HOW TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS 101

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Hear are some basic tips for taking body measurements. We borrowed these instructions from the "Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book." We do not require all of the measurement shown, but these are simple and direct tips and instructions easy enough for anyone to understand. If, however, you have any questions feel free to call or email us, and we will be happy to help you.

• Use a flexible synthetic of fiberglass tape measure that is at least 60 inches long. You can purchase these inexpensively at most drugstore, or at any Wal-mart. Do not try to use a carpenters tape because it is not flexible enough to get an accurate measurement.
• Do not try to take measurements by yourself. Only a contortionist could do that successfully! Enlist the aid of a friend.
• For women and girls, take the measurements over undergarments or a leotard. For men and boys, take them over a t-shirt and shorts or unbelted, light weight slacks.
• Stand in a relaxed, normal position and look straight ahead.
• To locate the natural waistline, tie a string around the waist. If the waist is to hard to find, have the person bend sideways, the crease that forms is the natural waistline.
• To find the shoulder point, raise the arm to shoulder level. A dimple will form at the shoulder bone-that's the shoulder point.
• To locate the base of the neck bone, bend the head forward so you can feel the first neck bone, or vertebrae.
• For the "around" measurements, keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug, but not tight, against the body.

Here is a chart and diagram for the basic body measurements. The numbers correspond with the drawing below the Chart. We do not require all of the body measurements, only the ones highlighted yellow on the chart.

1	*Height	Measure from top of the head to the floor (without shoes>
2	Back Waist Length	From prominent bone at back neck base to waist.
3	Neck	(males only) At the Adam's apple. Add ½" (1.3 cm) to neck body measurement.
4	High Bust	(females only) Directly under the arms, above the bust and around the back.
5	*Bust/Chest	Around the fullest part.
6	*Waist	Over the string.
7	*Hips/Seat	Around the fullest part.
8	Front Waist Length	From shoulder at base of neck to waist (over bust on females)
9	Shoulder to Bust	(females only) From shoulder at base of neck to the bust point.
10	Shoulder Length	From base of neck to shoulder bone.
11	Back Width	Across the mid back.
12	*Arm Length	From base of neck to wrist bone over a slightly bent elbow.
13	Shoulder to elbow	(females only) From end of shoulder to a slightly bent elbow.
14	Upper Arm	Around the fullest part of the arm between shoulder and elbow.
15	Crotch Depth	Measure from side waist to chair. Sit on a hard, flat chair and use a straight edge ruler.
16	Crotch Length	Measure from center back waist, between the legs, to center front waist.
17	Back Skirt Length	(females only) Measure at center back at waist to desired length.
18	*Pants Side Length	Measure from side waistline to the floor without wearing shoes.
19	*Jacket Hang	Measure from base of neck down center of back to desired jacket hang length.