How to Measure an Hourglass Shape

Measuring the dimensions of an hourglass figure is necessary for accurate design work.

An hourglass figure refers to a woman who has an equally proportioned bust and hips and a small waist, imitating the figure of an hourglass. If you work in fashion or design, you might require women with such figures for a photo shoot or fashion show and will need to dress them in distinct ensembles. In this case you'll need to measure the proportions of each woman with this type of figure, so that the garments fit her perfectly, ideally accentuating her lovely figure.

Things You'll Need

• Soft tape measure
• Mirror
• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Place the woman or mannequin in front of a full-length mirror.

2. Wrap a tape measure around the bust of the woman or mannequin with the hourglass shape. Ideally the woman should be wearing a bra.

3. Check the mirror to see that the tape measure is making a straight, untwisted line across her back. Write down the measurement.

4. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of the model or mannequin's waist, making sure it makes straight circle. Check the mirror. If you're using a real model, ask her to bend and twist to make sure it is comfortable. Write down the measurement.

5. Wrap the tape measure around the model or mannequin's lower hip area. Use the mirror to check that the tape measure is straight and write down the measurements.

6. Run the tape measure from the inner ankle of the model to just beneath her crotch. This is the inseam. Write down this measurement.

References

• Curvy Counselor: How to Take Body Measurements in Five Simple Steps

Resources

• Epigee: What Shape Are You?