|

Proper way to measure yourself or someone|How to know your body shape

Do you know what size to choose when shopping? Do you know what body shape you are and what styles are most flattering for you? As women, we want to look our best. It makes you feel better when your clothes fit properly and are flattering to your body shape.

Dressmaker’s Tape Measure – 1

Measurements are key

  • The first step is to grab a dressmaker’s tape measure and write down the measurements. I suggest saving the measurements in your phone, so they are with you when you shop.
  • Make sure to measure yourself “snug”. You will need: BUST–fullest part, WAIST, HIPS–fullest part.

Knowing the body shapes

  • There are three basic shapes: apple, pear, and hourglass. Most women’s measurements will fall within these three shapes. However, there are exceptions to everything.
  • The measurements we will look at are the three main: BUST WAIST,HIPS.
  • Apple shape: the three measurements are close to the same. A good example of this is–Bust 42″, Waist 40″, Hips 42 to 44″
  • Pear shape: this shape is like a pear, where the Bust (top) is smaller than the Hips (base). A good example of this–Bust 36″ Waist 30″ Hips 44″. Sometimes the pear (or triangle shape) is reversed. Bust is larger than the hips.
  • Hourglass shape: the bust is 2 inches smaller than the hips and the waist is is smaller than the bust and hips, like an hourglass. Some manufacturer’s will call this “curvy”, when you are shopping. A good example of this is—Bust 42″ , Waist 30″, Hips 44″

How to shop for each shape

  • Apple shape: It is best to not have a fitted waist, but instead, pick something that drapes over the waist. Dresses that are cut without a defining waist are good or tops that are not tight. For tops, avoid a waistline or banded bottoms.
  • Pear shape: You will need to add volume to your top (if it is the smaller part) or the hips (if it is the smaller part). This will give balance to your shape. Try not to add gathers (fullness) to your waist, if your hips are the larger part.
  • Hourglass shape: Some curvy women have issues with pants that fit the hips, but the waist is too big. Always find the right comfort for the hips and then, the waist can be tailored to fit.

Petite versus Misses

This is something most women deal with. Here is how you know if you need Petite sizes or Misses sizes. Take your tape measure and measure from the top of your shoulder down to your waist (vertically down your back). Make sure to have the tape just at the top of your shoulder and not curved over the shoulder. Then, measure across your shoulders (across your back). Compare your measurements. For example: A common measurement is 16 1/2″ across the shoulders and 16 1/2″ vertically from top of shoulder to your waist. This is Misses sizes. IF you measure 16 1/2″ across the shoulders and 151/2″ vertically, this is Petite. The one inch shorter measurement means “Petite”.

Broad shoulders versus Narrow shoulders

  • Broad shoulders: you should select tops with a V-neckline or plunge neckline
  • Narrow shoulders: a small shoulder pad will help to balance out your top or pick something with a little fullness in the top

I hope this helps you to shop with confidence. Happy shopping!

Similar Posts