How do you determine your clothing size?
How do you determine your clothing size?
One of the absolute joys in life is online shopping. It’s like having a whole world of choices at your fingertips, and you’ll feel the excitement of anticipating the delivery. Additionally, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are turning to online shopping instead of going to our favourite stores.
However, one not-so-great part of online shopping, especially when it comes to searching for clothes, is playing the guessing game to find the right clothing size. That gorgeous dress may look amazing on the model, but the proportions may not be suitable for your body type, or perhaps you’ve been considering the perfect size for a long time and your size has sold out.
Taking enough time to accurately measure yourself can make it easier for you to request the perfect size when shopping online. You don’t need to go to a tailor or try on clothes in person to find items that fit you.
The professionals at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s textile laboratory are here with all the tips and tricks to properly measure yourself at home and choose right clothing size.
The Ultimate women size chart Guide: Finding your Fit
Why is find my size is so important?
In recent years, clothing measurements have become increasingly important, thanks to our growing love for online shopping. Whether you’re buying from a major retailer or a specialized clothing store, online shopping can save you a lot, but it comes with the risk of purchasing something that doesn’t fit well.
Most people have a rough idea of their clothing size (e.g., 8, 10, 12, 14, or small, medium, large). However, to shop online without the fear of having to return your purchases, you need a more accurate understanding of your size and shape.
Remember that a size 10 in clothing size chart for one brand may be a size 8 for another, as some brands and designers deliberately use “vanity sizing” to make customers feel more satisfied and loyal to the brand.
The more you know about your body, the better you can dress it. Keep your measurements written down and refer to them when shopping online or ordering custom-made clothing. Store them in your phone or wallet, so they’re readily accessible wherever you go.
What size is 42 in clothes?
42 is Equuleus to 10 in US measurement and Large in alpha clothing size.
How to find my size in general
Here are some steps to find my size correctly:
- Use a flexible measuring tape: Get a flexible measuring tape to measure your body circumference and lengths.
- Measure key circumferences: Measure your chest, waist, and hips. Place the tape around the midsection of your chest, waist, and upper hips to get accurate measurements.
- Measure lengths: Measure the length from your shoulder to the heel to determine the length of a dress or pants. Measure other important lengths such as arm length and leg length if necessary.
- Measure additional sizes: Some additional measurements like arm circumference, thigh circumference, and ankle circumference may be important in some cases. Measure them as needed.
- Keep track of your measurements: Record your measurements in a safe and easily accessible place, such as your mobile phone or a notebook. You will need these measurements when shopping online or ordering custom-made clothing.
Remember, it’s best to take measurements while wearing slightly fitted clothing and seek assistance from another person for more accurate measurements.
How to find my size when shopping online?
- Take accurate body measurements.
- Look at the model’s image and consider the impact of the garment’s style.
- Use the clothing size chart provided by the store.
- Read user reviews carefully.
- Prioritize both positive and negative reviews.
- Pay attention to the materials used in the clothing.
- When in doubt, choose the larger size.
- Stay loyal to stores that align with your clothing size.
- Familiarise yourself with the store’s return policy.
Tips for find my size when shopping online
To ensure you select the right size, it’s essential to measure your bust, waist, and hips. Follow these steps:
- Gather a tape measure and wear either your underwear or form-fitting clothing for accurate measurements.
- Start with the bust measurement. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it is straight and parallel to the floor.
- Move on to the waist measurement. Locate the narrowest part of your waist and wrap the tape measure around it. Make sure it fits snugly but is not too tight.
- Finally, measure your hips. Place the tape measure around the widest part of your hips, ensuring it is parallel to the floor.
- Compare your measurements to the clothing size chart provided by the brand or retailer. Look for the size that closely matches your measurements for the bust, waist, and hips.
By following these steps and using the clothing size chart as a reference, you can confidently choose the clothing size that will best fit your body measurements.
Remember, sizes may vary between brands, so always refer to the specific size chart for the brand you are purchasing from.
How can I measure my body to find my size?
To measure your body accurately and determine the right size for clothing or other items, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape and follow these general guidelines:
- Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust, parallel to the ground.
- Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your waist, above the belly button and below the ribcage.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
- Inseam: For pants, measure from the top of your inner thigh down to the desired length.
- Sleeve Length: Measure from the center back of your neck, over your shoulder, to your wrist.
- Neck: Measure around the base of your neck, allowing for a finger’s width of space.
- Head: Measure around your head, above your eyebrows and ears.
Remember to wear form-fitting clothing or undergarments for accurate measurements. Follow clothing size chart and instructions provided by the manufacturer. Consider seeking professional assistance if needed.
1- How to measure bust/chest circumference:
Bust/chest circumference refers to the widest part of your chest. It’s best to keep your bra on during the measurement unless you’re specifically shopping for a bra or garment that you’ll wear without a bra. To measure, raise your arms and wrap the tape measure straight under your armpits across the nipples.
