Body Measurements Tools – JSS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Body measurement is the process of taking the exact size of different parts of the human body so that sewn clothes fit the person well.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define body measurement.
2. Name the tools used for taking body measurements.
3. Take the common body measurements correctly.
4. State the rules that make measurements accurate.
5. Record measurements in a chart.

Why do we take body measurements?

We take body measurements to make sure the clothes we sew fit the wearer properly.

• Good fit: a shirt measured correctly is not too tight in the chest and trousers are not too long.
• No guessing: a good tailor always measures the client.
• Less waste: a wrong measurement of even one inch can spoil the whole dress.

What are the tools for taking body measurements?

There are four main tools for taking body measurements: the tape measure, string or cord, notebook and pen, and a model or partner.

• Tape measure: the most important tool, a flexible ribbon usually 60 inches or 150 cm long.
• String or cord: tied around the waist to mark the waistline before measuring.
• Notebook and pen: used to write each measurement down at once, because numbers should never be memorised.
• Model or partner: a second person who takes the measurements while the client stands still, since it is hard to measure yourself accurately.

Why are rigid rulers and building tapes unsuitable?

• Short plastic school ruler: it is stiff and too short to wrap around the body.
• Building tape: it is stiff and cannot bend round the chest, waist or hips.
• Reason: the human body is curved, not flat, so the tool must be soft and flexible.

What are the types of body measurement?

There are two types of body measurement: horizontal and vertical.

Horizontal measurements

• Meaning: measurements taken around or across the body.
• Examples: bust or chest, waist, hips and shoulder.

Vertical measurements

• Meaning: measurements taken up and down the body.
• Examples: gown or shirt length and sleeve length.

How do we take the common body measurements?

The common body measurements are bust or chest, waist, hips, shoulder, gown or shirt length and sleeve length.

How do we get accurate body measurements?

We get accurate measurements by following a set of rules every time we measure.

• Two-finger rule: slip two fingers between the tape and the body at the waist or bust, so the clothes leave room to breathe and sit.
• Stand straight: the person stands upright with feet together and does not look down, because bending changes the body shape.
• Wear thin clothes: measure over thin clothing, since a thick sweater or heavy jacket gives the wrong size.
• Check the zero mark: start from the metal tip of the tape (the 0 or 1 mark), not from the middle of the tape.
• Follow an order: measure in a set pattern, such as top to bottom, so no part is forgotten.
• Write at once: record every number as soon as you read it.

How do we record body measurements?

We record body measurements in a chart that lists each body part with its size in inches or centimetres.

• Units: use inches or centimetres, and use the same unit for the whole chart (1 inch is about 2.54 cm).
• Client: write the name of the person measured at the top of the chart.

Sample measurement chart

Class practical activity

1. Pair up with a seat partner.
2. Use a tape measure to find your partner’s shoulder width and waist circumference.
3. Write both measurements in your notebook.
4. Compare your results with the teacher’s to check your accuracy.

Evaluation

1. Why is a rigid ruler or building tape not suitable for taking body measurements?
2. Explain the two-finger rule.
3. Where exactly on the body do we measure the waist?
4. Why should a person stand straight while being measured?
5. Name two horizontal and two vertical measurements.

Assignment

Measure the shoulder, bust or chest, waist and hips of a member of your family. Record the results in a chart like the sample, with the unit stated.