How to Know Your Clothing Size? – Shopily EN

Selecting the right size for your clothing is essential to avoid the hassle of returns and the frustration of ill-fitting garments. To help you make the best choice, we have put together a comprehensive guide that will walk you through how to accurately measure your body. This guide is especially useful for determining your correct size when purchasing jackets, t-shirts, and pants.

General Steps to Measure Your Body

Prepare a flexible measuring tape, preferably a sewing measuring tape, as it easily contours to your body shape and provides precise measurements.
Measure directly on your body to ensure accuracy. Avoid measuring over thick or bulky clothing, as this can add extra inches and lead to incorrect sizing.
Record your measurements in centimeters. This standard unit of measurement is commonly used in size charts and helps maintain consistency when comparing sizes across different brands.

Key Measurements

1. Chest (for jackets and t-shirts)

To measure your chest, gently wrap the measuring tape around your torso, placing it just under your armpits and over the fullest part of your chest. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and keep it level all the way around.
This chest measurement is important because it helps you choose the right size for jackets, shirts, and t-shirts, so they fit comfortably across your upper body.

2. Waist (for pants)

Measure your waist by placing the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, which is typically just above your navel. Stand naturally and avoid sucking in your stomach to get an accurate reading.
This waist measurement is the primary reference used in most pants size charts, making it essential for selecting pants that fit well around your midsection.

3. Hip (for pants)

To measure your hips, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the tape is level and snug but not tight, capturing the fullest circumference.
This measurement helps confirm that the pants will not be too tight around your hips and provide enough room for comfortable movement.

4. Arm Length (for jackets)

Measure your arm length by placing the tape at the top of your shoulder and extending it down to your wrist while keeping your arm relaxed at your side.
This measurement is important to ensure that your jacket sleeves are the right length — not too short to expose your wrists, and not so long that they cover your hands.

5. Leg Length (for pants)

Measure your leg length by running the tape from your crotch down to your ankle. This will give you the inseam measurement.
This measurement defines the length of the pants you should choose, helping you decide between short, regular, or long lengths to achieve the best fit.

How to Use the Measurements

Keep in mind that every brand has its own size chart, which may use different sizing conventions such as S, M, L or numeric sizes like 38, 40, 42, etc.
Before making a purchase, locate the size chart on the store’s website and carefully compare your body measurements with the reference sizes listed in the chart.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, make your choice based on your personal preference for fit — whether you prefer a tighter, more fitted look or a looser, more relaxed style.