What measurements do you need to make a garment?

For most made-to-measure work you take around 20 measurements: circumferences (bust, underbust, waist, hips, neck, bicep, wrist), lengths (front, back, sleeve, waist to floor) and structural points (shoulder width, back width, bust drop, apex distance). This chart groups all 22 by area so nothing is missed.

How do I take accurate body measurements?

Measure over light clothing or undergarments, keep the tape snug but not tight, and keep it level around the body. Take each measurement twice. For lengths, have the client stand naturally. Each field on this chart includes a short note on where to measure.

Should I measure in cm or inches?

Use whichever you and your patterns work in — be consistent. This tool lets you switch the unit label between centimeters and inches. Most ateliers outside the US work in centimeters for precision.

Can I print this or save it as a PDF?

Yes. Fill in the client name, date and measurements, then click Print / Save as PDF — your browser’s print dialog can save it as a PDF or send it to a printer. The tool stores nothing and needs no account.

Is there a better way than paper measurement sheets?

Paper sheets get lost, and you re-take measurements you already have. Bomble stores all 22 measurements per client digitally, reuses them on every order with per-order overrides when needed, and flags incomplete profiles — so a client is measured once and the data is always to hand.

Free tool

Body measurement chart maker

A clean, printable measurement sheet for tailors and dressmakers. Fill in 22 measurements grouped by area, then print or save as PDF. No signup, nothing stored.

Body measurement sheet

Client nameAtelierDate

Bodice & circumferences

BustAround the fullest part of the chest

UnderbustDirectly under the bust

WaistAround the natural waistline

HipsAround the fullest part of the seat

Thorax (upper chest)Above the bust, under the arms

NeckAround the base of the neck

Bust & front

Bust dropShoulder to bust point

Apex distanceBetween the two bust points

Front lengthShoulder to waist, front

Back lengthNape to waist, back

Shoulders & back

Shoulder widthAcross the back, shoulder point to point

Back widthAcross the back at mid-shoulder-blade

Arms

Sleeve lengthShoulder point to wrist

Shoulder to elbowShoulder point to elbow

Arm circumferenceAround the fullest upper arm

BicepAround the flexed bicep

ElbowAround the elbow

WristAround the wrist bone

Length & height

Hip dropWaist to hip

Waist to floorWaist to floor, standing

Total heightHead to floor

Heel heightHeel height the garment is worn with

Measurement template · made with Bomble — the production OS for ateliers · bomble.io

A printed sheet lives in a folder. Bomble stores these 22 measurements per client, reuses them on every order, and flags incomplete profiles — so you measure once and never re-type.

Store measurements digitally — free trial →

The short answer

A full made-to-measure profile is about 22 measurements: circumferences (bust, underbust, waist, hips, neck, bicep, wrist), lengths (front, back, sleeve, waist to floor, height) and structural points (shoulder width, back width, bust drop, apex distance). Measure snug and level, take each twice, and keep your unit consistent.

Frequently asked questions

What measurements do you need to make a garment?: For most made-to-measure work you take around 20 measurements: circumferences (bust, underbust, waist, hips, neck, bicep, wrist), lengths (front, back, sleeve, waist to floor) and structural points (shoulder width, back width, bust drop, apex distance). This chart groups all 22 by area so nothing is missed.
How do I take accurate body measurements?: Measure over light clothing or undergarments, keep the tape snug but not tight, and keep it level around the body. Take each measurement twice. For lengths, have the client stand naturally. Each field on this chart includes a short note on where to measure.
Should I measure in cm or inches?: Use whichever you and your patterns work in — be consistent. This tool lets you switch the unit label between centimeters and inches. Most ateliers outside the US work in centimeters for precision.
Can I print this or save it as a PDF?: Yes. Fill in the client name, date and measurements, then click Print / Save as PDF — your browser’s print dialog can save it as a PDF or send it to a printer. The tool stores nothing and needs no account.
Is there a better way than paper measurement sheets?: Paper sheets get lost, and you re-take measurements you already have. Bomble stores all 22 measurements per client digitally, reuses them on every order with per-order overrides when needed, and flags incomplete profiles — so a client is measured once and the data is always to hand.

Measure once. Keep it forever.

Bomble stores all 22 measurements per client and reuses them on every order. Free 3-day trial, no card required.

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