How To Accurately Measure Clothes For Selling Online

If you would like to sell your unwanted clothing online on eBay, Poshmark, etc., it is really important to know how to measure clothes.  In today’s world, every brand of clothing has a different way of sizing.  One person’s size 6 can be another person’s size 4 and what may be listed at mid-thigh length according to the brand may actually be high or lower thigh depending on the wearer.  When washing and/or tailoring are factored in (assuming it’s not brand new/never worn), the measures could definitely vary from the original purchased garment.  By listing the most important measurements, it gives the potential buyer a real chance to see if it could fit them, as they’ll never be able to actually try it on before buying.  It also going a long way towards having satisfied customers because your listing of the piece was accurate and trustworthy.

How To Accurately Measure Clothes For Selling Online

Measure Clothes For Online Selling

Key Points to Measure by Clothing Type

When I sell clothes, there are some key measurements I always include as they are pretty standard when shopping for clothes.  These key points  will vary by type of garment.

PANTS OR SHORTS (BOTTOMS)

  • Waist – Measure across top of waistband and double
  • Inseam – Measure inside of leg from crotch seam to bottom hem
  • Leg Opening – Measure end of pant leg or shorts across bottom hem
Basic Pant Measurements
Basic Pant Measurements

SHIRT OR JACKET (TOPS)

  • Shoulder to Hem – Measure top of shoulder straight down to bottom hem
  • Bust – Measure under armpits across garment and double
  • Sleeve Length – Measure from shoulder seam to end of sleeve
Basic Top Measurements
Basic Top Measurements

DRESS

  • Shoulder to Hem – Measure top of shoulder straight down to bottom hem
  • Bust – Measure under armpits across garment and double
  • Waist – Measure side seam to side seam at about 7 inches down from armpits and double
  • Hem (also called Sweep) – Always lay dress flat to measure.  As you are measuring circumference of bottom hem, measurement along the bottom hem from side seam to side seam and double.  If hem is asymmetrical, measure entire bottom hem and do not double.
Basic Dress Measurements
Basic Dress Measurements

Additional Points to Measure

Additional measurements should be included if there are particular details that would either make the garment stand out or affect the fit or look. Does the pant have a cuff at the bottom? Does the dress or shirt have a low cut front or back?  Here are a few that I have used in the past:

  • Front Neck Drop – For all dresses and tops with plunge front necklines, measure at center front from base of neck (or where base of neck would be) down to neckline
  • Back Neck Drop – For all low cut back dresses and shirts, measure at center back from base of neck down to neckline
  • Cuff Height – Measure height of cuff
Front Neck Drop Measurement On Dress
Front Neck Drop Measurement On A Dress

How to Measure

Tape Measure Used For Measuring Clothing
Tape Measure Used For Measuring Clothing

Clothes can be measured on either a dress form or laid flat on a hard surface.  Pants, shorts, and knits (particularly delicate ones) tend to measure more easily and accurately when laid flat.  For either option, the garment should be smoothed out or ironed as wrinkles and creases can affect accuracy.  You will need a sewing tape measure, but if you don’t have one, a non-stretchy string with a ruler/yardstick could be used in a pinch.  I would also suggest a pen and paper, so you can measure everything at once and enter online later.

Finally, be sure to include how the measurements were taken in your listing description (ex. All measurements were taken while garment was laid flat).

I hope that these measuring tips help you get your clothing sold quicker with happy customers.  If you have any measuring tips that you use, I’d love to here about them in the comments.

Happy selling!    Nikole

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