Tailor's Measurement Guide: How to Take Accurate Measurements at Home?

in Aug 28, 2025

Entrance

Accurate measurements are the most critical step in the custom-made garment process . Taking measurements at home allows your tailor to customize the fit to your body. In this guide, we explain in simple terms how to take measurements yourself or with a helper.

Preparation

  • Wear a light shirt or t-shirt.

  • Standing, relaxed posture, shoulders in a neutral position.

  • Use a non-stretchable tape measure and note the measurements in cm.

  • If possible, have an assistant; this will reduce errors, especially in shoulder and back measurements.

Basic shirt measurements

  1. Neck circumference: Place the tape measure around the base of the neck, adding a finger's width.

  2. Shoulder width: Straight line from the right shoulder bone prominence to the left shoulder bone prominence.

  3. Chest circumference: At the widest point of the chest, parallel to the floor; breathe normally.

  4. Waist circumference: 2–3 cm above the belly button; without pulling in the abdomen.

  5. Hip circumference: The widest point of the hips.

  6. Sleeve length: From shoulder seam to wrist; sleeve slightly bent.

  7. Wrist circumference: At the hour level, two fingers apart.

  8. Shirt length: From the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the hips (optional).

  9. Back width: The widest part of the back at armpit level.

Tips to reduce the margin of error

  • If the tape measure is too tight, it will be too tight; if it is too loose, it will be too loose. "One finger's width" is the general rule.

  • Do not measure while wearing a tank top/thick sweater.

  • Take note of body asymmetry (right-left shoulder difference); the tailor will include this in the pattern.

  • If you have a plan to gain or lose weight, talk to your tailor and ask for an additional allowance option.

Preparation for the rehearsal process

  • Focus on shoulder drop and collar comfort during the first fitting .

  • Check for any pulling in arm movements.

  • If the buttonholes are spaced apart during the sit-stand test, the chest/abdominal space should be increased.

  • If the arm is long, the cuff fold falls on the palm; the ideal level is above the wrist bone.

Size chart for online orders

If you're using a pre-made size chart, compare the shirt's measurements taken flat against your own. Body measurements and garment measurements are not the same; garments allow for movement . It's important for the seller to provide measurements such as "shoulder to shoulder seam," "chest flat measurement (x2)," and "sleeve length."

Common mistakes

  • Not leaving any space around the neck; the collar suffocates.

  • Measuring arm length on a straight arm; moving measurement is required.

  • Taking the shoulder width by following the back curve; the measurement will lengthen.

  • Not accounting for weight fluctuations.

Accurate measurements are key to a perfect pattern from the first fitting. Writing down this guide, keeping a chart of measurements, and referencing it each time you sew will speed up the process.

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