Shopping online becomes much easier when you know your measurements. A size label may change from one brand to another, but your measurements give you a more reliable starting point when comparing different garments.

Taking your measurements is not about changing your body or fitting into a particular size. It is simply a practical way to understand how a dress, shirt or pair of trousers may fit before you order it.

The fabric and shape of a garment will still make a difference. A fitted dress, a flowing blouse and a structured pair of trousers will not sit on the body in the same way, even when they carry the same size label. Your measurements help you look beyond that label and make a more confident choice.

“Measurements are not there to define your body. They are simply a tool to help you choose clothes that feel comfortable and fit the way you want them to.”

Eliane Haddad, founder and designer of ELLY

What you need

Use a soft measuring tape made for the body. A rigid tape measure will not follow your shape correctly.

It is helpful to stand in front of a full-length mirror so you can check that the tape remains straight. If someone can assist you, they can make it easier to measure across the back, but you can also do it comfortably on your own.

Measure over underwear or light, fitted clothing. Bulky clothing can add extra centimetres and make the result less accurate.

Stand naturally, breathe normally and avoid holding your stomach in. The tape should rest comfortably against the body without pressing into the skin or hanging loosely.

Keep a note of each measurement on your phone. Include the date as well, so you know when the measurements were taken and can update them whenever needed.

The complete ELLY measurement guide

How to measure your bust, waist and hips

Bust

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and check in the mirror that the tape remains level across your back.

The tape should sit close to the body without pressing into it. Wear the type of bra you would normally wear with the garment, as this can affect the measurement and the way the clothing fits.

Natural waist

Your natural waist is usually the narrowest part of your torso, but it may not be exactly where the waistband of your trousers sits.

To find it, bend gently to one side. The place where your body naturally folds is your waist. Wrap the tape around this point while standing comfortably and breathing normally.

Avoid pulling the tape in or holding your stomach. The measurement should reflect how the garment will feel when you are sitting, moving and enjoying your day.

Hips

Stand with your feet close together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat.

Use the mirror to make sure the tape stays straight across the back. If it rises or falls, the measurement may be smaller than it should be.

For dresses, skirts and trousers, the hip measurement is especially important when the garment has a fitted or structured shape.

How to measure your shoulders and sleeves

Shoulder width

Shoulder width can be useful when choosing shirts, blazers and structured dresses.

Measure across your upper back from the point where one shoulder meets the arm to the same point on the other side. Allow the tape to follow the natural curve of your shoulders rather than pulling it into a perfectly straight line.

This measurement is easier with someone assisting you. If you are measuring alone, compare it with a shirt or blazer that already fits you well.

Sleeve length

Place the beginning of the tape at the top of your shoulder, where the sleeve would normally begin. Measure down the outside of your arm to the point where you would like the sleeve to end.

Keep your arm relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow. Measuring with the arm completely straight can make the finished sleeve feel shorter when you move.

For an existing garment, lay it flat and measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.

How to measure garment length

The right starting point depends on the garment.

For a dress, begin at the highest point of the shoulder and measure down the front of the body to your preferred hemline. For trousers, measure from the waist to the point where you want the leg to end.

Remember to consider the shoes you plan to wear. A maxi dress or full-length trouser may need a different length with heels than with flats. You can also read Maxi, Midi or Mini: Finding the Right Dress Length before deciding.

Compare your measurements with the garment

Once you have written down your measurements, compare them with the information provided for the garment rather than relying only on the size shown on the label.

Check whether the measurements refer to the body or to the garment itself. Garment measurements are often slightly larger because they include the space needed for comfort and movement.

The fabric also matters. A dress made from a fabric with stretch may sit closer to the body, while a structured fabric may need more room. Look at the product photographs, description and fit notes to understand how the piece is intended to be worn.

If you already own something with a similar shape that fits you well, lay it flat and compare its measurements with the new garment. This can be especially helpful when choosing trousers, shirts and fitted dresses.

What to do when you are between sizes

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the part of the garment that is most fitted.

For a fitted dress, your bust or hips may guide the decision. For trousers, begin with the waist and hips. For a shirt or blazer, pay particular attention to the shoulders and bust.

Also consider the fabric and the fit you prefer. A fabric with stretch may allow more flexibility, while a structured piece may feel more comfortable in the larger size.

If you are still unsure, contact ELLY Fashion Studio with your measurements and the product you are considering. We can help you understand the cut and choose the size most likely to feel comfortable.

Keep your measurements useful

Write down your measurements and keep them somewhere easy to find when shopping online.

Update them from time to time, especially if your body has changed or your older measurements no longer match the way your clothes fit.

Before ordering, remember to check:

• Whether the size guide uses body or garment measurements
• Which part of the garment is most fitted
• Whether the fabric has stretch
• How the piece is intended to fit
• Whether the length works with your height and preferred shoes

Choose with confidence

Measurements cannot tell you everything about how a garment will feel, but they can make online shopping more confident and less uncertain.

Use them together with the product description, fabric information and photographs. Explore ELLY dresses, pants and shirts, or contact ELLY Fashion Studio if you would like help comparing your measurements with a particular piece.