How to Measure Chest, Waist, Hips and Underbust — Body Measurements for Clothing Sizes
Where and how to measure chest, waist, hip and underbust circumference accurately with a tape measure when choosing clothing and bra sizes.
Clothing labels use different numbers in different countries, but the basis is almost always body circumference. Korean KS sizes use chest circumference directly, and European, US and Japanese sizes each come from their own body measurement tables. So if you know your body measurements accurately, you can compare any country's sizes on the same basis.
Basic rules
- Use a soft cloth tape measure. A metal tape measure won't follow the shape of the body.
- Measure wearing a single thin layer or just underwear. Measuring over thick clothes adds 2–4 cm.
- Keep the tape level with the floor. It tends to sag at the back, so use a mirror or ask someone to help.
- Hold it neither tight nor loose — just enough to slip one finger under.
- Don't hold your breath or tense your stomach; read the tape after breathing out naturally.
Chest (men's and women's tops)
With your arms relaxed at your sides, measure horizontally around the fullest part of the chest, just below the armpits. Women should wear a bra without thick padding and measure across the fullest point of the bust. A Korean men's top size of 100 means this measurement is about 100 cm.
Waist
The waist used for clothing sizes is the narrowest part of the torso (natural waist), usually a little above the navel. It is easy to find by bending slightly to the side and seeing where your body creases.
The waist size on trouser labels may be different. For trousers worn on the hips, such as jeans, measure where you wear them, below the navel. Measuring the flat waist width of a pair of trousers that fits you well and doubling it gives a good point of comparison.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure horizontally around the fullest part of the hips. Keep a mirror at your side to check that the tape isn't tilted front or back. This is as important as the waist for dress, skirt and trouser sizes.
Underbust and bust (bras)
- Underbust: measure horizontally and snugly just below the bust, where the bra band sits. Measure after breathing out so the band won't end up loose.
- Bust: measure across the fullest point of the bust without compressing it. It is also common to measure once more while leaning forward about 45 degrees and use the larger value.
The difference between the two values determines the cup size. Korea and Japan set a 10 cm difference as A and step up every 2.5 cm, while Europe's EN 13402 steps up one cup every 2 cm. See the bra size guide for details.
Other useful measurements
| Measurement | Where to measure | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Neck | Once around, just below the Adam's apple | Dress shirts (cm in Europe and Japan, inches in the US and UK) |
| Shoulder width | Between the bony tips of both shoulders | Jackets and coats |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder tip to the wrist bone | Shirts and jackets |
| Inseam (inside leg) | From the crotch to the ankle | Trouser length (US L30, L32, etc.) |
| Height | Barefoot, standing against a wall | Kids' clothing and Japanese body-type codes |
Keep a record of your measurements
Body measurements don't change much, but they do change when your weight changes. Writing them down once in a note on your phone means you can use them right away when shopping abroad. Entering them in the converter's ‘Find by measurements’ shows recommended sizes for each system, and the values you enter are never sent outside the browser.
Size systems are approximate correspondences based on national standards and industry practice, and can differ by half to one size depending on brand, product and fabric. Always check the brand's own size chart before buying.