Mama Mane HQ is on Wardandi Country in South West, Western Australia. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
How to Measure Yourself for Curvy + Plus size Clothing
Shopping online for curvy and plus size clothing can feel overwhelming, especially when every brand seems to size differently. The good news is that finding the right fit doesn’t have to be complicated.
At Mama Mane, we’re an Australian curve and plus size boho label, and we always recommend using your body measurements rather than relying on the size printed on the tag. Taking a few minutes to measure yourself can make all the difference in finding pieces you’ll love to wear.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, grab:
- A soft measuring tape
- A mirror (if possible)
- Comfortable, fitted clothing
- A friend to help if you’d like the most accurate measurements
Stand naturally and avoid pulling the tape too tightly. It should sit comfortably against your body without digging in.
If Your Measuring Tape Isn’t Long Enough
If you’re measuring above approximately a size 24, you may find that a standard 150 cm soft measuring tape isn’t quite long enough.
There are two easy solutions:
- Purchase two soft measuring tapes and tape the ends together to create one longer measuring tape.
- Or use a piece of string around two metres long. Wrap the string around yourself, mark where it meets, then measure the string against your measuring tape.
Many women find the string method much easier, especially when measuring themselves without help.
How to Measure Your Bust
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level across your back.
Keep your arms relaxed by your sides and breathe normally while taking the measurement.
How to Measure Your Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist. This is usually just above your belly button and below your rib cage.
Don’t suck your tummy in—the most accurate measurement is your natural measurement.
How to Measure Your Hips and Lower Tummy
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape level all the way around your body.
If your lower tummy (often called a FUPA or apron belly) is wider or fuller than your hips, take that measurement as well. When choosing between sizes, it’s important to consider the widest part of your body, as this is often what determines the most comfortable fit.
Having both measurements will help you compare them with the garment measurements and choose the size that’s right for you.
Measuring Your Upper Arm
If you’re shopping for tops or dresses with sleeves, measuring around the fullest part of your upper arm can also be helpful.
Not every clothing brand designs with upper arm comfort in mind, so this measurement can make a big difference when choosing the right fit.
Measure a Garment You Already Love
One of the easiest ways to choose the right size is to measure a dress or garment you already own and love the fit of.
Lay it flat and compare those measurements with the garment measurements provided on the product page. If you already love how that garment fits, comparing it to another garment is often one of the most accurate ways to choose your size.
Why Knowing Your Measurements Matters
Women’s clothing sizes are incredibly inconsistent. You might wear one size in one brand and something completely different in another.
Knowing your measurements removes the guesswork and makes shopping much less frustrating.
It’s especially important now because many retailers no longer stock their full curve and plus size ranges in-store. Even if you visit a physical shop, your size may not be available to try on, meaning online shopping has become the only option for many women.
Having your measurements ready allows you to compare them with a garment’s measurements and shop with much more confidence.
How Mama Mane Sizing Works
At Mama Mane, we don’t simply grade up straight-size patterns. We design specifically for curves from the very beginning.
Every garment is designed specifically for curves, taking into consideration bust, tummy, hips, thighs and upper arms to create a comfortable fit that works with your body, not against it.
Our garments are designed in Australian sizes 12–26 because we believe curvy women deserve clothing that has been designed for curves from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size up or down if I’m between sizes?
This depends on how you like your clothing to fit. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, sizing up may be the better option. If the garment has been designed with generous ease, your usual size is often the best choice.
Why am I different sizes in different brands?
Every clothing brand develops its own sizing, fit model and grading. This is why body measurements are much more reliable than relying on the number printed on a clothing label.
How often should I measure myself?
It’s a good idea to check your measurements every few months, particularly if your body has changed or you’re shopping for a new style.
Shop with Confidence at Mama Mane
Knowing your measurements is one of the simplest ways to make shopping for curvy and plus size clothing easier.
At Mama Mane, we design Australian curve and plus size boho fashion that celebrates curves, prioritises comfort and helps women feel confident in what they wear.
