How to Take the Best Body Measurements

Our body shapes are incredibly fluid, depending whether you are trying to get fit, gain muscle mass or, for women, have just had a baby. No matter what your reason for keeping tabs on your size, taking the best body measurements is a great way to track progress toward your fitness goals. Or perhaps you are getting a custom piece of clothing made and want to ensure it fits properly when it is completely constructed. Accurate body dimensions are vital to give the tailor good information to go on. Let’s have a look at the best practices on how to take the best body measurements.

General Rules

First, get to know the basics of measuring yourself.

• Start by finding a tape measure that is soft and flexible but not stretchy. You can usually find the right type of measuring tape at a fabric or craft store.
• Next, when you put the tape around your body part, don’t compress the skin. The tape should be tight to the skin but not pushing on it or causing bulges. Keep the tape taut for accurate results.
• Finally, when measuring around large sections, such as the chest or bust, make sure the entire length of tape is parallel to the floor; if it sags in back, the measurement won’t be accurate. You might want to take your measurements in front of a mirror to ensure proper alignment.

Taking Measurements

Here’s how to properly take common body measurements:

• Neck: Measure the widest part of your neck. For men, this usually is around the Adam’s apple.
• Bust: Measure around the widest part, usually around the nipples.
• Chest: Put the tape around the back and under the breasts.
• Arms: Again, measure the fullest parts. Above the elbow for upper arm measurements and below the elbow for forearm measurements.
• Waist: Put the tape around the body at the belly button level.
• Hips: Measure the widest part around the thighs.
• Knees: Put the tape around the knee, usually slightly above the knee
• Calves: Measure the widest part. Do this while standing so the calf muscle is not soft but also not flexed.

Reminders About Measurements

Whatever your motivation for taking the best body measurements, you might want to update them every few weeks, especially if you are trying to drop inches. It is a good way to track your progress and be mindful of the changes your body may be undergoing. If you want to go so far as to get a rough estimate of your body fat percentage, you can enter your height, weight and measurements into an app to have that information calculated for you.

Also, if you are tracking measurements because you are having a custom garment made and want to be sure it still fits when it is ready, be sure to communicate with your tailor that you are trying to lose weight. That way he or she will be able to allow for variance and adjustments when the day comes for you to wear the personalized clothing. To learn more about alterations, contact StitchIt.com for more details.