Notes: Measuring Body Measurements for Trousers

  • Key Terms and Definitions
    • Crotch: An angle formed by the parting of two legs.
    • Crease line: A line, mark or ridge made by folding.
    • Seat: Another term for hips.
    • Pants/Trousers: An outer garment reaching from the waist to the ankles.
  • Measurement Chart and Purpose
    • Used as a guide in taking body measurements and in drafting the basic pattern.
    • Chart includes vertical (outside length, rise/crotch) and horizontal (waist, hips/seat, thigh, knee, bottom) measurements.
    • For pattern drafting, actual measurements are often divided by 2 to obtain the half-pattern measurements (e.g., waist circumference ÷ 2).
    • Example concept: Actual waist 27" yields half measurement 13.5"; similarly for hips 39" → 19.5".
    • Formula: ext{Half-measurement} = rac{ ext{Actual measurement}}{2}
  • Units and Conversions
    • Some measurements are in centimeters; inches can be converted by multiply by 2.54.
    • Formula: ext{cm} = ext{in} \times 2.54
  • Examples/Calculations (unit understanding)
    • Examples illustrate converting and deriving half-measurements from actuals (e.g., waist/hip values).
    • When in doubt, use the half-measurement rule for pattern pieces.
  • Pointers to Remember When Taking Measurements
    • Be guided by proper procedures; stand naturally.
    • Do not measure yourself; have someone else measure you when possible.
  • Preparation and Procedure
    • Empty pockets, remove belt, and follow the correct order of taking measurements.
    • Measurements should be neither too tight nor too loose; record immediately.
  • Measurement Categories (Vertical vs Horizontal)
    • A. Vertical (top to base)
    • Outside Length: measured from the side waist down to the desired pants length.
    • Rise: measured from the waist down to the crotch.
    • B. Horizontal (left to right across the body)
    • Waist: around the smallest part of the waist, just above the hipbone.
    • Seat/Hips: around the fullest part of the second hip/buttock with a tape measure.
    • Thigh: around the fullest part of the thigh.
    • Width of Knee: around the exact location of the knee.
    • Width of Bottom: around the exact location of the bottom.
  • Rise Measurement Techniques
    • Tools: ruler, tape measure, and tailor’s square.
    • Method: have the person seated and measure from the waist to the chair seat along the side.
  • Return Demonstration
    • Students will take their body measurements in pairs and record them in their measurement chart.