How to take your measurements

A tape measure, someone to help and ten minutes: here is every measurement in pictures, with the right way to take it.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape measure, not a builder's tape.
Get some help: it is hard to measure yourself properly.
Measure over thin clothing, or in underwear.
The tape should touch the body without squeezing.
Write it down to the half centimetre, for example 92.5 cm.
Not sure? Leave it blank: a KOUTIVA agent can come and measure you.

The measurements, one by one

01
Height
Barefoot, back against a wall, heels together. Lay a book flat on your head and mark the wall: measure from the floor to the mark.
Tip : Look straight ahead, without lifting your chin.
02
Neck
Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits.
Tip : Slip one finger between the tape and your neck: the collar must not be tight.
03
Shoulder width
Across the back, from one shoulder point to the other, following the curve of the upper back.
Tip : The shoulder point is the bone you feel at the end of the shoulder, above the arm.
04
Chest / bust
Run the tape under the arms, around the fullest part of the chest, level all the way round.
Tip : Breathe normally, arms down. Wear your usual bra.
05
Waist
Measure at the natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel.
Tip : Do not hold in your stomach: the outfit must stay comfortable when sitting.
06
Hips
Feet together, run the tape around the fullest part of the hips and seat, level.
Tip : Check sideways in a mirror that the tape does not drop at the back.
07
Arm length
From the shoulder point to the wrist, over the elbow, arm slightly bent.
Tip : For a long sleeve, stop at the wrist bone.
08
Upper arm
Around the fullest part of the upper arm, arm relaxed.
Tip : Essential for fitted short sleeves and puff sleeves.
09
Torso length
At the front, from the base of the neck (between the collarbones) down to the waist.
Tip : Tie a string around your waist first: it is your marker.
10
Trouser length
Down the side, from the waist to the floor, or to the length you want.
Tip : Wear the shoes you will wear with the trousers.
11
Inseam
Along the inside of the leg, from the crotch to the floor.
Tip : Easier with trousers that fit you well: measure their inside seam.
12
Dress length
From the shoulder point to where you want the hem (knee, mid-calf, ankle).
Tip : For a long dress, wear shoes with the heel height you plan.

Which measurements for which garment?

The tailor does not need them all: here is what is needed for each type of outfit.

Garment	Height	Neck	Shoulder width	Chest / bust	Waist	Hips	Arm length	Upper arm	Torso length	Trouser length	Inseam	Dress length
Long-sleeved shirt		needed	needed	needed	needed		needed		needed
Short-sleeved shirt		needed	needed	needed	needed			needed	needed
Jacket		needed	needed	needed	needed		needed	needed	needed
Trousers					needed	needed				needed	needed
Grand boubou	needed	needed	needed	needed			needed
Tunic and trouser set		needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed			needed	needed
Dress, mermaid dress, wrap dress			needed	needed	needed	needed		needed	needed			needed
Kaba			needed	needed		needed	needed					needed
Top and skirt set			needed	needed	needed	needed		needed	needed			needed
Jumpsuit			needed	needed	needed	needed		needed	needed	needed	needed
Suit (jacket and trousers)		needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed	needed
Kaftan			needed	needed		needed	needed					needed
Women's trouser set			needed	needed	needed	needed		needed	needed	needed	needed
Shorts set, playsuit			needed	needed	needed	needed			needed
Girl's dress	needed		needed	needed	needed							needed

Would you rather we did it?

A KOUTIVA agent can come to your home in Douala and take your measurements. They are then saved in your account for all your orders.

Enter my measurements

The measurements, one by one

Height

Neck

Shoulder width

Chest / bust

Waist

Hips

Arm length

Upper arm

Torso length

Trouser length

Inseam

Dress length

Which measurements for which garment?

Would you rather we did it?