Practical Tip: Measure Your Body and Use Those Measurements Instead of Your “Usual Size” (Assalamu alaikum)

Assalamu alaikum everyone - small tip that changed how I shop. It’s simple but so helpful, especially for women. If you’re a man and know important measurements I missed, please share in the comments, jazakAllah khair! Get a soft tape measure (or use a piece of ribbon and a ruler). Record these measurements and save them on your phone: A) shoulder to shoulder - useful for jackets and tops B) bust - measure once at the fullest point and once just under the breast (the fullest is what clothing uses) C) waist - usually just above the belly button, the narrowest part D) hips - the widest part E) thigh - circumference of the fullest part of the thigh F) inseam - from floor to crotch G) rise - from belly button to the bottom of the crotch H) shoulder-to-hip length - sometimes useful for dress lengths When you shop online, don’t pick the size you usually wear. Compare your saved measurements to the store’s size chart and pick the size that most closely matches your body measurements. That’s what actually determines fit, and every brand and cut is different. A few extra pointers from my experience: - If you’re between sizes, size down when the fabric has stretch and size up when it doesn’t. If you’re exactly in a size, stick with it. - If one area is more prominent than another, choose the size that accommodates the part that would bother you most if it were tight (for many it’s the waist; for others the bust or hips). - Rise measurements aren’t always listed, but knowing your rise helps you decide if a low, mid, or high cut will sit right. - Bras are very shape-dependent - cup shape and band size matter more than the number alone. I went from a 38 B/C to a 34 D after body changes; fitting matters. - For undergarments like no-shows, some have less binding so I sometimes size down, but comfort is the priority. - Thigh measurement is especially important for pants and jeans - it helps you see if a brand suits a curvier or straighter shape. I lost a lot of weight this year and relying on my measurements instead of a vague “size” was how I finally got clothes that fit. Hope this helps someone. BarakAllahu feekum!