How to Measure the Human Body for Making Clothing

Accurate body measurements are the foundation of well-fitting clothing. Whether you’re drafting a pattern from scratch or adjusting a commercial pattern, having precise measurements saves time, money, and frustration. Use the illustrated diagrams below as your reference guide for each measurement point. Body Measurement Diagrams Ankle Height Around Head Blade Apex Width (Back) Bust/Chest Height (Back) Bust/Chest Height (Front) Bust/Chest Width (Back) Bust/Chest Width (Front) Bust Apex Width (Front) Bust Depth Bust Radius Calf Circumference Center Length (Back) Center Length (Front) Elbow Circumference Elbow to Wrist Length Eye Level Full Length (Back) Hand Width Hat Circumference Hat Over Head Heel/Foot Circumference Hip Depth (Back) Hip Depth (Front) Hip Depth (Side) Hip Width (Back) Hip Width (Front) Knee Circumference Knee Height Mid-Armhole Height (Back) Mid-Armhole Height (Front) Mid-Armhole Width (Back) Mid-Armhole Width (Front) Neck Width (Front) Over Head Overbust Height Overbust Width (Back) Overbust Width (Front) Shoulder Across (Back) Shoulder Across (Front) Shoulder Slope (Back) Shoulder Slope (Front) Shoulder to Mid-Armhole (Back) Shoulder to Mid-Armhole (Front) Side Leg Length Side Length Side Waist Depth (Back) Side Waist Depth (Front) Strap (Front) Thigh Circumference Thigh Height Underarm Length Underbust Height Underbust Width (Back) Underbust Width (Front) Waist Width (Back) Waist Width (Front)