How to Measure Your Body for Shape Analysis

How to Measure Your Body Shape:

If you can whip out a measuring tape like me, here is a quick guide to determine your shape. Here is a quick guide:

Happy woman who has discovered her body shape in shapewear bodysuit

1. Shoulders

Purpose: To determine how broad your upper body is.

✅ How to Measure:

1. Stand upright with relaxed shoulders.

2. Place the measuring tape at the edge of one shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the armhole on a well-fitting shirt).

3. Wrap the tape across the top of your back, following the natural curve around to the other shoulder.

4. The tape should sit flat across your shoulder blades, not dipping or arching.

5. Record the measurement from seam to seam.

   
   

Tips:

• Use a mirror or a second person to make sure the tape is level and not twisted.

• If measuring alone, lay a well-fitting shirt flat on a table and measure across the back, from one shoulder seam to the other.

• Don’t include sleeve length—you're measuring just the width across your back.

2. Waist

Purpose: To locate your natural waistline and understand your torso’s narrowest point.

✅ How to Measure:

1. Find the narrowest part of your waist — usually about 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) above your belly button.

2. Wrap the measuring tape around your torso at this point.

3. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground, snug but not squeezing your skin.

4. Stand tall but breathe naturally — don’t suck in!

5. Record the number where the end meets the tape.

   
   

Tips:

• Ideally, measure against bare skin.

• Relax. Your natural posture gives the most accurate results, even if you're back isn't perfectly straight.

3. Hips

Purpose: To measure the widest part of your lower body, including your buttocks.

✅ How to Measure:

1. Stand with your feet together to get an accurate circumference.

2. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

3. Ensure the tape is level all the way around and not riding up or dipping down.

4. Check the mirror (side and back) to confirm the tape is straight.

5. Note the number where the end of the tape meets the rest.

   
   

Tips:

• The widest part may be lower than you expect— often across the middle of your bum, not just at the hip bones.

• A mirror is super helpful for accuracy if measuring solo.

• Don’t pull too tight — it should lie comfortably against your skin.

Varying women in different bodysuits

📏 Optional: Bust (for women)

While not always needed for basic body shape analysis, knowing your bust measurement can be useful for styling tops, dresses, or bras.

1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, over the nipples.

2. Keep it level and snug (not tight).

3. Record the number.

   
   

You can now enter your measurements into our body shape calculator - best of luck!

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Embrace Your Evolving Body

Our bodies are always changing — whether it's due to weight fluctuations, postpartum recovery, or health-related shifts. These changes can naturally affect your shape, size, and proportions over time.

By understanding your current body ratios, you're taking a powerful first step in regaining control and confidence in how you dress. It’s not about fitting into a mould — it’s about dressing in a way that celebrates where you are right now.

With your ratios in hand, the Look at the Labels styling app helps you build outfits that truly flatter and suit your evolving silhouette. No more guesswork — just curated style that works for you.

And for an extra dose of inspiration, don’t forget: when you sign up to the app, you’ll receive personalised inspiration boards tailored to your body shape, lifestyle, and preferences.

You change. Your wardrobe should adapt with you, and we're here to help every step of the way.

#styleyourshape #lookatthelabels #sustainablefashion #shopyourshape