Essential tips on how to take body measurements8 min read

Summary 

  • Taking accurate body measurements is key to creating well-fitting garments.
  • As a pattern maker, you know that even the smallest mistake can affect the final piece.
  • This is where technology shines! Start your Audaces360 free trial now. 

Precision is the most important tool for any pattern maker. After all, every measurement is crucial for bringing a design to life. And by using the right methods, you can guarantee comfort and perfect proportions for your customers. 

But how to take body measurements correctly? What should you keep in mind to avoid errors? These are common questions, and the answers make all the difference. 

In this article, you’ll discover the essential techniques for measuring the body with confidence. We’ll cover the key points, step by step, to help you get reliable results every time. 

Happy reading! 

Why is it important to know how to take body measurements? 

Knowing how to take body measurements is key to making well-fitted clothing. Clothes that fit properly look better and feel more comfortable. They also help avoid common issues like loose or tight areas. 

In addition, accurate measurements save time and fabric. Without them, patterns may need many adjustments, leading to wasted materials and extra work. 

Good measurements also ensure consistency. If you make clothes for yourself or others, using the same method every time gives reliable results. This is important for custom-made and mass-produced garments. 

Learn more: Top 5 technologies driving mass customization in clothing 

Create, edit and approve your designs in 3D with Audaces Fashion Studio.
Design and develop clothing sizes=
Say goodbye to delays and waste with the Audaces Cutting Room.
Manage your collection from concept to sales with Audaces Isa.
Integrate tech pack and pre-cost in real time with Audaces Idea.

How to take body measurements? 

Here are some must-know tips on how to take body measurements: 

  • Start by using a flexible tape measure to follow the body’s natural shape. Stand straight and breathe normally for the best results.
  • Always measure over light clothing or directly on the body. Thick fabrics can add extra inches, leading to incorrect sizing. Keep the tape snug but not too tight.
  • Make sure the person is standing naturally. Avoid stretching or slouching, as this can change the numbers. Ask someone to assist if necessary for better accuracy.
  • Write down each measurement as you go. Double-check to ensure they are correct. Clear and precise numbers make pattern making easier. 

Learn more: Learn how to adjust patterns for fabrics that shrink 

Key body measurements for pattern making 

Accurate measurements of different body parts are essential for pattern making. These numbers are what allow us to create designs that fit correctly. 

Each measurement provides vital information about the body’s shape and size, and these are the base measurements we start with. 

Naturally, the more personalized the clothing, the more measurements you’ll require. 

Bust 

The bust measurement is essential for tops, dresses, and jackets. It ensures the garment fits properly around the chest. To measure, stand naturally with arms relaxed. 

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the bust. Keep it level across the back and front. Make sure it is snug but not too tight for an accurate reading. 

Waist 

The waist measurement helps create well-fitting skirts, pants, and dresses. It’s taken at the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button. 

To measure the waist, stand straight and wrap the tape around the smallest part. Do not pull too tightly, as this can give incorrect numbers. 

Learn more: Master the use of industrial patterns in apparel production 

Hips

A fashion professional showing how to take body measurements using a measuring tape.

Hip measurements are important for bottoms and dresses. They help create a smooth fit around the lower body. Taking this measurement correctly avoids tight or loose garments. 

Stand with feet together, find the widest area of your body and wrap the tape around this point. Keep it straight and snug, but not restrictive. 

Height 

Height is an essential measurement for full-length garments, for example. Getting this right ensures the garment fits properly from top to bottom. 

Stand straight with the back against a wall. Keep your feet together and your gaze forward. Use a ruler or tape measure, making sure it is parallel to the floor for an accurate reading. 

Arm length 

Arm length is important for sleeves. Measuring correctly ensures they are neither too short nor too long. 

Start at the shoulder and measure down to the wrist. Keep the arm slightly bent for a more natural fit. Remember to not stretch the tape too tightly. 

Armhole depth 

Armhole depth affects the fit of tops and dresses. If measured incorrectly, sleeves may feel too tight or too loose. 

To measure, start at the shoulder and go down to the underarm. Keep the tape close to the body but not tight. This will help create a comfortable armhole. 

