How to shop online if you don't know your size?
A tailor is your best friend. They are with you through thick and thin - pun intended. They’re also helpful for helping your favorite pieces fit just right with alterations.
But there’s another secret weapon you can use with the help of your favorite tailor to aid in your shopping excursions which is getting your body measurements for made-to-order fashions or just for online fashion shopping in general.
To start measuring your body measurements, you’ll want to wear a fitted t-shirt and fitted pants or jeans - it’s just easier to get as close as possible to your true body measurements without bulky and baggy garments on.
With the help of your tailor, you can take the measurements below, record them, and store them for reference whenever your shopping online for new items to add to your wardrobe. This will make the process of shopping online for made-to-order fashions or just general shopping for styles only much more stress-free and effective.
Common Measurements Needed for Shirts, Jackets, and Coats:
Neck Circumference
Shoulder Width (shoulder bone joint to shoulder bone joint)
Chest Circumference (at widest part of chest)
Waist Circumference (just below the belly button - about 1" below)
Hip Circumference (at widest part of hips)
Arm Length (from shoulder joint to wrist - make sure to bend elbow for most accurate length)
Arm Length (from center back neck to wrist - make sure to bend elbow for most accurate length)
Bicep Circumference
Elbow Circumference
Wrist Circumference
Hand Circumference
Common Measurements Needed for Pants, Shorts, and Jeans:
Waist Circumference (just below the belly button)
Hip Circumference (at widest part of hips)
Thigh Circumference (about 1" below crotch level)
Knee Circumference
Ankle Circumference
Inseam Length (from center crotch to ankle/floor)
Rise Length (front waist position along crotch and buttocks to back waist position)
***
How to Take Your Body Measurements for Online Shopping:
Feel like you, or you with the help of a friend, can get these measurements locked down for all your shopping adventures?
What you’ll need to take your body measurements for online shopping:
(Recommended Retractable Tape Measure)
First, go to the shop's online boutique and look for the size chart.
Next, take your body measurements using the soft measuring tape comparing the points listed on the size chart and record your measurements.
Using the size chart determine what size you are on the chart.
(If you're between sizes, you'll have determine whether you want to size up for more ease and a more relaxed fit, or size down for less ease and a more fitted fit).
Check out this video and tips I made for you on measuring your body:
(Video Coming Soon)…But for now check out this video below.
Other tips:
Look at the photos of garments on models and the model's height and body measurements to gauge the fit of the garment compared to your body measurements.
***
How to know how a fitted, relaxed, and slim fit style will fit you?
"Fitted" Fit Styles:
For fitted fit styles, which typically have some type of stretch, the garment will either measure 0-inches to 2-inches larger in circumference when comparing the body measurement listed on the size chart for your size.
(For example if your chest measures 38-inches in circumference then you can expect most garments listed as a "fitted" to measure between 38-inches to 40-inches in circumference to give you the "fitted" fit).
"Relaxed" Fit Styles:
For relaxed fit styles, which typically have little to no stretch, the garment will either measure 2-inches to 4-inches larger in circumference when comparing the body measurement listed on the size chart for your size.
(For example if your chest measures 38-inches in circumference then you can expect most garments listed as a "fitted" to measure between 40-inches to 42-inches in circumference to give you the "relaxed" fit).
"Slim" Fit Styles:
For slim fit styles, which typically have a lot of stretch, the garment will either measure 2-inches to 4-inches smaller in circumference when comparing the body measurement listed on the size chart for your size.
(For example if your chest measures 38-inches in circumference then you can expect most garments listed as a "fitted" to measure between 34-inches to 36-inches in circumference to give you the "slim" fit).
***
Taking Your Body Measurements for Fitness:
These methods are also great ways to track your fitness progress too if you’re looking to bulk up or slim down.
Keep your measurements in a nice little notebook and track your goals as frequently as you wish (every three to four months is typically a great start)!
We make our styles made-to-order for both quality and environmental reasons. I want to ensure any of my custom pieces meet your desired fit, quality, and aesthetic. Having a better understanding of your body measurements and the fits of garments helps empower and give you confidence in choosing styles to rock from your wardrobe.
Need help finding your size or have a question about any of my styles fit?
Send me an email at info@wlashop.com and let’s chat.