How to Measure Your Blouse

Complete guide for accurate blouse measurements at home

Jump to: Core Advanced Preferences My Measurements

Core Measurements

Bust / Chest Required

Measure around the fullest part of your chest. Keep tape horizontal and parallel to the floor. Should be snug but not tight — you should fit two fingers underneath.

Wear a well-fitted bra while measuring for accurate results.
Common mistake: Measuring too tightly or over clothing with extra bulk.
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Waist Required

Measure around your natural waistline — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Keep your stomach relaxed.

Do not hold your breath or suck in — measure at your natural relaxed waist.
Common mistake: Measuring at the wrong height (too high or too low).
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Shoulder Width Required

Measure from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other, across the back, where the sleeve seam would naturally sit.

Use a friend or have someone help measure across your back for accuracy.
Common mistake: Measuring too far in (on the neck side) or measuring while hunched forward.
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Armhole Round Required

Measure around the top of your arm where the arm meets the shoulder seam. The tape should touch your shoulder bone and pass under your armpit.

Keep your arm slightly away from your body. This ensures the armhole is not too tight.
Common mistake: Measuring too tightly around the armpit, restricting movement.
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Front Neck Depth Required

From the base of your front neck (hollow between collarbones), measure down to where you want the neckline to dip in the front.

Common front neck depths: 3-4" for normal, 5-7" for deep neck.
Common mistake: Measuring too deep — the blouse may gape or show more than expected.
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Back Neck Depth Required

From the prominent bone at the base of your back neck, measure down to where you want the back neckline to fall.

Back neck is typically shallower than front neck depth.
Common mistake: Measuring too deep — backless style may need extra fitting.
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Blouse Length Required

From your shoulder bone (highest point), measure straight down to where you want the blouse hem to fall.

Standard blouse lengths: 14-15" for hip length, 16-17" for below hip.
Common mistake: Not accounting for bust curve — the front needs slightly more length than back.
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Sleeve Length Required

From your shoulder bone down to where you want the sleeve to end — wrist bone for full sleeves, elbow for elbow-length, mid-bicep for short sleeves.

Keep your arm slightly bent when measuring for natural movement.
Common mistake: Measuring with arm fully straight — sleeves will ride up when you bend.
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Sleeve Round / Opening Required

Measure around your upper arm at the widest point (bicep). This determines sleeve width.

Add 1-2" of ease for comfortable movement. Tight sleeves restrict arm motion.
Common mistake: Measuring too tightly — restrict movement when raising arms.
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Under Bust Required

Measure directly under your bust, where the band of a bra would sit. Keep tape firm but not tight.

This measurement is helpful for fitting the lower edge of a fitted blouse.
Common mistake: Measuring too loose — the blouse may not fit snugly.
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Advanced Measurements

Optional fields for a more tailored fit. These help with custom and fitted designs.

Apex / Bust Point Optional

Measure from your shoulder bone (highest point) down to the apex (fullest point) of your bust. Helps with dart placement.

Useful for fitted blouses with bust darts.
Common mistake: Not measuring to the actual fullest point.
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Front Shoulder to Waist Optional

From the shoulder bone (same point as shoulder width), measure down the front to the natural waistline.

Essential for princess-cut and fitted blouses.
Common mistake: Measuring at the side instead of down the front.
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Back Shoulder to Waist Optional

From the shoulder bone, measure down the back to the natural waistline.

Compare with front length — back is usually shorter.
Common mistake: Measuring while slouching — stand straight.
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Across Front Optional

From armhole seam to armhole seam across the front of your chest, about 1" above the apex.

Important for well-fitting front panels.
Common mistake: Measuring too low or too high — must be at the correct level.
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Across Back Optional

From armhole seam to armhole seam across the back, about 1" below the shoulder bone.

This was called "back width" in earlier forms.
Common mistake: Measuring too far down the back.
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Neck Round Optional

Measure around the base of your neck, where the collar would naturally sit. Insert one finger between tape and neck for comfort ease.

This was called "neck" in earlier forms.
Common mistake: Measuring too tightly — the neckline will feel constricting.
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Bicep Round Optional

Measure around the fullest part of your bicep with arm relaxed at your side.

Useful for fitted sleeves and ensuring arm movement.
Common mistake: Measuring only at the flexed bicep — measure relaxed.
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Elbow Round Optional

Measure around your elbow with arm slightly bent.

Important for three-quarter or full sleeves to ensure elbow clearance.
Common mistake: Measuring with arm fully extended.
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Wrist Round Optional

Measure around the wrist bone (smallest part of your arm near the hand).

Used for full-length sleeves to ensure the hand can pass through.
Common mistake: Measuring at the wrong position — use the wrist bone as reference.
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Design Preferences

Fit Preference

Choose how snug or loose you want the blouse. Tight fit follows body contours closely. Regular fit has standard ease. Comfortable fit has extra room.

Padded / Lining

Padded blouses include built-in cup padding for shape. Lining adds an inner fabric layer for opacity and finish.

Opening Side & Closure

Opening side (front/back/side) determines where the blouse opens. Closure type: hooks are traditional, zips are modern and clean, dori uses drawstrings.

Cup Preference

Padded cups add shape and coverage. Non-padded cups are natural. Push-up provides lift. Choose based on the look you want.

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