Ask Angie: What size/body type am I & how to measure myself correctly?

goldenpig

What size/body type am I? I was just wondering if there's a link to tell you how to measure yourself correctly to determine your correct size. I am usually between a 6 and 8 when I try clothes on in the store, but I'm having a hard time ordering online because I don't match up to their size charts--my waist seems to always be larger than it should be for the size of my bust/hips. And I'm not sure if I'm even measuring myself correctly.
Questions:
1) Bust--how much do you press down (ie flattening the nipples and squeezing the bust)--Loose? Snug?
2) Waist--what is "natural waist"?
3) Hip--measure at hipbone or thigh?
4) What size am I? How do I pick a size when ordering online--go by waist or bust/hips?
5) What body type am I? Apple? I'm back to prepregnancy weight but I guess the kids really stretched out my belly.
6) Am I petite or regular? I'm 5'5". Inseam (crotch to floor while I am standing) is 30 inches.
Here's some pictures of me for reference:
ETA: photos deleted

13 years ago

Body Type

11 replies

Latest reply was from nuojisi

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

From my understanding here is how you supposed to measure yourself-always go with the widest part of your hips and breasts, snug not loose. Waist is not actually at your navel but the narrowest area so you did measure yourself correctly. Judging from your picture and description, you may be an "apple". And since anyone under 5"4 is considered petite, I don't think you fall into petite category and can probably wear regular sizes.
If you are trying to find the right fit, for example-shirt. It has to fit across the widest area of your body, hips(if applicable) and breasst. Lot of women think if it doesn't fit across the breast area, its a lost cause. Try going up a size to get the proper fit in the widest area of your chest and then take it to taylor to have the sides taken in(if its too loose).
Same applies to pants-you have to make sure it fits over the widest area of your hips. If it does, great. If waist on the pants too loose(common problem) but it fits fine everywhere else, take to taylor and have the waist taken in.
I have personal experience with all of the above issues because I'm petite and have small waist so lot of things do not fit in the waist area. Good taylor is your best friend!

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Bust is less important than shoulders for body type, actually; think of your silhouette as a paper cut out, what does the overall shape do? I believe "natural waist" is the narrowest part of your torso. Petite is usually 5'4" and below, but if your legs, arms, rise or torso are shorter then sometimes petite clothes will fit you better. I'll leave your actual body type to those who are more in the know

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Petite is more about proportion than actual height. I am 5' 4 1/2" and wear petite jackets because I'm quite short waisted and my arms aren't terribly long.
I have heard that (as far as size charts are concerned) the hips are measured about 8" below the waist. Now, my hips are widest at the top of my legs, so my hip is a bit lower than the stats. You are correct to measure your waist at the natural narrow spot. Mine is several inches above my navel, as well.

13 years ago

yellowgirl

Active Member

I'm no expert, but I'd say you're either a racy rectangle or an adorable apple.

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

The others have given you great measurement advice. I'm thinking you look a bit apple-ey.
As far as clothing sizes, your guess is as good as anyones. Sizes can be all over the map, but personally I tend to fall into one of 2 numbered sizes 95% of the time. I never look at the measurement charts when I order clothes... I have never found them to be terribly accurate. I often will order 2 sizes of an item and take back the one that doesn't fit... I only order from places where I can take back to the physical store.

13 years ago

bran888

Active Member

Hi there, I also think that you're an adorable apple.

I would think at 5' 5'' that you'd be a regular, but do you find that regular clothes tend to be too long in the arms/inseam?

I agree with Queen Mum, I don't think that most clothing size charts are very accurate. Go with what seems to fit (and that will probably vary by brand). As Victoria said, you might find that you have to tailor your clothes, and they key is to always fit the larger part of you (in a relative sense). For you that might be your waist/tummy, while for a pear it would be the hips/thighs.

I envy your great legs! I'm not sure if you were looking for dressing advice, but you should check out the tips for adorable apple here

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I also think that you can be a petite top vs. petite bottom. I buy petite tops for dress-shirts, but I buy regular length pants.

13 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

Bust - Measure over the fullest part of your bust while wearing the CORRECT size bra without any padding.

Waist -Bend to the side like you are singing "I'm a Little Teapot" That bend is your natural waist.

High Hip - Measure across the pelvic bone which is generally right above the top of your behind.

Low/Full Hip - Measure around the fullest part of your thighs/behind which is generally the middle of your behind.

When measuring, it helps to have someone do it for you. Stand with weight evenly distributed on both feet. Always keep the tape parallel with the floor. Keep the tape close to your body, but not tight or squeezing.

Petite is based on proportions, not strictly height. You can be petite on top, but not on bottom and vice versa.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You have received GREAT feedback from the ladies.

You are apple shaped and definitely adorable

Petite means: shorter than regular arms, legs, torso, rise and height. In the US, it does not mean small in size and stature. You can be a size 00P or a 16P.

You sound like a regular size.

13 years ago