Fashion Basics

How to Measure Your Size for Online Shopping: Guide to the Perfect Fit

Skip the guesswork. Here's how to measure size for online shopping at home, step by step, and how to use size charts to find your perfect fit.

By Team Oh My My ·Updated October 17, 2026 ·6 min read

To learn how to measure size for online shopping, you need a soft measuring tape, a mirror and five minutes. Measure your bust, waist and hips (plus shoulders, length and inseam if needed), write them down in inches and centimetres, and compare them with each brand’s size chart instead of relying on S, M or L.

Sizes vary from brand to brand and even between styles, which is why the same “M” can fit you perfectly in one shirt and feel tight in another. Knowing your actual measurements is the single best way to reduce returns and order clothes that fit the first time.

How to measure size for online shopping: what you need

A soft, flexible measuring tape (the tailor’s kind, not a metal one).
A mirror so you can check the tape is level.
Light, fitted clothing or just your regular innerwear; measuring over thick clothes adds extra inches.
A notebook or your phone to record numbers.
Optional: a friend to help with shoulders and back length.

How to measure bust, waist and hips at home

Bust

Stand straight with arms relaxed. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level across your back. It should be snug but not tight; you should be able to slide one finger underneath. Wear the bra you usually wear with western clothes for an accurate reading.

Waist

Find your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually a little above the belly button. Breathe normally and wrap the tape around it. Don’t suck in your stomach; you want clothes that are comfortable after a full meal too.

Hips

Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check in the mirror that the tape is level all the way around. This measurement matters most for skirts, jeans, trousers and fitted dresses.

Other useful measurements

Shoulders

Measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. This is important for shirts, blazers and structured tops.

Sleeve length

With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder edge, over the elbow, down to your wrist bone.

Inseam

Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to where you’d like your trousers to end, usually the ankle. Easier still: measure the inseam of a pair of jeans that fits you well.

Top or dress length

Measure from the highest point of your shoulder, near the neck, down to where you’d like the hem to fall. This helps you understand whether a mini, midi or crop will land where you expect.

Rise

For jeans and trousers, the rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the waistband. Comparing the listed rise with a favourite pair tells you if a style is high-waisted on you.

Measurement quick reference

Measurement	Where to measure	Most important for
Bust	Fullest part of the chest	Tops, shirts, dresses, co-ords
Waist	Narrowest part of the torso	Skirts, jeans, trousers, dresses
Hips	Fullest part of hips and seat	Jeans, skirts, fitted dresses
Shoulders	Shoulder bone to shoulder bone	Shirts, blazers, structured tops
Inseam	Inner thigh to ankle	Jeans, trousers, palazzos
Length	High shoulder point to hem	Dresses, tops, kurtas

How to read a size chart

Most online stores list body measurements, garment measurements, or both. Knowing the difference is key.

Body measurements tell you which size is designed for your body. Match your bust, waist and hips directly.
Garment measurements are the measurements of the clothing laid flat or around. These will be larger than your body to allow for ease. Compare them to a similar item you own that fits well.

If your measurements fall between two sizes, think about the style:

Fitted pieces (bodycon dresses, fitted jeans): choose the size that matches your largest relevant measurement.
Relaxed or oversized pieces (oversized shirts, flared skirts): you can usually size down if you want less volume.
Skirts and trousers: go by waist and hips; a tailor can take in a waist more easily than let out hips.
Tops and shirts: go by bust and shoulders.

Use product details to your advantage

Size charts are just the start. Product descriptions often mention the fit, such as “oversized”, “relaxed”, “straight fit” or “fit and flare”, and these words tell you how the garment is meant to sit. For example, an oversized studded shirt like the one in the Misty Tulle Studded Duo Set is designed to be roomy, while a fit-and-flare dress like The Angelcore White Tie-Up Dress will be closer at the bodice and flared below. High-waisted, straight-fit jeans such as the Twilight Heart Pop Denim Jeans need your waist and hip measurements most of all.

Also look for details like adjustable lace-ups, elasticated waists or inner shorts in mini skirts, as they make fit and comfort easier.

Measuring tips for different garments

Co-ord sets: check both the top and bottom sizes, since your bust and hip sizes may differ. Some brands sell the pieces together in one size, so choose the size that fits the more fitted piece.
Mini skirts: check the listed length against your own measurement from waist to mid-thigh so you know exactly where the hem will land.
Shirts with embellishment: studs, stones and crochet don’t stretch, so make sure the bust and shoulder measurements leave a little room.
Denim: rigid denim has little give, so match your waist and hips closely.

Browse our Studio Denim collection with your measurements in hand to find the right fit in jeans and skirts.

Common measuring mistakes

Pulling the tape too tight leads to ordering a size too small.
Measuring over bulky clothes adds inches and makes clothes look loose.
Tape not level at the back, especially for bust and hips.
Using old measurements: re-measure every few months, as bodies naturally change.
Assuming sizes are universal: always check each brand’s chart.

Quick checklist before you order

Measure bust, waist and hips with a soft tape, snug but not tight.
Add shoulders, inseam and length for shirts, jeans and dresses.
Check whether the size chart shows body or garment measurements.
Read fit words like “oversized” or “straight fit” in the description.
Compare with a similar piece you already own and love.

FAQs

How do I measure bust, waist and hips at home?

Use a soft measuring tape and stand straight in front of a mirror. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight. Note each number in inches and centimetres.

What if my measurements fall between two sizes?

For fitted styles, choose the larger size based on your biggest relevant measurement. For relaxed or oversized styles, you can usually go with the smaller size. For bottoms, go by hips and waist, since a tailor can take in a waist more easily than add room at the hips.

How do I find my dress size?

Measure your bust, waist and hips, then match them to the brand’s size chart. Dress fit depends on the style, so check whether it is fitted at the bodice, waist or hips, and use the measurement that matters most for that cut.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Record both if you can. Many Indian brands list sizes in inches, while some use centimetres, so having both saves you from conversion mistakes when comparing size charts.

What is the difference between body and garment measurements?

Body measurements describe your body and tell you which size is designed for you. Garment measurements describe the clothing itself and include extra room for movement, so compare those with a similar piece you own that fits well.

Once you know your measurements, online shopping gets so much easier and a lot more fun. Grab your tape, note your numbers and explore the full Oh My My range in our shop to find pieces that fit you and your vibe. Tis for the vibes!