How to Take Your Measurements
Accurate measurements are the starting point for a reliable sloper. Measure over close-fitting clothing or underwear, stand naturally, and ask another person to help whenever possible.
Prepare for Accurate Measurements
Wear Close-Fitting Clothing
Avoid bulky garments and strongly shaping underwear. Measure over clothing that shows the natural body outline.
Stand Naturally
Do not lift your chest, pull in your stomach, or change your usual posture. Face forward and breathe normally.
Keep the Tape Level
For circumference measurements, check that the tape is not twisted and remains parallel to the floor.
Measurements Used in KATAPATA
Measure the items required for the sloper you want to create.
Bust
WOMEN’S BASIC SLOPERThe circumference around the fullest part of the bust.
Bring the tape around the back and across the fullest part of the bust, passing over both bust points and keeping the tape level. Let your arms hang naturally and breathe normally.
- Check that the tape does not rise or fall across the back
- Do not compress the bust
- Wear the undergarment you normally use
Chest
MEN’S BASIC SLOPERThe circumference around the fullest part of the chest.
Bring the tape around the back and across the fullest part of the chest, keeping it level. Let your arms hang naturally, keep a relaxed posture, and breathe normally.
- Check that the tape does not rise or fall across the back
- Do not lift or expand the chest
- Do not pull the tape too tightly
Waist
BASIC SLOPERThe circumference around the natural waistline.
Bend your upper body gently from side to side to find the natural crease, then place the tape around that level and keep it parallel to the floor.
- Breathe naturally without pulling in your stomach
- Measure the natural waist, not the usual position of your trousers or skirt
- Tie elastic or narrow tape around the waist as a guide
Hip
BOTTOMS SLOPERThe circumference around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
Stand naturally with your feet together and place the tape around the fullest part of the hips. Check from the side that it is parallel to the floor.
- Empty your pockets
- Do not measure over bulky clothing
- Do not tighten or arch the body
Back Length
BASIC SLOPERThe distance from the prominent bone at the base of the back of the neck, down the back to the natural waistline.
Lower the head slightly to locate the prominent neck bone. Measure from that point down along the spine to the elastic or tape marking the natural waist.
- Follow the shape of the back from neck to waist
- Mark the natural waist before measuring
- Ask another person to take this measurement if possible
Sleeve Length
SLEEVE SLOPERThe distance from the shoulder point to the desired sleeve end.
Let the arm hang naturally and measure from the shoulder point along the outside of the arm to the desired sleeve-end position.
- Locate the shoulder point before measuring
- For a long sleeve, the elbow may be bent slightly
- Choose the value with the intended sleeve length in mind
Crotch Depth
PANTS SLOPERThe vertical distance from the natural waistline to crotch level.
Tie elastic or narrow tape around the natural waist. Place a ruler horizontally at crotch level, then measure vertically from the top edge of the ruler to the waistline.
- Mark the natural waist before measuring
- Keep the ruler parallel to the floor
- Measure vertically rather than following the curve of the body
Inseam
PANTS SLOPERThe distance from the crotch point down the inside of the leg to the desired hem position.
Stand naturally with the legs straight. Measure from the crotch point down the inside of the leg to the desired hem position. If possible, ask another person to take this measurement.
- Stand naturally with the legs straight
- Start at the crotch point
- Choose the hem position based on the intended pants length
Measurement Quick Reference
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | Around the fullest part of the bust | Women’s basic sloper |
| Chest | Around the fullest part of the chest | Men’s basic sloper |
| Waist | Around the natural waistline | Basic and bottoms slopers |
| Hip | Around the fullest part of the hips and seat | Skirt and pants slopers |
| Back Length | From the prominent bone at the back of the neck to the natural waist | Basic sloper |
| Sleeve Length | From the shoulder point to the desired sleeve end | Sleeve sloper |
| Crotch Depth | Vertically from the natural waistline to crotch level | Pants sloper |
| Inseam | From the crotch point to the desired hem position | Pants sloper |
Check Once More Before Entering
Things to Check
Confirm that the tape is parallel to the floor, your posture is natural, and each number has been read correctly. If a measurement is uncertain, take it again after a short break.
Things to Avoid
Avoid pulling the tape too tightly, measuring over bulky clothing, holding in your stomach, or checking only the front without looking at the tape across the back.
Related Guides
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