A size label is a starting point. When shopping secondhand, the measurements of the actual garment help you understand its fit, especially if it has been altered, stretched or shrunk. Start with your body measurements, then compare the listing with a similar piece you already enjoy wearing.
1. Take your body measurements
Use a flexible measuring tape, a mirror and a note on your phone. Wear light, close-fitting clothing or the undergarments you plan to wear with the item. Stand naturally, breathe normally and keep the tape level and comfortably snug without digging in. Measure twice and record the units.
- Bust or chest: Measure around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back and your arms relaxed.
- Natural waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, often near the crease where you bend sideways. Do not automatically use the place your jeans sit.
- Hips: With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Trouser waistband position: For low- or mid-rise bottoms, also measure around the body where you want that waistband to sit. This can differ from your natural waist.
For a brand size chart, follow that brand’s measuring instructions. Nordstrom’s body measurement guide also illustrates bust, waist and hip measuring points. A brand chart describes intended sizing; it does not replace measurements of a particular pre-owned item.
2. Measure a garment that already fits
This is often the most useful comparison. Choose the same type of item, with a similar fabric and the fit you want. A loose knit tee is not a reliable reference for a tailored, non-stretch blouse.
Fasten buttons or zippers, lay the piece flat on a firm surface, smooth it gently and measure without pulling it wider. Record the same points the seller uses. For pants, compare waistband width, front rise and inseam together. For tops, compare pit-to-pit, shoulders, sleeves and length. For dresses, add waist and hips wherever the cut is fitted.
3. Understand common listing measurements
Sellers use different methods, so ask how a number was taken. These are common terms, not a promise that every listing includes them.
- Pit-to-pit: Width across the garment from one underarm to the other, usually measured flat. Ask whether the number is a flat width or already doubled.
- Waist: May mean the flat waistband width, a doubled garment measurement or a body-size estimate. For elastic, ask for the relaxed width and a gently stretched measurement.
- Hip: Width across the hip area. Ask how far below the waistband it was measured so you can compare at the same point.
- Front rise: Distance from the crotch seam to the top of the front waistband. It helps explain where pants sit. Back rise may also matter.
- Inseam: Distance along the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem.
- Length: Ask for the starting point. Tops and dresses may be measured from the shoulder or back neckline; skirts generally start at the waistband.
- Shoulders and sleeves: Shoulder width usually runs seam to seam. Sleeves may start at the shoulder seam, neckline or center back, especially on raglan styles.
- Thigh and leg opening: Usually flat widths. Ask where the thigh measurement begins.
4. Know when to double a number
If a listing says “pit-to-pit: 19 inches, flat,” doubling gives an approximate garment circumference of 38 inches. A 15-inch flat waistband is approximately 30 inches around. These are garment dimensions, not the body measurements the item is guaranteed to fit.
Do not double inseam, rise, overall length, sleeve length or shoulder width. Do not double a chest or waist number that the seller has already stated as a full circumference. Curved waistbands and unusual cuts can make a simple flat-width conversion less exact.
5. Allow for comfort, fabric and movement
A garment measuring the same as your body may feel restrictive in a woven fabric. “Ease” is the difference between garment size and body size, and the amount you need depends on the cut, fabric and your preference. Stretch garments can fit differently, so there is no universal extra-inch rule.
For example, a 36-inch body chest and a 38-inch garment chest leave an approximate 2-inch difference, but that alone does not guarantee comfortable shoulders, armholes or movement. Compare with your own well-fitting garment instead of treating the calculation as a fit promise. Consider lining, fabric stretch, layering and whether the garment is meant to be close-fitting or relaxed.
6. Ask these questions before buying
- Are these measurements taken from this exact item, or copied from a brand chart?
- Are the numbers inches or centimeters, flat widths or full circumferences?
- Was it measured fastened, relaxed and unstretched?
- Can you provide the missing rise, hip, sleeve or length measurement and show the tape in a photo?
- Has it been hemmed, tailored or noticeably shrunk? Is there stretching, worn elastic or a changed fit?
- What does the fabric label say, and does the lining stretch too?
- What are the return terms if the fit is not right?
A message you can copy
“Hi! I’m comparing this with a similar item I own. Could you confirm whether the listed measurements are flat and unstretched, and share the [pit-to-pit / waist / hip / front rise / inseam / length] measurement? Please include the units and measuring points. Has the item been altered or shown signs of shrinkage? A photo with the tape would be helpful. Thank you!”
Your quick resale fit checklist
Save your body measurements, measure a favorite garment, compare the same points and units, check fabric and alterations, and ask about any missing measurement before ordering. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters. Measurements reduce guesswork, but they cannot guarantee fit.
Shopping at Taylored Finds Indiana? Send us the product link and your measurement question, and review our shopping FAQ and the return terms linked on the site before you buy. We respond to customer emails and phone messages within 24 hours.