How To Get The Right Measurements The First Time A Buyer Asks

Have you dreaded the buyer who will question you about measurements on an item that your not sure how to exactly measure? Never fear these easy to read diagrams will help you get it right the first time like a pro! Here are a wide variety of charts on how to measure the actual items you may sell, and charts for you to get actual self body measurements. Even threw in a few of the oddball size charts to help out on some of those off the wall accessories items like hats.  Make sure you have an area that you can lay out your clothing items flat when measuring. Feel free to save any of the size charts seen here to help you as a guide.
The only tool you need is an inexpensive seamstress tape measure.  It should be made of vinyl or fabric to achieve the highest degree of accuracy for the garment you are measuring.  Please do not use a metal retractable tape measure, ruler, or yardstick.  You may not get the most accurate measurement by using these types of inflexible tools.  Also, keep in mind while checking and comparing measurements because fabric is very fluid, a precise measurement is difficult to guarantee, so you should allow about a 1/2 inch difference between the listed measurements and the actual garment.
Terminology:
Bust:  This measurement should be taken directly under the armpits and doubled

Shoulders:  Measure across the top of the garment from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Sleeves:  For men's long sleeved shirts, this is the measurement taken from the back of the middle of the neck to the end of the cuff.  For women's garments, this measurement can be taken from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.  However, since some garments have a drop style shoulder or a raglan style sleeve, the most accurate measurement is taken from the back of the middle of the neck to the end of the cuff, like a man's shirt.  Additionally, I will provide an underarm sleeve measurement which is taken from the underarm seam to the end of the cuff when a sleeve is of unusual length or style, such as drop shoulder.

Waist:  For pants and skirts, measure across the very top, then double.  For shirts and dresses, measure at about 6-8 inches below the armpit, then double.

Hips:  For pants and skirts, measure about 8-9 inches down from the waist, then double.  For shirts and dresses, measure at about 14-16 inches below the armpit, then double.

Length:  For skirts, measure the front center of the garment from the top of the waist to the bottom of the hem.  For shirts and dresses, you may measure one of several ways, depending on the style of the garment - measure from the shoulder seam to the bottom of the hem, from the armpit to the bottom hem, or from the center back neck to the bottom hem.  Depending on the style of the garment, you should decide which measurement will provide your buyer with the most accurate information, and include in your listing how you arrived at your measurement.

Inseam:  Measure along the inside leg from the crotch seam to the bottom hem.

Rise:  Measure from the crotch seam up to the top of the waist band in the front.  Additionally, you may want to provide a 'back rise' measurement in the same manner.

Flare:  For pants, measure at the end of the pant leg across the bottom opening.  Typically this measurement is NOT doubled (although I do sometimes).

Sweep:  You will see this measurement most commonly found on coats or jackets.  The sweep is the circumference of the bottom hem of a skirt, dress, coat, or jacket.  For a jacket or coat, measure the sweep across the bottom hem from open edge to open edge.  For a skirt or dress, measure the sweep by laying the garment flat with seams matched, measure end to end, then double.