Torso length 

Torso length is key for fitted dresses and bodysuits. It ensures that garments align with natural body proportions.  

Measure from the shoulder down to the waist, standing straight and relax. This will give the most accurate number for your pattern making.

Tired of manual pattern making eating up all your time? Make the digital leap and reclaim your workday! Our whitepaper has all the answers. Download your free copy now:

How can technology assist in the body measurement process? 

Technology has transformed the way we take and use body measurements. Digital tools help improve accuracy, speed up processes, and reduce errors. 

These modern solutions also allow pattern makers to store, manage, and apply measurements efficiently. This leads to better consistency and a smoother workflow. 

Discover how technology enhances this process: 

Storage and organization of measurements 

Keeping track of measurements manually can be challenging. Papers get lost, and mistakes can happen when you record numbers by hand. 

Digital storage systems solve this problem. They allow you to save, organize, and retrieve measurements easily. This ensures consistency in pattern making. 

Some systems also link measurements to specific clients or projects. This makes it easy to update sizes and track changes over time. 

Using technology for storage also reduces errors. It minimizes the risk of incorrect entries and misplaced data. 

Learn more: Check out 8 advantages of the clothing measurements chart for the fashion business 

Integrated tech pack 

A tech pack is a digital document that contains all the details of a garment. It includes measurements, materials, and construction guidelines. 

With an integrated tech pack, measurements are automatically linked to the design. This reduces manual work and ensures accuracy. 

Pattern makers can update measurements in real time. Any changes are instantly reflected across the design process. 

This integration improves efficiency. It allows designers and manufacturers to work with the same precise data. 

Learn more: Choosing the best tech pack software for fashion production 

Automatic size grading 

Size grading is the process of creating different sizes from a base pattern. If you’re in the fashion industry, you must know that doing this manually takes time and skill.  

On the other hand, technology automates grading by adjusting patterns based on standard or custom rules. 

With digital tools, pattern makers can create consistent sizes without needing to adjust each one by hand. This reduces errors and ensures a better fit. 

Automated grading also allows for quick changes. If one size needs adjusting, all related sizes update instantly. 

Learn more: Why is a grading tool essential in efficient software?

Virtual 3D fittings 

3D fitting technology helps visualize how a garment will look and fit before production. It reduces the need for physical prototypes. 

With virtual fitting, pattern makers can test measurements on digital models. This helps detect and fix issues early. 

You can simulate different body types, ensuring the design works for various sizes and shapes. 

To sum it up, using 3D fittings saves time and resources. It also helps brands deliver better-fitting garments with fewer adjustments. 

Learn more: Why simulate the 3D fit of garments before production? 

Enter body measurements and let Audaces automate your pattern making

A pattern maker with a measuring tape around her neck, demonstrating how to take body measurements.

Audaces Pattern 

For pattern makers looking for excellence, Audaces Pattern is the perfect solution. It ensures the pattern design reaches a new level of efficiency and precision. 

With its versatile approach, it’s possible to develop high-quality patterns, regardless of complexity.  

Refine every detail to perfection, ensuring that your creative vision translates into patterns. This advanced solution will assist you with all your pattern making endeavors! 

Audaces 3D 

Audaces 3D is ideal for pattern makers to bring creations to life in a 3D mannequin.    

You can test your digital pattern before committing to a physical sample. Save time and resources by identifying issues early in the process.      

With a range of tools and possibilities, this software transforms the development processes.    

It enables you to shape your ideas directly in a digital space, gaining agility and quality in deliveries. 

Discover Audaces360 and unlock a world of possibilities for fashion design and production. Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions today!

FAQ

Why is it important to know how to take body measurements?

Knowing how to take body measurements is key to making well-fitted clothing. Clothes that fit properly look better and feel more comfortable. They also help avoid common issues like loose or tight areas.

What are the key body measurements for pattern making?

Bust, waist, hips, height, arm length, and armhole depth.

How can technology assist in the body measurement process?

Integrated tech pack, automatic size grading, and virtual 3D fittings.

about the author

Audaces
Audaces is a global reference in the development of innovative solutions for the fashion industry, integrating processes, people, and technology.

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