The Accuracy of Consumer-Made Body Measurements for Women's Mail-Order Clothing

An anthropometric study was performed on 103 women 19 to 50 years of age. Each subject measured 19 dimensions of her own body and then performed similar measurements on a random partner using a conventional tape measure with 1/16 inch (1.6-mm) precision. The experimenter measured all subjects using a laboratory-grade anthropometer and tape measure with 1.0-mm precision as a standard. Subjects' measurements of different body dimensions had significantly different average errors, ranging from -4.54 cm to +6.15 cm. Hip circumference, which is often utilized as a key dimension for garment sizing, was significantly undermeasured (M = -4.54 cm). Measurements having the least error included waist, bust, and neck circumferences and shoulder and waist heights. Subjects' measurements of their own bodies had greater absolute error (M = 4.10 cm, SD = 6.06 cm) than those of their partners (M == 3.34 cm, SD = 4.86 cm). Although subjects used a tape measure having 1.6-mm precision, 97% reported measurements using only 1/4-inch (6.4-mm) precision or less. Subjects overestimated their own stature by an average error of 0.68 cm (SD = 4.02 cm) and an absolute error of 2.26 cm (SD = 3.39 cm).