Taking measurements | The Fashion Dungjen

I’m having a really hard time sleeping – so instead of just laying in bed, tossing, turning and ending up incredibly frustrated, I’m going to post a few things I’ve been thinking about for a few days. Like I said, this last weekened was incredibly lazy so I’m making up for it now.

With all the talk of the holidays and with the gift giving and receiving seasons upon us, it’s inevitable that you’ll buy an article of clothing for someone or someone will buy something for you. (Hopefully everyone buys me some clothes because, even though I don’t have the closet space, I believe you can never have too much of a good thing. If you were wondering, I think clothing is a very good thing.)

The hardest part of buying or asking for clothing is sizing. Everything is measured differently and sizes are labeled funny. Some stores/brands use the easy short, regular, long 00 through 18 (or whatever size you are) and some like to make it harder and use measurements like 36, 42, 27. How do they compare? What the heck does it all mean?

The easiest, and the only way, to be sure, is to do it yourself.

Here are some simple, really, really, simple steps for taking your own measurements.

First things first: If you’re going to wear clothing for this – I seriously recommend stripping down to your unmentionables – wear clothing that fits you well. A T-shirt and tights, though the combination should never be worn in public, is perfect for this exercise.

Second: Borrow someone you trust, especially if you’re doing this half naked at best. Ask them to do the measurements for you to ensure accuracy. Don’t worry about the numbers they call off. Chances are

they’re less concerned with the numbers than you are.

On to the fun part:

Bust

• Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Have a friend measure you with the measuring tape parallel to the ground.

  

• Have your friend measure under your underarms, around your back and over the fullest part of your bust.
• Make sure the measuring tape is snug but not tight.

Waist

• Bend over to one side to find the spot where your waist naturally creases.
• Measure this spot; it should be right under your navel.
• Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor and snug against your skin, but don't pull it tig ht.

Hip

• Stand up straight with your feet together.
• Have a friend measure over your hips and rear, around the fullest part.
• Make sure to keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor.

If this seriously blows your mind, here's a video that will further explain the spot on your body and the proper way to take your own measurements.