What is my size?
To ensure that your new blouse, skirt or blazer fits properly, you obviously need to order the clothes in your size. If you are not sure what size you are, you can quickly find out using the size charts. To do this, you need to know some body measurements. You can quickly measure your sizes using a piece of paper, a pen and a tape measure.
You need the following measurements to determine your clothing size:
- Height: distance between the crown of the head and the sole of the foot
- Chest circumference: the bust size
- Waist circumference or waist size: the narrowest part of the upper body at belly button height
- Hip circumference: the strongest part of the torso at about buttock height
For jackets and trousers, other measurements may be required, such as sleeve length and inseam . For corsetry, bras, corsets and bodysuits, you must measure the bust and underbust measurement . These two values determine the cup size . The shoe size is determined from the foot length .
How to measure your clothing size
To take measurements, you will need a flexible tape measure . Often, this type of tape is included with sewing utensils or haberdashery. It is also best to wear tight-fitting underwear so that you get the most accurate measurement results. You should also avoid wearing shoes in order to determine your height correctly. A full-length mirror is a good tool because you can use it to check whether the tape measure is correctly positioned. Sometimes it is better if a second person makes sure that the tape measure stays in the right position.
Note for measuring : The measuring tape should be as close to the body as possible, but not cut into it. If possible, get support and ask a good friend if she can help you determine your body measurements. Also remember to bring a pen and paper so that you can write down your measurements straight away.
Height : A door frame is a good tool for this measurement to ensure that you stand upright. Stand on the threshold in socks or barefoot so that your heels touch the frame. Lean against the frame with your back straight. Place a book on the top of your head so that you can mark your height on the door frame with a pencil. Then measure the distance between the floor and the mark.
Chest circumference : Run the measuring tape around your upper body at chest height and under your armpits to the front again so that you can read the result comfortably. Make sure that the tape stays straight and is not twisted. It should be level with the floor. Measure the fullest part of your chest. It is also important that you breathe relaxed and do not hold your breath. If you breathe deeply and then measure, you will get an incorrect result and the underwear or bra will not fit perfectly.
Underbust measurement : Stand upright and place the measuring tape horizontally around your upper body, directly under your bust. The tape should be tight but not cut in.
Waist circumference : The waist is approximately at the level of the belly button. This is where the upper body is narrowest. Wrap the measuring tape around your body and make sure it is straight. It should not hang down your back or be crooked towards the floor. Read the result off the measuring tape at the front.
Hip circumference : The hips are the strongest part of the upper body. Stand upright with your legs together. Then run the measuring tape around your hip bones and buttocks as usual.
Sleeve length : Bend one arm. Then place the measuring tape at the shoulder and run it over the elbow to the wrist.
Inseam : Measuring the inside leg length can be a little tricky. To do this, place the tape measure on your crotch and measure the distance to the floor. Another option is to take a pair of long pants that fit you well and measure the length of the inside leg at the seam.
Foot length : Foot length is the distance between the heel and the big toe. To measure, you will need two sheets of paper, a pen and a long ruler. First, stand with one foot on a sheet of paper. Use the pen to trace the shape of your foot. Then measure the length of the footprint from the heel to the tip of the toe. Repeat this with the other foot as well, as many people's feet are not the same length. The longer foot is the guide to determine shoe size.
Once you have taken and noted down all of your measurements, you can now easily choose the size that fits you best when ordering using the various size charts.
Size chart for women's outerwear
The size chart for women's clothing from MOÉ shows you the information for chest, waist and hip circumference in the first three columns and assigns them to the different clothing sizes, i.e. normal, short and long sizes.
How do you find your size? In the first columns, look for the information that matches your measurements. For example, if your chest circumference is 85 centimeters, then the row with the information "82 - 86" is the right one for you. To get the right clothing size, select the column that includes your height. Normal sizes are aimed at women who are 165 to 172 centimeters tall, short sizes at women who are smaller than 165 centimeters, and long sizes at very tall women over 172 centimeters.