FitMatch

How to Measure

Where to place the tape, how to convert units, and the verification checklist before you buy.

How to MeasureSizing Systems ExplainedConversion FormulasQuick Lookup — Master TablesSources
The Key Body Measurements (EN 13402 / ISO 8559)Units & ConversionEase & Fit GlossaryMeasuring a ChildVerification Checklist Before Buying

The Key Body Measurements (EN 13402 / ISO 8559)

This is the why behind every table in the site: how to take the measurements that sizes are built on.

BUSTWAISTHIPSkeep tape levelnarrowest pointfullest pointBust across fullest point · Waist at narrowest · Hips at fullest

Female: bust / waist / hips

NECKCHESTWAISTINSEAMfullest partnarrowestcrotch → floorNeck just above collarbones · Chest level · Waist narrowest

Male: neck / chest / waist / inseam

HEELLONGEST TOEfoot length1. Trace on paperbare foot, pencil vertical2. Add room+0.5–1 cm for growthSize to larger foot · Mondopoint = foot in mm
UNDER-BUST (BAND)straight around rib-cageOVER-BUST (CUP)fullest point, across bust pointscup = over-bust − under-bust1 in = A · 2 in = B · 3 in = C · 4 in = D · 5 in = DD/EBand by under-bust · Check sister sizes if band feels tight

How to take each measurement

MeasurementHow to take it
Neck / collarAround the base of the neck, just above the collarbones — a fingertip of ease.
Chest / bustAround the fullest part; for women usually across the bust points. Keep the tape level.
Natural waistThe narrowest point of the torso, comfortably above the navel.
Hips / seatAround the fullest part of the buttocks, keeping the tape level.
Inside leg / inseamFrom the crotch seam to the floor (or to where you want the hem).
Shoulder / sleeve lengthFrom the top of the shoulder at the neck seam, down to the wrist (allow for cuff).
Under-bust / rib-cageStraight around the rib-cage directly under the bust (used for bra bands).
Over-bustAround the fullest part of the bust; cup = over-bust − under-bust.
Foot lengthBare foot on paper, from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
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Units & Conversion

1 inch = 2.54 cm · 1 cm = 0.394 in · 1 ft = 30.48 cm

CM ↔ Inches: cm = in × 2.54 · in = cm ÷ 2.54

Footwear units: Paris point = ⅔ cm (6.67 mm) · Barleycorn = ⅓ in (8.47 mm) · Mondopoint = mm.

Use cm/in as ground truth

A size label is a code; a centimetre or inch is a measurement. When two tables disagree, trust the cm/in column — this fixes vanity sizing.

Ease & Fit Glossary

A size table lists the body measurement a garment fits — the garment itself is larger (or smaller for stretch) by the ease amount.

Why ease matters

If a woven blouse lists "fits bust 90 cm", the actual garment is ~92–94 cm across the bust. If you measure only the garment lying flat, you will mis-size yourself.

Ease values

TermMeaningTypical value
EaseExtra room in a garment beyond the bare body measurement.Varies
Blouse (woven)Fitted top ease+2–4 cm
T-shirt (knit)Relaxed top ease+8–12 cm
Coat / layerRoom to wear over another top+4–6 cm
Shoes (EU/UK/US)Toe-box wiggle room inside+13–17 mm
Negative easeGarment smaller than body (stretch fabrics)−1–2 cm
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Measuring a Child

floormark top of headEU 116= 116 cmEU kid size = height in cm · +0.5–1 cm for shoes

EU kid size = height in cm

  • Height (EU sizing): stand the child against a wall, mark the top of the head, measure from floor to mark. This is the EU size number (e.g. 116 cm → EU 116).
  • Foot (for shoes): trace the bare foot on paper with a pencil held vertical; mark the heel and longest toe; measure the distance. Add ~0.5–1 cm growing room at the toe.
  • Chest/waist/hip (girls/boys 7+): same method as adults — see the key measurements above.

Verification Checklist Before Buying

  • Measure in the same units the size table uses (cm vs in).
  • For tops: use bust/chest; for bottoms: use waist + hip; for shoes: use foot mm/cm.
  • Account for ease — do you want fitted, regular, or relaxed?
  • For stretch garments, expect negative ease — size down or pick the range you prefer.
  • Check the cm/in column, never the label number alone.
  • If between sizes: size up for outerwear/bottoms, size down for fitted/stretch topwear.