For men, the same concept applies: measure directly across the widest part of your chest. Some size charts include a measurement for the area below the bust (also known as the band or underbust). To obtain this measurement, place the tape measure directly under your breasts where a bra band would sit.
2- How to measure waist circumference:
Most size charts and sewing patterns refer to the “waist” to indicate your natural waist, which is not at the level of your belly button. To find your natural waist, stand upright and bend sideways to find the crease of your body.
At this point, wrap the measuring tape straight around. For many people, this is the narrowest point, but it may not be the case for everyone!
3- How to measure hip circumference:
Measuring the hips can be another challenging task, as many people mistakenly believe that hip measurement should always be taken at the hip bones. However, this is not accurate. The hips are measured across your buttocks at the widest point.
For an accurate measurement, make sure your feet are together and parallel beneath your hips. Remember to stand and sit while taking hip measurements to ensure that you don’t pull the tape too tightly.
This will prevent the common issue where pants fit perfectly when standing but dig in and become uncomfortable when sitting.
4- How to measure your head:
Place the measuring tape on your forehead and wrap it around your head, above your ears. If your measurement falls between hat sizes, professionals recommend choosing the larger size.
5- How to measure inseam:
For pants, particularly jeans, brands may include the inseam measurement alongside the waist measurement on the label. This refers to the distance from between your legs down to the bottom of your leg where the pants end.
It is helpful to have someone assist you with this measurement because if you bend over to check, it may distort the measurement.
6- How to measure out seam:
The out seam extends along the outer part of your leg from your natural waist (remember: it’s the point where your body bends) down to the bottom of the pants.
How to buy the right clothes online:
When shopping online, match your measurements with the brand’s size chart (not the retailer’s) as each company may have different sizing. Choose online stores that offer free shipping and returns, making it easy to send something back if you need to change the size. Read online reviews to see how others rate the fit of the item.
Our professionals recommend websites that allow customers to upload photos so you can see how the pieces look on different body types. And don’t get discouraged, finding the perfect product may require some trial and error.
Sizes Conversion Chart
Check out our clothing size conversion chart to determine the perfect size for children, women, and men. The following tables include information on converting clothing sizes in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe.
The charts can be used as a helpful reference guide to find my size ensure you are working with the right size for each region covered in the charts when shopping online.
International clothing size chart
When it comes to selling clothes, accurate sizing information is crucial. However, things can get trickier when you want to cater to customers worldwide. In particular, American sizes for children’s clothing can be challenging for Europeans.
To simplify the process for you, we’ve compiled a concise guide with comparison tables. You can print out each international size chart or save this post for quick reference, enabling you to convert sizes effortlessly whenever needed and help you answering the question how to find my size.
Converting Children’s clothing size chart
When it comes to clothing for babies, toddlers, and children, you’ll notice that clothing size chart vary across different countries. Some countries label sizes based on age ranges (e.g., “1-2 months” or “3-4 years”), while others use height measurements in centimetres (e.g., “68”).
American sizes, on the other hand, are indicated differently, using numbers and letters such as “mo” for months, “T” for toddler, and “Y” for years. The “T” represents the term “Toddler” in American sizing and refers to children aged 2-4 years.
The numerical format commonly used in countries like Germany may not be easily understood by your British and American customers. Similarly, other European countries like France and Italy also label clothing sizes for babies and children in months and years.
To simplify the process, this clothing size chart can help you quickly and easily convert children’s sizes, making it easier to cater to customers from different regions.
International Women’s clothing size chart
Navigating women’s clothing size chart can be quite challenging. While some clothing items may be simply labelled as small, medium, large, etc., it’s important to remember that a size S in one part of the world might not necessarily be considered “small” elsewhere, as body types and sizes vary globally.
When it comes to trousers and more tailored garments, numeric sizing is often used to ensure a better fit. However, this is where things can get confusing. For instance, a size 14 in the UK is not equivalent to a size 14 in the US, as illustrated in the table below. Furthermore, there are variations within Europe itself, with Italian and French sizes differing from other European sizes.
To provide a helpful reference, we have created an international women’s sizes comparison chart that can assist in navigating these differences. It serves as a useful tool to ensure a better understanding of sizing across different regions when shopping online.
Men’s clothing size chart: Labelling Menswear
Men’s clothing size chart differ slightly from women’s size, particularly when it comes to labelling menswear. In addition to the general size indication, additional information is often provided for shirts and trousers.
For example, jeans labels typically include the length of the trousers (W/L), while shirts also indicate the collar size. Menswear size are commonly presented in a way that is internationally understandable and consistent.
Tops and Jackets
Fortunately, sizing for menswear tends to be more straightforward. T-shirts, sweaters, and jackets are often labeled simply with sizes like S, M, L, and so on. However, it’s important to keep in mind that body types can vary across different countries, so adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit.
For more fitted tops and jackets, numerical sizes are sometimes used. Interestingly, the size indications for men are generally the same in the USA, UK, and Italy, offering a level of consistency across these regions.
