Finding The Perfect Fit: Mastering The Art Of Measuring Bust Size For Coats

To measure your bust size for a coat, you'll need to take measurements of several parts of your body. For women, wrap the tape measure around your bust, or the fullest part of your chest. The tape should be snug but not too tight. If you want a loose-fitting coat, go for a size up.

Measure the bust at its widest point

To measure the bust at its widest point, you will need a flexible tape measure.

First, remove any thick clothing, like sweaters or bulky jeans, as these can distort your measurements. You want to measure as close to your body as possible.

Now, lift your arms up to the side and wrap the tape measure under your armpits. Lower the tape until it is wrapped around the widest part of your chest. For women, this will be the fullest part of the chest, or bust. Make sure the tape is held level and is snug, but not too tight.

If you are measuring for a casual jacket, add an extra inch to your measurement, as these tend to be more loose-fitting.

You can also measure a coat you already own. To do this, lay the jacket flat, ensuring there are no wrinkles. Measure from the bottom of one armhole across the chest to the bottom of the opposite armhole.

Measure the rib cage

Measuring your rib cage is an important step in determining your bust size for a coat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it accurately:

Step 1: Prepare the Measuring Tape

Take a flexible measuring tape and ensure it is not twisted or tangled. Hold the tape horizontally, with the zero point at one end. Stand in front of a mirror to monitor your progress and ensure the tape remains level throughout the process.

Step 2: Position the Tape at the Correct Height

Lift your arms slightly away from your body and position the measuring tape just under your breasts. The tape should be wrapped around your torso, directly beneath your bust. Ensure that the tape is not too tight or too loose. It should be snug against your skin but not compressing your rib cage.

Step 3: Wrap the Tape Around Your Torso

Gently wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage, keeping it parallel to the floor. Ensure the tape remains level and does not twist or tilt as you wrap it around your body. Keep your arms relaxed and down by your sides during this step.

Step 4: Take the Measurement

When the two ends of the tape meet at the front of your chest, note the number where they meet. This number is your rib cage measurement, also known as the underbust measurement. Round up to the nearest whole number, as manufacturers typically use whole numbers in sizing charts.

Tips for Accurate Measurement:

• It is recommended to measure your bust and rib cage with a bra on, preferably a flat and unpadded one. This is because you will likely wear a bra under your coat, and you want to account for the added volume.
• If you intend to wear a specific type of bra or undergarment with your coat, consider measuring your rib cage while wearing that particular garment for greater accuracy.
• Always keep the measuring tape level and horizontal to ensure precise measurements.
• Take measurements more than once to confirm accuracy.

Measuring your rib cage is an essential step in determining your coat size, so taking the time to do it right will ensure a well-fitting garment.

Measure the upper bust

To measure the upper bust, wrap a flexible tape measure around the torso, keeping the tape close to the armpits. The tape should be guided just above the breasts at the front. This is the same measurement as the chest or rib cage measurement.

The upper bust measurement is important when determining the correct size for a garment. For example, when measuring for a jacket, the chest or bust measurement is taken at the widest part of the chest, just under the armpits, or around the fullest part of the chest for women. This is a different measurement to the upper bust.

The upper bust measurement is also used to calculate the cup size of a bra. First, measure the upper bust, then subtract this from the full bust measurement. Each inch of difference equals a cup size letter, so a difference of two inches would be a B cup.

It is important to keep the tape measure level and not pulled too tight when taking any body measurements.

Measure the bust height

To measure the bust height of a coat, place one end of a flexible tape measure at the point where your neck meets your shoulder. This is usually where the collar of a shirt would meet your shoulder.

Then, drape the tape down the front of your body, allowing it to follow the curve of your chest. Ensure that the tape measure remains flat and smooth against your body, without any twists or bulges.

Find the fullest portion of your bust, which is typically at the nipple. Pinch the tape measure at this point and then lift it away from your body to read the measurement.

Write down the exact number without rounding up. This measurement will help ensure that your coat fits well and flatters your figure.

Bust height is an important consideration when measuring for specialty clothing, such as wedding dresses, or when sewing your own garments. It ensures that the coat is tailored to your unique body proportions and provides a more precise fit.

Measure the coat's chest width

To measure the chest width of a coat, you will need a flexible tape measure. It is best to lay the coat flat on a surface to avoid any wrinkles that could lead to incorrect measurements. Then, follow these steps:

Chest Width Measurement

• Measure from the bottom of one armhole across the chest to the bottom of the opposite armhole.
• Multiply this number by 2 to get the chest circumference.

Additional Tips

• It is important to hold the tape measure level and not too tight when measuring.
• For women's jackets, the chest width measurement is usually taken at the bust, or the fullest part of the chest.
• If you are looking for a more casual jacket, you may want to add an additional inch to your chest measurement, as casual jackets tend to be more loose-fitting.

Frequently asked questions