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How to Measure Yourself for Clothes and Shoes (and Use a Size Chart)

Updated · 2 min read

Size labels are unreliable, but a tape measure is not. If you take your body measurements once and compare them with each retailer’s size chart, you can order from any country with confidence. This guide shows how to measure correctly.

What you need

A soft tape measure, a mirror or a friend to help, and light clothing. Stand relaxed with your feet together and breathe normally. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and level all the way around.

Chest or bust

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. For women’s bras, measure the bust at its fullest point and the band measurement just under the bust. For men’s jackets, the chest measurement in inches is the jacket size in the US and UK. The EU size is your chest in centimeters divided by two.

Waist

Measure at your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. For trousers, measure where you wear them, which may be lower than your natural waist.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom with your feet together.

Inseam

For trousers, measure from the crotch to the ankle bone along the inside of the leg. Or measure a pair of trousers that fit you well, laid flat.

Feet

  1. Stand on a sheet of paper against a wall with your heel touching the wall.
  2. Mark the tip of your longest toe.
  3. Measure from the wall to the mark in millimeters or inches.
  4. Do both feet and use the larger measurement. Do it in the evening, when feet are slightly larger.
  5. Add 5 to 10 mm (about 1/4 to 3/8 inch) for toe room when you compare with a size chart.

Using a size chart

  • Always use the brand’s own chart, not a generic one. Two brands can label the same measurements differently.
  • If you are between sizes, think about the fabric: choose the larger size for non-stretch fabrics and the smaller for stretchy ones.
  • Check the chart’s units (centimeters or inches) before you compare.
  • Read the reviews for notes on fit, such as “runs small”.

For quick conversions between regional size labels, see our shoe size, dress size and bra size converters, and read our guide to clothing and shoe sizes.

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