Objectives
At the end of the discussion the students are able
to:
• Cite conditions to ensure accurate body
measurements;
• Identify measurements vertically, horizontally, and
circumferentially.
• Show how to use the two systems of measurements
for taking body measurements.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
Condition to Ensure Accuracy Body Movements.
1. The person being measured should be wearing foundation
garments which will be worn under the finished garment.
2. Taking measurement over bulky clothes like denim, jeans or
sweaters can result in a garment that is oversized.
3. The person being measured should be standing and breathing
normally. No sucking in of tummy as it result to in a tight garment.
4. Locate the belt by tying a piece of cloth for exact location. This
is to avoid too low or too high figure.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
Taking Body Measurements
Classification of Body Measurements
1. Vertical
2. Horizontal
3. Circumferential
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
The Vertical measurement is taken from the top of the
body figure to its base.
1. Figure back – taken from the
nape down to the waist of the
back bodice.
2. Figure front – taken from the
middle of the neck point over the
bust down the waist.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
3. Bust depth – taken from the
apex of the shoulder to the highest
point of the bust.
4. Length of the shirt or blouse –
taken from the nape down to the
desired length usually on the waist
or below the waist.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
5. Length of the sleeve – taken
from the lower part of the
shoulder down to the desired
length of the arms.
6. Length of the skirt – taken from
the waist down to the desired
length.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
The Horizontal measurement is taken from the left bodice
to the right bodice.
1. Shoulder – taken from the left
shoulder bone to the right
shoulder bone.
2. Front chest – taken from the
left armpit of the front left bodice
to the right armpit of the front
right bodice.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
3. Distance between bust – taken
from left nipple to right nipple.
4. Back width – taken from the
left armpit of the back left bodice
to the right armpit of the back
right bodice.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
The Circumferential measurement is taken around the
body parts needed in making the garment.
1. Bust – taken around the fullest
part of the bust.
2. Waist – taken around the
smallest part of the torso.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
4. First hips – is located 10cm or
4inches from the waist; the tape
measure placed around this part of
the first hips to get the
measurement.
5. Second hips – located 18cm or
7 inches from the waist; the tape
measure is placed around this part
of the second hips to get the
measurement.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
Systems of Measurements for Body
Measurements
Two systems of measurements are used in taking body
measurements: the English and Metric System.
The English System’s basic unit is inches .
The Metric System’s basic unit is centimeter .
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
In the English System, an inch has eight equal parts.
These read as:
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
English System
Example:
The shoulder measurement is
14 inches and 5 lines of an
inch.
It is read as 14 5/8 inches.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
English System
Example:
The waist measurement is 23
and 3 lines of an inch.
It is read as 23 3/8 inches.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
In the Metric System, an inch has 10 equal parts.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
Metric System
Example:
The shoulder measurement is
32 centimeters and 3
millimeters.
It is read as 32.3 millimeters.
Lesson 3. Body Measurements
Metric System
Example:
The breast measurement is 76
centimeters and 5 millimeters.
It is read as 76.5 millimeters or
76 ½ millimeters.