How to Take Your Own Measurements at Home
Nothing beats a tailor's own measurement — but if you need to take your own, here is how to do it accurately.
A garment is only as good as the measurements it is cut from. Ideally a tailor measures you — which is exactly why we offer home visits. But if you need to take your own measurements to get started, here is how to do it properly.
What you need
- A soft measuring tape (not a metal builder's tape)
- A mirror, or better, a friend to help
- Fitted clothing, so the tape sits against your true shape
- A notepad to write each measurement down immediately
The golden rules
- Keep the tape snug, not tight. It should sit against you without compressing.
- Keep it level. The tape should run parallel to the floor around the body.
- Stand naturally. Don't hold your breath or brace — measure the real you.
- Measure twice. Write it down only when two readings agree.
Key measurements for a blouse
- Bust: around the fullest part of the chest, tape level.
- Under-bust: directly beneath the bust, snug.
- Waist: around the narrowest part of the torso.
- Shoulder: from the base of the neck to the shoulder point.
- Blouse length: from the shoulder to where you want it to end.
- Sleeve length: from the shoulder point down the arm.
For a lehenga or skirt
- Waist and hip (fullest part), tape level.
- Length: from the waist to the floor, in the footwear you will wear.
- Tell your tailor your heel height — it changes the length.
Why a tailor's measurement is still better
Self-measurement is a useful starting point, but even careful readings miss things a trained eye catches — posture, one shoulder sitting higher than the other, how you actually carry yourself. This is why our home visit exists: measured calmly in your own clothes, against garments that already fit you, the result is simply better. If you have a favourite blouse or kurti that fits perfectly, keep it aside — measuring against it is the single fastest route to a great fit.
Skip the guesswork
Book a home visit and let a Masterdaa tailor take your measurements properly — anywhere in Kolkata.
Book a Home VisitQuestions
Frequently asked
What measurements do I need for a blouse or dress?
The core measurements are bust, waist, hip, shoulder width, blouse length, sleeve length and armhole. For fitted garments, upper bust and front/back neck depth are also taken. A tailor will guide you on each.
How can I measure myself accurately at home?
Use a soft measuring tape, wear well-fitting clothes, keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and ideally have someone help. Note each measurement immediately. For important garments, a professional home measurement is far more reliable.
Why does professional measurement give a better fit?
Measured at home relaxed and in your natural posture, a tailor captures how you actually carry yourself — not how you stand stiffly at a counter. That, plus experience in reading a body, produces a noticeably better fit.
Can Masterdaa make custom designer wear based on this?
Yes. Whatever style or idea you have seen or read about, our team can help you design and stitch it to your measurements. Bring a reference, a sketch or just an idea — we guide you from concept to finished garment in Kolkata.