When selecting the best size for your corporate uniforms, it pays to spend the time working out your true size because every body is a bit different – and sizes can vary widely between different brands. Just because you tend to be a size 8, that may not mean you are a size 8 in your corporate uniform.
Uniform fit should be something that is considered early in the uniform development process. Too often, the uniform procurement team will make decisions on the uniform range – and the sizes available – without considering the front-line workers who will be wearing the uniforms. Uniform ranges tend to have a broad spectrum of sizes, but not always. If you are at the beginning if your uniform procurement process, download our Uniform Design Brief Workbook and access a range of valuable templates, tips and strategies to plan your new uniform perfectly and mitigate risk.
Now, let's get you up to speed with how to measure yourself for your new corporate uniforms...
How To Measure Men's Shirts
- Neck. Measure around the neck directly over the Adams apple keeping measuring tape horizontal and taut, this is your actual neck size. To find your dress shirt size add half an inch to your actual neck size.
- Shoulder width. Think of a line going from your armpit upwards to your shoulder. Measure between those two points and hold the tape measure straight.
- Chest. Measure around the fullest part of your chest across your shoulder blades. Stand in a relaxed posture and breathe out.
- Wrist. Measure the circumference of your wrist. Your tailor will add space to ensure ease of movement.
- Shirt length. The shirt length measurement is taken from the top of the shoulder, close to the mid-side of your neck, following your body down to the point where you want your shirt to end.
- Arm length. From the point of your shoulder, following your bent arm down to where you want the sleeve to end.
How To Measure Men's Trousers
- Waist. Measure around the waist, just below the ribcage.
- Hip measurement. The hip measurement is a circumferential measurement. Measure directly on the body (not outside of the garment or on top of a belt) around the fullest part of your hips.
- Seat. Measure around your seat at the widest part.
- Inseam. Measure inseam from centre of crotch seam along the inside of the leg to the floor.
How To Measure Women's Shirts and Pants
- Bust. Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist. Measure the slimmest part of your torso, just above your belly button.
- Hip. Measure just above your pelvic bone.
- Inseam. Measure inseam from centre of crotch seam along the inside of the leg to ankle (or hem of pant).
*Remember to keep your measuring tape horizontal and taut. **If your measurements are between sizes go to the lower size for a tighter fit or the higher size for a looser fit.