“how to take measurements” ©1926

If there is any marked difference between your measurements and the pattern you intend using, study the diagrams on the following pages before you cut your goods.

Back View fig B

  • 1. Bust: Place tape measure over fullest part of bust, higher in back, as indicated in figures A and B.
  • 2. Waist: Place tape measure around body at smallest part of figure.
  • 3. Hip: Place tape measure around hips 8 inches below waistline – do not allow tape measure to slip up or down.
  • 4. Neck: Place tape measure around, as indicated in figures A and B.
  • 7. Width of back: Take this measurement across back 5 inches below neck. See figure B.
  • 10A to 10B. Length over left hip to floor: Take this measurement from natural waistline to floor – from 10A to 10B. figure B.
  • 11A to 11B. Full centre-back length to floor: Take this measurement from centre of neck in back to floor – from 11A to 11B, figure B.
  • 11A to 11C. Back length from neck to natural waistline.
  • 14 to 15. Top arm length from shoulder to bend of elbow. (Bend arm and touch lobe of ear as in figure B)
  • 15 to 16. Arm length from elbow to wrist.
1926 Vogue measuring guide figure B

Back View Measurements: In regards to the bust measurement (1) , I was taught always to place a finger under the tape when measuring the bust – raising the tape at back most likely creates the same result. The neck measure (4) is a necessity for high neck bodices and any structural necklines/collars. I would always take this measurement. (11) is important for getting the length of pieces correct, you will have a lot less work if you check these measurements before cutting your pieces. The arm measurements (14-16) are necessary for making sure your skinny sleeve is functional.

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