Taking Measurements for Women’s Wear

For extra guidance use the following instructions and the diagram opposite.

1. Bust…measure the figure at the fullest point of bust, do not allow the tape to fall at the back.
2. Waist…take this measurement firmly round the waist, make sure it comfortable. After taking the waist measurement tie a string firmly round the waist: this allows the vertical measurements to be taken accurately.
3. Hips… measure the widest part of the hips approx. 21cm from the waistline. For hips that differ from standard measurement (hips 5cm larger than bust) see page 32 for dress blocks.
4. Back Width…measure the back width 15cm down from the neck bone at the centre back. Measure from armhole to armhole.
5. Chest…measure the chest 7cm down from the neck point at the centre front. (armhole to armhole).
6. Shoulder…take this measurement from the neck to the shoulder hone.
7. Neck…standard measurement
8. Dart…standard measurement
9. Armhole…standard measurement
10. Nape to Waist…measure from the neck bone at the centre back to the string tied round the waist.
11. Front Shoulder to Waist…measure from the centre of the front shoulder over the point of the bust to the waist.
12. Armhole Depth…standard measure
13. Skirt Length…measure the skirt length from the string at the waist down to the required hem length.
14. NB Measure from the waist to floor at the back and front to check that the balance of the figure is even.
15. Waist to Hip…standard measure
16. Length to wrist…place the hand on hip so that the arm is bent. Measure from the shoulder bone over elbow to the wrist bone above the little finger.

     

17. Top Arm…the arm must remain bent, measure the bicep.
18. Wrist…take the wrist measurement with slight ease.
19. Body Rise… the subject should sit on a hard chair. Take the measurement at the side from the waist to the chair.
20. Side Seam…measure from waist to floor at the side of the body.
21. Pants Width…depends on fashion

The list of individual measurements should be carefully checked against the list of standard measurements and any great deviation accounted for. The blocks can then be drafted using the student’s INDIVIDUAL measurements. If a figure fault is very pronounced consult the following section and adapt the block before making the toile.