Standard Women’s Body Measurement Charts

Standard Women’s Measurement Charts for Garments and Headwear

Accurate body measurements are essential in garment construction. If you do not have the opportunity to take measurements directly from the client, use the standard women’s measurement charts. These charts can be used both for pattern drafting and for figure analysis.

The primary measurement for drafting blouse, dress, jacket, and coat patterns is the bust circumference (circ.). The primary measurement for skirt and trouser patterns is the hip circumference.

Measurement Conversion

If you work with an inch ruler, use the centimeters-to-inches conversion table below.

1 cm = 3/8″
2 cm = 3/4″
3 cm = 1 1/8″
4 cm = 1 1/2″
5 cm = 2″
6 cm = 2 3/8″
7 cm = 2 3/4″
8 cm = 3 1/8″
9 cm = 3 1/2″
10 cm = 4″
11 cm = 4 3/8″
12 cm = 4 3/4″
13 cm = 5 1/8″
14 cm = 5 1/2″
15 cm = 5 7/8″
20 cm = 7 7/8″
30 cm = 11 3/4″
40 cm = 15 3/4″
50 cm = 19 3/4″

100 cm = 1 meter = 39 3/8″

Garment Sizing Systems: An International Comparison

Sizing systems vary from country to country. Figure 1 shows sizing systems developed in several countries — the USA, Russia, and Europe.

Fig. 1. Garment Sizing Systems: An International Comparison

Women’s Measurement Table for Outerwear

The first table (Fig. 2) contains standard measurements for a regular figure with a height of 170 cm.

Fig. 2. Women’s Measurement Table for Outerwear

Women’s Measurement Table for Trousers and Skirts

The second table (Fig. 4) contains measurements used for drafting trouser and skirt patterns. Instructions on how to take these measurements are shown in Fig. 3.

How to Take Measurements for Trousers and Skirts

1. Crotch depth. Sit on a flat surface with your back straight. Measure vertically from the waistline to the surface.
2. Shin circumference. Measure around the fullest part of the lower leg.
3. Ankle circumference. Measure around the narrowest part of the ankle.
4. Thigh circumference. Measure around the fullest part of the thigh (approximately 5 cm below the crotch level).
5. Knee circumference. Measure around the center of the knee.
6. Knee length. Measure from the waistline to the center of the knee.
7. Lower leg length. Measure from the center of the knee to the ankle.
8. Skirt length. Measure from the waistline to the desired hem length.
9. Trouser length. Measure from the waistline to the floor (or desired hem length).

Fig. 3. How to Take Measurements for Trousers and Skirts

Standard measurements for skirts and trousers are shown in Table (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Standard Measurements for Skirts and Trousers

Women’s Measurement Table for Caps and Hoods

The third table (Fig. 6) contains measurements used for drafting cap and hood patterns. Instructions on how to take these measurements are shown in Fig. 5.

How to Take Measurements for Caps and Hoods

1. Head circumference. Measure around the head at the fullest level.
2. Head height. Measure from the crown to the seventh cervical vertebra.

Fig. 5. How to Take Measurements for Caps and Hoods

Standard measurements for caps and hoods are shown in Table (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. Standard Measurements for Caps and Hoods

You might be interested in:

• Basic Straight Skirt Pattern with Darts
• How to Take Measurements