How to Measure Yourself for Online Clothing
Learning how to measure for clothing online comes down to five numbers: bust, waist, hips, inseam, and shoulder. Take them once, write them down, reuse forever. This guide walks through each measurement with the right tape placement, common mistakes, and how to use the numbers in our size calculator. Use the calculator below to get your exact fit in 30 seconds.
How it works
Measure yourself
Take your bust, waist, and hips with a soft tape. See the full measurement guide.
Enter the numbers
Type your measurements into the calculator above. Pick inches or cm — the tool converts both ways.
Get your size
Match the result against the brand's chart and order with confidence.
Measurement reference
| Measurement | Where to measure | Tape direction |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | Fullest part of chest | Around, parallel to floor |
| Waist | Narrowest part of torso | Around, parallel to floor |
| Hips | Fullest part below waist | Around, parallel to floor |
| Inseam | Crotch to ankle bone | Down inside leg |
| Shoulder | Bony point to bony point | Across back, flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What measurements do I need to shop online?
Five: bust/chest, waist, hips, inseam, shoulder. Bust + waist + hips covers women's tops/dresses/bottoms. Chest + neck + sleeve covers men's shirts.
Should I measure with clothes on or off?
Off, or over a thin layer (camisole, t-shirt). Bulky clothing adds 1–2 inches and produces wrong sizes.
Should the tape be tight or loose?
Snug, with one finger of room underneath. Pulling tight produces a tape-on-skin number that's smaller than the garment will fit.
How often should I re-measure?
Every 6 months, or after weight changes of 5 pounds or more. Inseam and shoulder don't change for adults; bust/waist/hip do.
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