How to Take Measurements from a Ready-Made Dress Easily: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Take Measurements from a Ready-Made Dress Easily: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking accurate measurements from a ready-made dress is essential when you need to order a new garment or make alterations. With a few simple steps, you can ensure a perfect fit and avoid any sizing issues.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of taking measurements from a ready-made dress easily.

Suggested Reading : How to Make Your Own Sewing Pattern at Home

Step 1: Gather Your Tools: Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• A flexible measuring tape
• A mirror (optional, but helpful for self-measurements) or take a readymade dress to measure.
• Paper and pen to note down measurements

Grab your sewing supplies from here>>>

Step 2: Identify Key Measurement Points: 

To get accurate measurements, it's important to identify key points on the dress to measure. These points typically include the bust, waist, hips, shoulder width, and sleeve length.

Note down The Measurements You Need -

First of all jot down what all measurements are required for your dress.

For Upper Dress Like A Top Or Tunic, You Need-

1. Full Length
2. Waist Length
3. Hip Length
4. Shoulder
5. Armhole (optional, can be calculated by Chest measurements)
6. Chest or Bust round
7. Waist round
8. Hip round
9. Bottom of the dress (optional, a few inches can be added to hip measurement)
10. Sleeve Length
11. Sleeve bottom round
12. Neck depth and length (optional, can be calculated by chest/12 formulae) etc.

For Lower Dress Like Pajamas Or Pants, You Need At Least These Measurements -

1. Full Length
2. Seat or body rise (for good fitting)
3. Waist round (for elastic requirement)
4. Hip round
5. Bottom round

Step 3: Measure the Bust: 

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it is parallel to the ground. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Step 4: Measure the Waist: 

Place the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, usually an inch or two above your belly button. Keep the tape snug, but not overly tight. Record the measurement.

Step 5: Measure the Hips: 

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight. Take note of the measurement.

Step 6: Measure the Shoulder Width: 

Measure the distance between the outer edges of your shoulders. Place the measuring tape on the back of the dress, starting from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other. Note down the measurement.

Step 7: Measure the Sleeve Length: 

To measure the sleeve length, start from the shoulder seam of the dress and run the tape down to the desired length, such as wrist or elbow. Make sure the tape follows the natural curve of your arm. Record the measurement.

Step 8: Additional Measurements: 

Depending on the dress style, you may need to take additional measurements such as the length from the shoulder to the desired hemline, or the neckline circumference. Follow the same process and record these measurements as needed.

Pro Tips:

Taking lengthwise measurements

• Using the measuring tape, start taking the length wise measurements.
• You need to add stitching seam allowance about 1/4″ to 1/2″ on all lengthwise measurements and 1.5″ to 2.5″ for bottom fold or hem.
• You can keep length of the dress increased or cropped as per fashion or your desire.

Taking widthwise measurements

• Don’t add any ease allowance while marking width wise measurements on your new fabric.
• But you need to add seam allowance of 1″ on sides, if you are doing machine stitch on side slits.
• Leave 2″ on side seam allowance if you are going to hem the side slits.

Step 9: Double-Check and Adjust if Necessary: 

Once you have taken all the measurements, double-check them for accuracy. If any measurements seem off or inconsistent, re-measure to ensure precision.

Pro Tips:

Measure width and length of neckline

• If you keep your neck length deeper and wider then keep shoulder width shorter, otherwise your kurti or dress would fall from the sides.
• For example, if you keep front neck length 7″ and back neck length 3/4″ then shoulder width would be same as your shoulder+1/4″. Here, neck width taken is 3″.
• If you make your back neck length 7″ and same with front neck length i.e.7″, then you need to keep shoulder-1/2″ to keep your dress fit on your shoulders.
• If you add collar to your neck, then add shoulder + 1/2″.
• Some people have a flat shoulder that is without slope. In that case you don’t need to take 1/2″ down for shoulder slope.
• You can confirm looking at the customer’s or wearer’s requirement and make changes as desired.

Different Necklines DIY Video Tutorials

This is How To Take Measurement from a Readymade Dress; I hope this information helps you in making your own dress. If you need more help, please visit Stitching Mall YouTube Channels.

Step 10: Use the Measurements: 

Now that you have your measurements, you can use them to order a new dress online, make alterations, or communicate with a tailor or dressmaker. Be sure to refer to the specific sizing guidelines provided by the brand or tailor to ensure a proper fit.

Final Result: 

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily take accurate measurements from a ready-made dress.

 Having precise measurements will help you make informed decisions when ordering new garments or seeking alterations. Remember to measure with care, as precise measurements lead to a perfect fit and a more comfortable dress-wearing experience.

Pro Tips. Iron your dress before taking measurements

• Iron and crease out your ready dress and spread it on a flat surface, right side out. Make sure that you smooth all the wrinkles. 
• You can take correct measurements only when your dress is smooth and you can run your measuring tape straight from one point to another.