How to measure yourself at home
Your tailor sent you this guide so you can take your own measurements and send the numbers back to them. Use a soft (fabric) measuring tape, wear light, fitted clothing, and have someone help you if you can. It makes a few of these much easier to get right.
Head (cap size)
Wrap the tape around the head, just above the ears.
Neck
Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits.
Shoulder width
Measure straight across the back, from one shoulder edge to the other.
Back width
Measure straight across the back, armpit to armpit.
Arm / sleeve round
Wrap the tape around the top of the arm, where the sleeve ends.
Sleeve length
From the shoulder edge, run the tape down a bent elbow to the wrist.
Chest / bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, arms relaxed.
Top length
From the shoulder down to where you want the top to end.
Agbada / gown length
From the shoulder down to where you want the agbada or gown to end.
Waist
Wrap around the narrowest part, just above the belly button. Not tight.
Rise
Sit on a hard chair. Measure from the waist down to the seat.
Hip / seat
Wrap around the fullest part of the hips, below the waist.
Thigh
Wrap around the fullest part of the thigh, just below the seat.
Knee
Wrap the tape around the leg at the knee, leg straight.
Inseam / inside leg
From the crotch, straight down the inside of the leg to the ankle.
Trouser bottom (ankle opening)
Wrap the tape around the leg opening, where the trouser ends at the ankle.
Trouser length
From the waist, down the outside of the leg to the ankle.
Garment length
From the shoulder down to where you want the garment to end.
Once you have your numbers, send them to your tailor with the unit you used (inches or cm), the same way they shared this guide with you.