Body Measurements SS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

Why Accuracy Matters

In fashion, we don’t just guess sizes (Small, Medium, Large). We sew for the individual. Everyone’s body is different—some have long arms, some have narrow waists, and some have broad shoulders.

The Golden Rules of Measuring:

1. The “Two-Finger” Rule: When measuring the waist or bust, always keep two fingers flat under the tape. This ensures the clothes aren’t so tight that the person can’t breathe or eat!
2. The Right Undergarments: Tell the person to wear what they would normally wear under the dress. A thick padded bra or heavy jeans can change the numbers.
3. Stand Straight: The person being measured must stand tall, but relaxed. No sucking in the stomach!
4. Use a Quality Tape: Ensure your measuring tape isn’t stretched out or broken at the metal tip.

Horizontal Measurements (Around the Body)

These measurements go “around” the person. These are the most important for making sure the clothes can actually close!

• Bust (Chest): Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, keeping it level across the back.
• Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of the torso. Tip: Ask the person to bend to the side; where the body “creases” is the natural waistline.
• Hips: Measure around the widest part of the buttocks. This is usually about 20cm (8 inches) below the waistline.
• Neck: Measure around the base of the neck. This is vital for shirts with collars.

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Vertical Measurements (The Lengths)

These tell us how long the garment should be. This prevents “jumping” trousers or skirts that are too short.

• Shoulder to Waist: Measure from the base of the neck (near the shoulder) down to the waistline.
• Skirt/Trouser Length: Measure from the waist down to where the person wants the garment to end (e.g., knee, calf, or ankle).
• Full Length: For a gown, measure from the shoulder all the way to the floor. Note: If they will wear high heels, ask them to put them on first!
• Inside Leg: For trousers, measure from the crotch down to the ankle.

Width and Limb Measurements

To make sleeves and shoulders look professional, we need these specific numbers:

• Shoulder Width: Measure from the “bone” at the edge of one shoulder across the back to the “bone” of the other shoulder.
• Sleeve Length: With the arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder bone down to the wrist.
• Round Arm (Bicep): Measure around the fullest part of the upper arm.
• Wrist: Measure around the wrist bone. This is important for shirts with cuffs.

Organizing Your Measurement Book

A professional tailor never relies on memory. You must write everything down immediately.

Standard Measurement Chart Layout: | Measurement | Value (cm/inches) | | :— | :— | | Name of Client | | | Bust / Chest | | | Waist | | | Hips | | | Shoulder | | | Sleeve Length | | | Gown/Skirt Length | |

Final Practical Advice:

• Be Polite: Always ask for permission before touching a client to measure them.
• Double Check: Always measure a second time to be sure. It takes 10 seconds to re-measure, but 2 hours to fix a mistake!
• Tape Position: Make sure the tape is always horizontal (flat) to the floor when going around the body. If it’s drooping at the back, your measurement will be too large.

Class Activity: Pair up with a classmate. Use your measuring tapes to take each other’s Bust, Waist, and Shoulder measurements. Compare your numbers—did you remember the “two-finger” rule?