Guide
Points of measure (POM): how to measure a garment
Points of measure are the agreed places where a garment is measured. With the same points on your size chart and on the sample, you and your manufacturer can check the fit with numbers instead of opinions.
- Diagrams with letters
- Tops and bottoms
- Half vs full measurements
Before you measure
- Lay the garment flat on a table, buttoned or zipped, without stretching it.
- Widths are half measurements: measure across the front from side to side. A chest width of 55 cm means 110 cm around.
- Lengths are measured from a fixed point, usually the high point shoulder (HPS): where the shoulder seam meets the neckline.
- Use centimeters and write one decimal at most (55.5).
- Measure a garment you like whenever you can: it is the most reliable starting point for a new style.
Points of measure for t-shirts and tops
The letters match the drawing above. Hoodies and sweatshirts use the same points, plus hood height and width, rib and cuff heights.
| Point of measure | How to measure | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Body length | From the high point shoulder straight down to the hem. |
| B | Chest width | Side to side, 1 cm below the armholes. |
| C | Bottom width | Side to side along the hem. |
| D | Shoulder width | From shoulder point to shoulder point, across the back. |
| E | Sleeve length | From the shoulder point along the top of the sleeve to the sleeve end. |
| F | Sleeve opening | Across the sleeve end, laid flat. |
| G | Neck width | From neck seam to neck seam, across the top. |
| H | Front neck drop | From the line between the high point shoulders down to the front neck seam. |
Points of measure for pants
The letters match the pants drawing above.
| Point of measure | How to measure | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Waist width | Side to side along the top of the waistband, relaxed. |
| B | Hip width | Side to side at the widest point, usually 18–20 cm below the waist. |
| C | Front rise | From the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband at the front. |
| D | Back rise | From the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband at the back. |
| E | Inseam | From the crotch down the inside leg seam to the hem. |
| F | Thigh width | Across the leg, 2.5 cm below the crotch. |
| G | Knee width | Across the leg at the knee, usually halfway down the inseam. |
| H | Leg opening | Across the hem, laid flat. |
| I | Waistband height | From the top of the waistband to its lower seam. |
Tolerances
A tolerance is how much a finished garment may differ from the size chart and still pass. Small points such as neck drop or cuff height usually allow ±0.5 cm; lengths and widths around ±1 to ±2 cm, depending on the fabric. Knits stretch, so their tolerances tend to be a little wider than for woven fabrics. Agree on tolerances with your manufacturer before the sample.
Points of measure in our tech pack builder
Our free tech pack builder gives every product a starting size chart with its points of measure and shows them with letters on your sketch. You can keep the starting chart, enter your own measurements or let our pattern team propose them; the sketch follows your measurements, so a cropped or longline style looks like one.
Make your tech pack online, free
Describe your product or upload a photo. Sketches, size chart and bill of materials are filled in for you, and our pattern team reviews the result.
Open the free tech pack builderFrequently asked questions
Why are widths written as half measurements?+
Because the garment is measured laid flat, from side to side. Half measurements are the common way in tech packs; if you have circumference measurements, divide them by two and say so.
What is the high point shoulder (HPS)?+
The point where the shoulder seam meets the neckline. Body lengths of tops and dresses are usually measured from there.
Do I need every point of measure for a first sample?+
The main ones are enough to start: length, chest or hip, shoulder and sleeve for tops; waist, hip, rise, inseam and leg opening for pants. Our pattern team completes the rest.
Can you take the measurements from a garment I send?+
Yes. Send us a garment whose fit you like and our pattern team can take its measurements and pattern.
Questions about your tech pack?
Send us your tech pack, sketch or idea. We reply within one business day.
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