How to Take Body Measurements in Five Simple Steps

We all need to know how to take body measurements. Whether you're trying to get before and after results for an exercise program or simply need to get a good fit from the clothes you order online. Knowing your how to take body measurements is one piece of knowledge every woman needs.

And it seems simple enough, right? Yet most of us put it off and never know the exact numbers. Okay, ladies, suspend all judgment and pick up your tape measures. Remember, your measurements are neither good nor bad, they are simply yours.

Since plus size clothing sizes aren't standard, you need to know your measurements to make sense of size charts. Once you know how to take your body measurements, you've removed the guesswork from finding an excellent fit.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 2-5 minutes

Grab your tools.

You'll need a cloth tape measure, a piece of string, paper and pencil or pen and a mirror for best results.

Measure your bust.

Take this measurement wearing your everyday bra. Facing the mirror, wrap the tape measure around your back and bring forward to the fullest part of your bust. Check the mirror to make sure you've got a straight line. Now write that number down as bust with everyday bra.

Remember to take this measurement again if you plan on wearing a different type of bra.

Find your natural waist.

Your natural waistline is easy to find using a string. Tie the string so it's snug but comfortable around your waist. Now bend to each side. The string will move to your natural waistline. Check the mirror. This time the line may not be straight and that's fine. Pick up your tape and measure over the string exactly where it is. Make sure not to hold your breath or pull the tape too tight.

Jot this down as your natural waist.

Measure your hip.

What you want here is the absolute fullest part of your low hip. Stand with your feet together. Check yourself both front and side in the mirror to make sure you've got your fullest hip and that the tape measure is straight.

Call this low hip and write your number down.

Find your inseam.

Your inseam is measured crotch to ankle on the inside of your leg. Start at your anklebone and measure up. This is easiest with a partner. If you want to go it alone, start at the ankle and measure up. You can take this in two parts if needed: from your anklebone to where your knee bends and from that spot up to your crotch. Use the mirror and double check.

Call this inseam and note your number.

Tips on How to Take Body Measurements

• For accurate results, wear only your undergarments.
• Want to see a big difference in your measurements? Repeat the process wearing shapewear. See what happens!

Return from How to Take Body Measurements to the home of Plus Size Clothing and Style Advice from The Curvy Counselor.