How to Measure Yourself for Clothes Without Help

Most measuring guides assume you have a second pair of hands. Here's how to get genuinely accurate numbers entirely on your own, using nothing but a soft tape measure and a mirror.

Use a soft tape measure, not a rigid ruler

A flexible fabric or vinyl tape measure — the kind tailors use — is essential. A rigid ruler or metal tape can't follow the curve of your body and will give you a flattened, inaccurate number. These cost very little and are worth having on hand if you shop online regularly.

Chest or bust

Stand naturally with your arms relaxed at your sides — don't puff your chest out. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor all the way around (a mirror helps you check the back doesn't ride up). Pull it snug but not tight; you should be able to slide a flat finger underneath.

Waist

Find your natural waistline — usually the narrowest point of your torso, roughly level with your belly button, not necessarily where your pants currently sit. Wrap the tape around it without sucking in, and again keep it level with a mirror check.

Shoulders

This is the trickiest one to do solo. Stand in front of a mirror, place one end of the tape at the edge of one shoulder (where it meets the arm), and measure straight across to the same point on the other shoulder. Keeping the tape flat against your upper back, rather than draped loosely, makes the biggest difference to accuracy here.

Inseam

Wear a well-fitting pair of pants and measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom hem. This avoids needing anyone else present, and is generally more accurate than trying to measure your own inner leg directly with a tape.

Three habits that improve accuracy every time

• Measure over thin clothing or underwear — never over a bulky sweater or jacket
• Take each measurement twice and use the average if the two readings differ
• Measure at the same time of day if you're tracking changes over weeks or months, since minor daily fluctuations are normal

Got your numbers? Use the T-Shirt Calculator → or browse the full measuring guide library →.