How to Measure for the Right Size Bust With arms relaxed down at sides, measure around fullest part of bust, under arms keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Chest With arms relaxed down at sides, measure chest just under arms, across shoulder blades keeping tape parallel to the floor. Dress Length Measure from highest point of shoulder down. Hips With feet together, measure around the fullest part of the body at the top of the legs. Please note: hips are about 8" below natural waist. (Petite 7½" below; Regular 8" below; Tall 8½" below.) Waist Bend to one side—the natural crease that appears is your waist. Stand straight, measure around natural waistline, careful not to pull the tape too tight. Sleeve With arm relaxed at side and elbow slightly bent, measure from center back of neck, over point of shoulder, and down outside of arm past elbow to wrist. (Ask a friend to help you.)