Even the most stylish outfit can make you look frumpy if it doesn’t fit right. This is an especially daunting problem when it comes to fashion for the smaller framed since standard sizing doesn’t always work out. Thankfully, knowing your measurements can make shopping for clothes and looking your best a more delightful experience.
To measure yourself for garments, all you need is a flexible tape measure. Stand up straight, breathe normally, and relax. Although the measurements you need will depend on the garment you’re looking to buy, these are the most useful ones to have:
How to Measure Your Shoulder Width
Knowing your shoulder width is useful when buying petite tee shirts and other tops. Ask someone to get the width from one shoulder joint to the other. Make sure you let your shoulders hang naturally when getting measured.
If you don’t have help, take a shirt that fits you well and lay it front-side down on a flat surface. Then, measure across the top of the shirt from one sleeve seam to the other.
How to Measure Your Bust
Knowing your bust size isn’t just useful for undergarments but also for more tailored clothing like blouses and dresses. To get this measurement, loop your tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Keep the tape perfectly straight across your front and back, and make sure you don’t pull too tightly.
How to Measure Your Waist
Your waist size is useful when buying pants, skirts, and dresses. Measure along the narrowest part of your torso, which is commonly referred to as your natural waist. Make sure the tape is even as it loops along your front and back. Also, don’t suck your stomach in or you’ll end up with uncomfortably tight clothes.
How to Measure Your Hips
Measuring your hips is important not just for properly fitting skirts but also for pants and certain types of dresses. To get your hip size, loop your tape around the fullest part of your hip area, which includes your rear. Doing this in front of a mirror will make it easier to find the right place to measure.
How to Measure Your Inseam
Your inseam is most useful when buying all types of pants. This is the measurement from your inner thigh to your ankle. To get an accurate measurement, get someone to do this for you so you can stand up straight.
If you don’t have anyone to help you, take your favorite pair of pants and lay them on a flat surface. Measure from the seam of the crotch all the way to the hem around the ankle.
Nowadays, there are brands like EcoPetites (find their clothing in our shop!) that serve as a reliable source of ethical fashion specifically designed for petite women. Through such specialty boutiques, it’s easier to find petite travel clothes, casual apparel, workwear, and even fashion accessories. However, it still helps to know your measurements to make sure the clothes you get are proportional to your body.
Whether you’re browsing for regular outfits or petite curvy fashion, you don’t need to rely on standard sizing alone. Taking your measurements is the best way to reduce the risk of online shopping fails. By comparing your measurements against available sizing charts, you can be sure you’re buying properly fitting clothes that flatter your shape and make you look your best.