If you have contacted anyone selling fine apparel they probably posed that horrible question asking for measurements. I assure you that in our company one has to have a Top Secret Clearance to obtain and maintain them.  We have a giant paper shredder to destroy all evidence once we have completed our mission. We also know that many of you are not seamstresses and have never approached these issues which is why we are here to help. I hope that makes you feel better.

Dedication: The key to purchasing apparel of any type online is the ability to take correct measurements. This is not as easy as it seems but once you have it life is full of bargains.  Actually, what prompted me to write this was all the dedicated husbands who have measured their wives over the phone with my step by step direction. If you think this has just happened in the USA you are wrong.  This is a global issue.  I thank those wonderful husbands and their precise measurements because we have had a perfect fit every time!  I also applaud those ladies who were courageous enough to have them help! So we will dedicate this masterpiece to those special folks who went the extra mile for a great fit!

Gauge:  Whether you are measuring in inches or centimeters these will work.  USA measurements are in inches.  European measurements are in cms or centimeters and there is a huge difference.  Example: 1 inch equals 2.5 centimeters. We can translate if you need help converting either way.

Tools:  Fabric tape measure please.  I know hubby's metal tape measure may be easier to find but that one will make give you added inches and we certainly can't have that.  Fabric tape measures can be purchased for $1.00 or less and it is a true key to getting those bargains.

Apparel:  Measuring over those all too comfortable jeans, sweats, or even T shirts will just add inches you don't deserve unless you are measuring for a winter coat. It is best to wear the garments or similar garments you will be wearing under the item you are seeking.  Loose inches easy by stripping down to the basics.

Hidden Secrets of Basic Measurements and how to take them:

Bust:  Pull the fabric tape measure around your back until the tape circles the fullest portion of the bust area with the two measuring tape ends in front so you will be able to pull them together and read them.  Pull a little snug if you are measuring for a dress because that will insure a better fit.  Hint: Just pull until you see slight indentations where the tape measure fits.  That should be perfect.  Then record the number.

Waist:  First identify your waist. This is generally where your waistband sits with a skirt or trousers. Again, pull the tape around with the 2 ends in front so you can read the number. Where the two tape ends meet snugly is the number you want to record.  Hint: Always start from number 1 on the tape or you can get a highly distorted number that is incorrect. The goal is smaller not bigger! Pull the tape a little snug.  If you turn blue you have pulled too way too tight.  The goal is breathing room but a good fit. Record the number.

Hips:  This is the tricky one that is most often wrong.  Place your hands on your waistline that was established in the waist measurement above. Take the palms of your hands and place them on your waist with the palm of your hand and all finger tips pointing straight down on each side of your legs.  The measurement location is at the very end of the finger tips. This is generally the fullest part of the hips which is how the charts have defined this measurement.  Again, take your tape measure with the numbers in front starting with 1 and pull it a little snug with slight indentations of the tape where the ends of your fingertips indicated.  Perfect!  Record the number.

Arm Length: If you lay a jacket flat, the line at the center top of the armhole on the tip of the shoulder is the measurement we are gauging. Measure your arm at the top where the seam meets the sleeve in the center of the top of the arm then move the tape down to the area you wear your bracelets or where the wrist bends and moves. This can also be your preference if you like them longer or shorter.  Please measure when standing with a straight arm.  Measuring a bent arm will add length and the end result will be the appearance of wearing your big sister's hand me downs that you will grow into. Straight arm it is!

Arm Width: One would think this would be an easy breezy one but it is one of the most difficult for accuracy.  The measurement is taken at the point of the arm where it meets the base of the armhole.  The easiest way to read the tape is to place the tape under your arm pit and pull the tape around your arm starting with 1 until you have circled the arm. Read the measurement where the tape meets..  If you are measuring the exact garment you may need to take half of the arm piece laying flat and multiply by 2 for the circumference.  This is the fullest part of the arm.  This measurement is critical if you want to make sure your arm will fit in a garment that may have close fitting sleeves. 

Pant Length: What is an inseam? This is the seam that runs inside the pants.  The best way to get this one is if you have a pair of trousers that are a perfect length for you. Lay them flat and fold them in half.  Take the measuring tape and start at the top center of the seam inside the leg then move the tape to the end of the hem at the ankle.  This is the inseam or inside seam measurement.

Dress Length:  We have found the easiest and most accurate way to determine the length of a dress is to measure from the base of the armhole under the arm down the side seam to the end of the hemline.  It is easier to see the measurement than starting and fighting the tape from the top of the shoulder or down the middle of the back.  There is nothing like trying to explain how you got that neck strain to the doctor pretending you could really move your head all the way to the center of your back attempting to read that crazy tape.  Easy does it...go for the side seam!

Shoes:  Tell your buyer your USA or country size and have them use their conversion charts. No measurements required!  Don't worry, I just threw that one in for fun!

How to read those confusing charts:  It is a fact that all the designers get creative with their size charts.  It would be so much easier if they had a standard but that would take the mystery and fun out of it.  What do those numbers mean?  Some designers will make the charts with the actual garment measurements without allowances for fitting.  Others will make allowances for a proper fit.  Their numbers in the charts are the maximum body measurement that will properly fit that garment.  Designers allow 1.5" to 2" or 2.5 to 5cms for a proper fit in addition to your body measurements.  If the chart is a fitting measurements chart that means that they have subtracted the inches or centimeters from the garment measurements and those should be close to your actual body measurements.  If the chart is actual garment measurements then you need to subtract 1.5 to 2 inches or 2.5 to 5 centimeters from each measurement to see which one is closer to your actual body measurements for the correct fit. When in doubt contact your seller and ask what type measurements are on the chart, actual garment versus body.  Better yet, give them your measurements to check the actual garment.

Important:  Always, always check your sellers Return or Exchange Policy to make sure they have one.  We may feel certain that a style will compliment us until we get it on.  The last thing you  need is to be stuck with something you will never wear. There might be some return postage or extra charges but chances are you will still be saving money buying online and it will be worth it. 

  Now that you are armed with your own hard earned very personal measurements the world is yours because the selections and bargains are unlimited.  Will you be the next one on the runway of the Best Dressed?  I'll put my money on it!  One more thing, if all else fails find a seamstress who can take your measurements!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide.  Best wishes for great shopping adventures!