How to Measure Yourself for Loungewear Online
Buying loungewear online is tricky because sizes vary wildly between brands, and you can’t try anything on. Measuring yourself at home with a flexible tape measure takes about five minutes and gives you the numbers you need to pick the right size from any size chart. This guide walks you through the key measurements—bust, waist, hips, inseam, and torso length—so you can order with confidence.
What You’ll Need
- A soft, flexible tape measure (the kind used for sewing)
- A mirror (to check tape placement)
- A flat wall or door frame
- Pencil and paper, or a notes app on your phone
- Form-fitting clothing or underwear (no bulky layers)
Step-by-Step
- Wear minimal, fitted clothing. Take off bulky sweaters, jeans, or anything with thick seams. Wear a thin camisole or sports bra and underwear, or measure directly on skin if you’re comfortable. This ensures the tape sits against your body, not your clothes.
- Find your natural waist. Bend to one side—the crease that forms is your natural waistline. It’s usually above your belly button and below your ribcage. Wrap the tape measure around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Breathe out normally and read the measurement where the tape overlaps. Write it down.
- Measure your bust/chest. Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest (for women, usually across the nipples; for men, across the pectoral muscles). Keep the tape level across your back—use a mirror to check it isn’t dipping or rising. The tape should be snug but not digging in. Record the number.
- Measure your hips. Stand with your feet together. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks—typically about 7–9 inches below your natural waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug. This measurement is crucial for loungewear bottoms like joggers or shorts.
- Measure your inseam (for pants). Stand with your legs slightly apart. Hold one end of the tape at the very top of your inner thigh (where your leg meets your torso) and run it straight down to the floor. If you’re buying ankle-length joggers, measure to your ankle bone instead. For a more accurate result, measure a pair of pants that fit you well: lay them flat, measure from the crotch seam to the hem, and use that number.
- Measure your torso length (for onesies, rompers, or longline tops). Sit down on a chair. Start the tape at the top of your shoulder (where a bra strap sits) and run it down the front of your body, over the fullest part of your chest, and down to your crotch. This gives you the front torso length. For the back, start at the base of your neck and go down your spine to the floor. Compare these to the garment’s total length measurement.
- Measure your sleeve length (for long-sleeve loungewear). Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle and place your hand on your hip. Start the tape at the center of the back of your neck, run it across your shoulder, down the outside of your arm, and stop at your wrist bone. This is your sleeve length.
- Check the brand’s size chart. Every brand has its own chart. Find the size that matches your largest measurement—if your bust says small but your hips say medium, go with medium for bottoms or a relaxed fit top. For loungewear, which is meant to be loose, you can often size down if you prefer a snug fit, but always check the fabric’s stretch.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring over thick clothing. This adds inches. Always measure in thin layers or bare skin.
- Holding the tape too tight or too loose. The tape should be snug against your skin but not compressing it. You should be able to slip one finger under the tape.
- Using a metal tape measure or a ruler. These don’t bend around your body. Use a flexible cloth tape measure.
- Measuring your waist at your belly button. Your natural waist is higher, usually the narrowest point of your torso. Measuring at the belly button can give a larger number and lead to a baggy fit.
- Ignoring the fabric content. If the loungewear has no stretch (like 100% cotton), you need to match your measurements more closely. If it has spandex or elastane, you have more leeway.
Tips
- Take each measurement twice. If you get two different numbers, measure a third time and use the most common one.
- Write down your measurements in inches and centimeters. Many international brands use one or the other, and having both saves time.
- For loungewear, check the garment’s “length� measurement on the size chart. A top might have the right chest size but be too short for your torso. Compare the garment length to your torso measurement.
- If you’re between sizes, consider the style. For loose, baggy loungewear, size down. For fitted loungewear, size up.
- Read customer reviews for “runs small� or “runs large� notes—they often mention if the measurements match the chart.
Troubleshooting
You don’t have a tape measure. Use a piece of string or a phone charging cable. Wrap it around your body, mark where it overlaps, then lay it flat against a ruler or a measuring app on your phone.
The size chart doesn’t have your exact measurement. Most charts list a range for each size (e.g., waist 28–30 inches). If your measurement falls right on the edge, choose the larger size for comfort, especially for loungewear that you’ll be sitting in.
You measured yourself but the garment still doesn’t fit. This usually means the brand’s chart is off, or the fabric has more or less stretch than expected. Check the return policy before ordering—many online stores offer free returns for size exchanges. If you’re between sizes, order both and return one.
You can’t measure yourself alone. For the inseam or torso length, it helps to have someone else. If you’re alone, use a wall: stand against it, mark your hip height with a pencil, then measure from the floor to that mark. For inseam, sit on a chair and measure from your inner thigh to the floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m between sizes?
For loungewear, which is meant to be relaxed, size down if you prefer a snug fit, or size up if you want extra room. Check the fabric—if it has stretch, you have more flexibility.
Should I measure myself in the morning or evening?
Your body can fluctuate by an inch or more during the day. Measure at the time of day you’ll most likely wear the loungewear—usually evening, when you’re relaxed. If you’re between sizes, go with the larger measurement.
Do I need to measure my inseam if I’m buying a onesie?
Yes, but the torso length is more important. For onesies or rompers, the total length from shoulder to crotch determines the fit. Inseam matters for the leg length, but the torso length is what makes it comfortable to sit and move.
Can I use a regular ruler instead of a tape measure?
No, a rigid ruler won’t conform to your body curves. Use a flexible tape measure, or a piece of string as a substitute.
What if the brand’s size chart uses different measurements than mine?
Most charts list bust, waist, and hip. If they only list “chest� and “length,� use your bust measurement for chest, and compare the garment length to your torso length. When in doubt, contact customer support with your measurements—they can recommend a size.
How often should I re-measure?
Your body changes over time, so re-measure every 6–12 months, or whenever you notice your clothes fitting differently. Weight fluctuations of even 5 pounds can change your measurements by an inch.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.