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
