How To Measure Bust, Waist and Hips Correctly | Chinese‑Size Hub

Introduction

Accurate body measurements are the foundation for choosing the correct clothing size when shopping for women’s apparel from China. Even the most reliable international‑to‑CN‑size converter will give misleading results if your bust, waist or hip measurements are taken incorrectly. This guide walks you through simple, repeatable steps to get your true‑to‑size net‑body measurements in either centimetres or inches.

What You Will Need

• A soft, flexible tailor‑measuring tape
• A mirror to check tape position
• Light‑fitting clothing or no outer layers
• Pen and paper to record your numbers

Important General Rules Before Measuring

• Stand naturally, keep your posture relaxed, do not suck in your stomach.
• Keep the measuring tape horizontal all the way around your body.
• Pull the tape snug but not tight enough to compress your skin.
• Measure bare‑body or over thin underwear for net‑body size.
• Take each measurement two‑three times and use the largest result.

Step‑by‑Step Measurement Guide

1. Bust / Chest Measurement

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, passing across your shoulder blades at the back. Keep the tape level. Do not pull too tight. This is your net bust circumference.

2. Waist Measurement

Locate your natural waistline: this is the narrowest part of your torso, usually above your belly button. Wrap the measuring tape loosely around this point. Avoid measuring at trouser‑waist height, which sits lower on the hips.

3. Hip Measurement

Wrap the tape around the widest, fullest part of your hips and rear. This position is roughly 18‑23 cm (7‑9 inches) below your natural waist. Double‑check that the tape stays level all the way around.

Inches vs Centimetres

Most Chinese clothing‑size charts list measurements in centimetres (cm). If you record your sizes in inches, you can convert them before entering values into our size‑converter tool. One inch equals 2.54 centimetres.

Net‑Body Size Vs Garment‑Flat‑Measurement

Chinese size‑tables such as GB/T 1335.2‑2008 are built around net‑body measurements. When you see measurements listed on a seller’s size chart, confirm whether the numbers refer to your body size or to finished garment measurements. Finished garment measurements are always larger than net‑body measurements, to allow wearing ease.

What To Do If Your Measurement Falls Between Two Sizes

When your body‑size sits between two Chinese sizes, check fabric information. For stretch‑knit fabrics, you may safely select the smaller size. For non‑stretch, woven fabrics like cotton, linen, or cheongsam silk, we recommend choosing the larger size for comfort.

Disclaimer

All size suggestions on this website serve only as a general reference. Sizing may vary between individual clothing brands, cuts and fabric properties. Always cross‑reference with the official size‑chart provided by the shop before placing your order.