how to take your body measurements the right way for online shopping

Shopping online is convenient, exciting, and a powerful way to support independent businesses through the pandemic months (thank you!!).

But I think we've all had that moment of utter disappointment when our new favourite style arrives at our doorstep, and ... it doesn't fit (insert wails of sadness). Not only is it discouraging to not have the thing we wanted to have, but we also now have to return it. Returns are at best a small inconvenience, and at worst, a terrible drain on the environment.

If you don't know how to take your body measurements correctly, you're not alone! It's not like they teach this at school, right? 

Here are the right ways to take your measurements and have more success with your online purchases:

What you'll need 
A "good enough" tape measure. Weirdly, not all tape measures are accurate. If yours is from the Dollar Store, for example, check it against a ruler or another tape measure. If they are giving you the same information, it's probably accurate.

Taking Your Measurements
Bust: This measurement is for the fullest part of your bust. Take your tape measure under your armpits, and pull it as close as you can without flattening your boobs. Round up to the nearest inch.

Waist: This is your natural waistline, which is generally the smallest part of your waist. Make sure you're standing up straight! Again, round up to the nearest inch.

Hips: This measurement is for the fullest part of your hips. To get an accurate measurement, make sure you're standing with your feet together. Hold your tape measure in a circle around you starting from your just below your waist (kind of like a tiny hula hoop), then slide it downwards letting it out until you find the fullest point. Once again, round up to the nearest inch.

Inseam: This only matters for pants, but if you know your inseam you'll also be able to get a good idea of where skirts will fall on your body. To find this measurement, take your tape measure from your crotch and down the inside of one leg. This can be a little tricky to do properly yourself. If there's nobody around to help you, try tucking the tape measure into your sock and measuring upwards to your crotch.

Extra tips:

• Write your measurements down somewhere you can access them easily when you're shopping online
• Re-take your measurements from time to time. A lot can change, especially over months of pandemic!
• If you're unsure and stuck deciding between sizes on an outfit you love online, contact the company. Most designers will be happy to help you find the right size, and if they're not, they probably don't deserve your money anyway.
• Pro-tip: if you've bought something that almost fits but isn't quite right, you probably have the right size of that item but it just isn't working for parts of your body. If you love the piece, see if you can find a local alterations expert to make it perfect for you!

I hope this helps you get the information you need to shop online with confidence.

Here's to your online shopping success!

In Joy,
​Lisa