The usage of Standard Measuring Positions is very important during the

measurements inspection procedure because it will ensure avoiding of many

mistakes and misunderstandings between suppliers and customers (buyers)
The most of the faults that appear in the measurements inspection process are
result of the suppliers and customers using different measuring positions, which
will implicate giving different measuring results at both sides. In order to avoid
this kind of problems, suppliers and customers need to use same standard
measuring positions.

The Standard Measuring Positions are graphically presented on figures 1, 2 and 3.

The measuring positions are marked with letter symbols and every symbol is
additionally explained.
 Figure 1. Sketch of standard measuring positions for a. blazer men/boys, b. waistcoat men/boys

Table-1: Code Definitions for the Standard Measuring Positions for Blazer
Men/Boys
A4 ½ Chest
 Measure flat, straight across front of garment 1"/2,5 cm
down from lowest point of armhole from edge to edge.
Dist.A8 Waist Height Front from HPS
Define distance straight down from HPS
A8 ½ Waist
Define distance straight down from HPS and measure flat,
straight across garment from edge to edge.
A13 Shoulder Length
Measure along natural shoulder the distance from HPS to
highest point of armhole excluding trims.
B1 Across Shoulder
Measure flat, straight across front from highest point of
armhole to highest point of armhole.
B6 Centre Back Length
Measure straight down from centre back neckline point to
bottom of garment.
C9 ½ Sleeve Opening
Measure flat, straight across finished edge of sleeve from
edge to edge.
C12 Sleeve Length from Shoulder
Measure along folded edge of sleeve from highest point of
armhole to bottom of sleeve, including cuff.

Table 2: Code Definitions for the Standard Measuring Positions for Waistcoat
Men/Boys
A4 ½ Chest
Measure flat, straight across front of garment 1"/2,5 cm
down from lowest point of armhole from edge to edge.
Dist.A8 Waist Height Front from HPS
Define distance straight down from HPS
A8 ½ Waist
Define distance straight down from HPS and measure flat,
straight across garment from edge to edge
A13 Shoulder Length
 Measure along natural shoulder the distance from HPS to
highest point of armhole excluding trims.
B1 Across Shoulder
Measure flat, straight across front from highest point of
armhole to highest point of armhole.
B6 Centre Back Length
Measure straight down from centre back neckline point to
bottom of garment.
C4 Armhole Straight
Place front armhole curved and measure the straight line
between highest and lowest point of armhole.
D2 Neck Width Inside
Measure flat, straight across neck opening from edge to
edge excluding trimming or piping.

Figure 2. Sketch of standard measuring positions for shirts

Table 3: Code Definitions for the Standard Measuring Positions for Shirts
A4 ½ Chest
Measure flat, straight across front of garment 1"/2,5 cm
down from lowest point of armhole from edge to edge.
Dist.A8 Waist Height Front from HPS
Define distance straight down from HPS
A8 ½ Waist
Define distance straight down from HPS and measure flat,
straight across garment from edge to edge
A13 Shoulder Length
Measure along natural shoulder the distance from HPS to
highest point of armhole excluding trims.
B6 Centre Back Length
Measure straight down from centre back neckline point to
bottom of garment.
C10 Total Cuff Opening
Take measurement with cuff open and measure flat and
straight from centre of button to end of buttonhole.
For a double cuff / French style cuff opening, measure flat
and straight from end of buttonhole to end of buttonhole.
C12 Sleeve Length from Shoulder
Measure along folded edge of sleeve from highest point of
armhole to bottom of sleeve, including cuff.
C20 ½ Upper Arm
Measure flat, straight across sleeve 1 cm down from lowest
point of armhole parallel to sleeve/cuff opening from edge
to edge.
D5 Collar Stand Opening
Measure straight along collar stand from centre of button to
end of buttonhole.
 Figure 3: Sketch of standard measuring positions for Jeans, Trousers/ Casual Trousers

Table 4: Code Definitions for the Standard Measuring Positions for Jeans
Trousers/Casual Trousers
H1 ½ Waist
Place top edges even at waist and measure along the top
edge following the shape of waistband.
Dist.H10 Low Hip Below Waistband
Define distance straight down below waistband.
H10 ½ Low Hip
Define distance down from waistband seam at centre front
and at side edges. Measure hip by pivoting tape between
these three defined points, waist is lying naturally.
Dist.H11 Low Hip from Top of Waist
Define distance straight down from top of waist
H11 ½ Low Hip
 Define distance down from top of waist at centre front and
at side edges. Measure hip by pivoting tape between these
three defined points, waist is lying naturally.
I1 Front Rise Below Waistband
Measure down from waistband seam following curve of
front rise seam to crotch seam.
I2 Front Rise from Top of Waist
Measure down from top of waist of garment following
curve of front rise seam to crotch seam.
I3 Back Rise Below Waistband
Measure down from waistband seam following curve of
back rise seam to crotch seam.
I4 Back Rise from Top of Waist
Measure down from top of waist of garment following
curve of back rise seam to crotch seam.
J1 ½ Thigh
Measure flat, straight across front leg at lowest point of rise
seam from edge to edge parallel to the leg opening.
J3 Inseam
Measure down from rise crotch seam to bottom of
garment, following curve of inseam.
J6 ½ Leg Opening
Measure flat, straight across at bottom of garment from
edge to edge.

The same standard measuring positions should be used by all of the sides
involved in the apparel supply chain process and during all the stadiums of
production, starting from product development, first sample approval, size set
approval till the final QC inspection of the finished goods.

What if during the final inspection of the finished order we detect measurements
that are out of tolerance?

In addition, the Measurements Inspection Procedure for finished goods is

presented. The table on figure 4 can be used.
 Figure 4. Measurements Inspection Table
Measurements Inspection Procedure:

1. Specify the name of the QC inspector, date of the inspection and

supplier name.
2. Specify the order number, color, quantity and delivery date.
3. Specify the sizes that need to be measured, the code (symbol) for
every measuring position and measurement in cm (inch).
4. Specify the tolerance limit for every measurement.
5. When going do the measuring, use 12 fields (3 rows and 4 columns)
for every size (see Fig.4).
6. Measure the first 4 pieces and if the measurement is correct than
mark with √ into the empty field, but if the measurement is bigger or
smaller, than mark +/- to show how many cm is the difference than the
required one.
7. If there is no measurements out of tolerance, than continue with the
next size, but if there are measurements out of tolerance, than measure
another 4 pieces from the same size. If there are more pieces with
measurements out of tolerance, than repeat the same procedure third
 time. If there are still peaces with measurements out of tolerance, than
after the third time the order needs to be blocked and repaired.
8. The problem should be explained in the field for comments and the
possible problem solving solution should be proposed. Until the next
inspection, the sign FAIL in the report needs to be marked.

Note: If needed, I can provide the Standard Measuring Positions for other types of
apparel products.