Terms & glossary

The measurement taken around the fullest part of the upper arm, used to check and adjust the fit of a sleeve pattern.

The set of measurements taken directly from a person's body, such as bust, waist, and hip circumference, used to choose or draft a pattern size.

The width measured straight across the upper back from one armhole seam to the other, used to check the fit of a garment's shoulders and back.

The actual dimensions of a completed garment, including all built-in ease, as opposed to the raw body measurements the pattern was originally drafted around.

A measurement taken horizontally around the body at the fullest, most projecting point of the bust, one of the core measurements used to choose pattern size.

A measurement taken around the ribcage just above the fullest part of the bust, often used instead of full bust to choose a bodice pattern size.

The measurement of a pant leg from the crotch seam down to the desired hem, taken along the inner leg seam.

The measurement of a pant leg from the waistband down to the hem, taken along the outer leg seam rather than the inner one.

The vertical measurement of a pair of pants from the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband, split into front rise and back rise.

A generalized set of body measurements assigned to numbered sizes by a particular pattern company, which can vary noticeably from one brand to another.

The measurement taken from the base of the neck down through the crotch, used especially to fit bodysuits, leotards, and swimwear correctly.

The industry practice of labeling ready-to-wear garments with smaller size numbers than their actual measurements would traditionally indicate, to flatter shoppers.

The measurement taken across the back from wrist to wrist with both arms outstretched, occasionally used to check sleeve and shoulder width in a pattern.

The measurement taken from the neckline down to the point where a shoulder yoke seam sits on a shirt or dress pattern.