Measure Your Body Correctly: A Step-by-Step Body Measurement Guide

At Ipekci Otantik, we strive to ensure that our designs, inspired by nature and crafted by expert hands, blend seamlessly with your skin. We understand that our garments are often natural, fluid, and sometimes oversized, prioritizing comfort. Choosing the right size is crucial for fully enjoying these special designs and feeling free and comfortable.

Accurate body measurements eliminate one of the biggest uncertainties of online shopping, helping you confidently choose the perfect Ipekci Otantik piece for you and preventing you from wasting time on potential returns. This guide is designed to explain step-by-step how to easily and accurately measure your body size.

Preparation: What You'll Need and Important Tips for Perfect Measurement

For accurate measurement, you'll need a few simple materials and a little care:

Required Materials :
- A flexible tape measure (also known as a tailor's tape measure)
- A piece of paper and a pen to take notes on your measurements
- If possible, a mirror where you can see yourself from the side and full length
Pre-Measurement Tips :
- Choose the Right Clothing : For the most accurate results, take your measurements with underwear or loose-fitting clothing. Bulky clothing can give misleading measurements.
- Using the Tape Measure : Make sure the tape measure fits your body perfectly, neither too tight nor too loose. A finger's width is ideal between the tape measure and your skin; it shouldn't be tight, but it shouldn't be so loose that it slips.
- Correct Posture : Stand upright, relax your shoulders, and breathe normally when taking measurements. Do not hold your breath or draw in your abdomen.
- Get Help (If Possible) : Getting help from someone else, especially when measuring certain areas such as the back and shoulders, can help you get more accurate results.
- Repeat : Take each measurement at least twice to ensure consistent results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Body Measurements

You can easily take your basic body measurements by following the steps below. The image provided for each step demonstrates the correct positioning of the tape measure.

1. How to Measure Chest Circumference?

Place the measuring tape across your back, across your chest, at its fullest and widest point (usually around your nipples). Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor and doesn't slide across your back. Take the measurement while breathing normally.

2. How to Measure Waist Circumference?

Find your natural waistline. This is usually a few centimeters above your belly button, the thinnest part of your body. If you're unsure, your natural waistline is where your body creases when you lean slightly to the side. Wrap the tape measure around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Don't pull in or puff out your belly.

3. How to Measure Hip Circumference?

Stand upright with your feet together. Wrap the tape measure around your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor, at the widest and fullest point (usually where your hipbones and butt are most prominent). Hold the tape measure tightly, but be careful not to cut into your skin.

4. How to Measure Inner Leg Length (Especially for Trousers and Overalls)

Stand upright with your feet slightly apart. Take this measurement without shoes. Start at the top of your crotch (where your groin meets your thigh) and run the tape measure straight down your inside leg, down to the inside of your ankle. Having a friend help you take this measurement more easily.

5. How to Measure Shoulder Width (Especially for Jackets, Shirts, and Tops)

Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed. Measure from the tip of one shoulder (the outermost and highest point of your shoulder blade) to the tip of the other shoulder, keeping a slight curve across your back. Try to keep the tape measure straight.

6. How to Measure Sleeve Length (Especially for Long-Sleeve Tops)

With your arm slightly bent (about a 30-degree angle at the elbow), measure from your shoulder blade (the top of your shoulder blade) along the outside of your elbow to your wrist bone.

Common Mistakes and Tips When Taking Measurements

To get the most accurate results, try to avoid these common mistakes:

Wearing the tape measure too tight or too loose : This is the most common mistake that leads to inaccurate measurements. Make sure the tape measure fits comfortably around your body.
Not keeping the tape measure parallel to the ground : Especially in chest, waist and hip measurements, one side of the tape measure will slide up or down, which will have an impact.
Taking Measurements at the Wrong Points : For example, measuring the waist too close to the hipbone or the chest under the armpit can be misleading. Pay attention to the definitions in the guide.
Poor posture during measurement : Slouching, slouching, or sitting too tall may alter measurements. Maintain a neutral posture.
Taking measurements over thick clothing will cause the results to be larger than the actual values.
Special Note to Ipekci Otantik : Due to the "artistic touch of our masters" and the unique nature of natural materials like linen and muslin, very slight variations of +/- 1 cm may occur in the specified measurements. This is a reflection of the unique character and craftsmanship of each piece. Choosing the right size prevents unnecessary returns, saves you time, and contributes to an environmentally responsible shopping experience.

Size Chart Usage and Tips: Find Your Ipekci Otantik Size

Compare your body measurements with the size chart on the page of the Ipekci Otantik product you wish to purchase. Because each of our products has its own unique fit, we recommend prioritizing product-specific sizing charts over general sizing charts.

Information on Oversize and Loose Cuts : At Ipekci Otantik, we generally favor loose and oversize cuts in our designs, which promote comfort and freedom of movement. It's important to consider this detail when choosing a size. If you prefer a more fitted, body-hugging look, consider sizing down from your usual size. However, the "fit information" in the product descriptions (e.g., loose fit, standard cut, oversize) and the fit of the model will give you the best idea.
Characteristics of Natural Fabrics : Our natural fabrics, such as linen, hemp, and muslin, are known for their breathability and healthiness. Due to their nature, these fabrics retain their shape when used and washed properly.

Please note that this page is a general guide only. For the most accurate results, please consult İpekçi Otantik's custom sizing charts for each product.