When you’re starting out in the modelling industry, it’s easy to focus all your energy on the exciting stuff: booking photo shoots, practicing your runway walk, and mastering your poses. But none of that’s much use without one crucial bit of admin: knowing your exact measurements, or “stats.”
Casting directors and designers need spot-on measurements to make sure clothes fit perfectly. If you give them incorrect sizes, you risk turning up to a set only to find the wardrobe doesn’t fit, which isn’t a great look in any sense.
Learning how to take body measurements accurately may not be the most thrilling part of being a model, but it’s an essential skill for every aspiring talent. Here’s a closer look at why these numbers matter, how to take measurements from home, and where to showcase them to land your next big gig.
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In the fashion and commercial industries, model measurements are treated like a blueprint. Designers create garments based on specific sample sizes. When a casting notice goes out, the team is looking for a canvas that matches those garments perfectly to save time and money on alterations. Giving incorrect measurements is a bit like advertising a house with the wrong number of rooms!
Having accurate figures ready to go shows agencies and clients that you’re professional, reliable, and serious about your career. Whether you’re aiming for high-fashion runways or commercial print campaigns, keeping your stats updated is non-negotiable.
First things first: You need to gather the right tools for the job. A metal tape measure isn’t the best option here, because it’s inflexible and won’t contour to your body. Instead, use a soft fabric or plastic tailor’s tape measure and a full-length mirror, and have a notepad or phone handy to record your figures. You may want someone else with you to help with things like keeping the measuring tape flush to your body, taking your back measurements, and marking your height.
Always take your measurements wearing tight-fitting underwear or swimwear. Avoid padded bras or baggy clothes, because they could add a few inches to your numbers. Stand up straight, breathe normally, and don’t pull the tape measure too tight. It should sit snugly against your skin without digging in.
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Height
Your height is one of the most important stats to know, because it will influence which markets suit you best. To measure your height, stand barefoot with your heels, buttocks, and upper back flat against a wall. Look straight ahead. Have a helper on hand to place a flat object (like a book) on top of your head, parallel to the floor, and mark the wall lightly with a pencil where the bottom of the book touches the wall. If you’re on your own, you’ll need to put your agility to the test and step away from the wall while holding the book firmly in place. Then use your tape to measure from the floor to the mark.
Bust or chest
Bust: Place the tape measure across the fullest part of your bust, wrapping it around your back and underneath your armpits. Make sure the tape is level all the way around.
Chest: Wrap the tape around the broadest part of your chest, typically just under the armpits and across the nipples, while keeping your arms relaxed by your sides.
Waist
Your natural waistline is the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or two above your belly button. If you lean to one side, the crease that forms is your natural waist and where you should wrap the tape measure. Breathe naturally and try not to suck in your stomach, or you could end up having to hold your breath during future shoots!
Hips
Stand with your heels together and wrap the tape measure around the widest, fullest part of your hips and buttocks. It’s a common mistake to measure around the hip bones, but capturing the widest point is vital for clothes to slip on effortlessly.
Neck
Wrap the tape around the base of your neck, where a shirt collar sits. Take extra care not to pull it too tight so you don’t constrict your airways, and never tie the tape around this part of your body.
Inseam
Your inseam runs from your crotch down the inside of your leg to the ankle bone. Just like the word suggests, it’s where you’d find the inside seam on your trousers.
Every division of the modelling world has different expectations. High-fashion or editorial models, for example, traditionally need to have quite specific ratios, while commercial, fitness, and plus-size modelling offer more flexibility.
If you don’t feel like you fit neatly into any category, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your dream career. The industry is more inclusive than it once was, and there’s a demand for a diverse range of body types across commercial and digital media.
Once you have your figures written down, it’s time to put them to work. Place them somewhere in your modelling portfolio where casting directors can find them immediately, like the very first page.
They’ll also live on your composite (comp) card, which acts as your industry business card. It features your best photos on the front, and your stats – including body measurements, shoe size, eye colour, and hair colour – on the back. Always bring physical copies of your comp card to auditions. Even if a casting director looks at your digital profile, they’ll often keep your physical card to make notes on during the day.
Make sure you update your measurements on any online profiles on casting platforms, too, especially if your body changes suddenly because of augmentation, pregnancy, or anything else.
Having your measurements sorted is a major step toward booking professional work. Armed with your stats, a polished portfolio, and a stellar comp card, you’re fully equipped to step into casting rooms with confidence.
