How to Measure Jumpsuit Length

Co-authored by Mia Danilowicz and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

Jumpsuits are a really striking fashion statement, but it can be tricky to figure out your exact size. There are a bunch of measurements you have to take, like seeing how long the inseam of your pants is. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to take and record your own measurements, which can help you shop for a jumpsuit that fits you comfortably.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking Basic Measurements

1
Find your inseam by measuring from the top of your inner leg to your ankle. Slip into a pair of pants that fits you comfortably. Take 1 end of your measuring tape and place it at the top of your inner leg near the groin. Extend the tape to your ankle, which will give you an idea of how long the inseam is.^{[1]
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- You may want to ask someone for help with this, as that can help you get a more accurate measurement.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mia Danilowicz
  Master Tailor
  Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}
- Your inseam will help you know how long your jumpsuit needs to be.
2
Loop a soft measuring tape around your bust. Take a length of measuring tape and loop it behind your upper back. Pull the tape across the fullest portion of your bust, then loop the tape back to the starting point. Jot down the measurement so you can remember what your bust size is.^{[3]
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- If you don’t have a significant bust, measure your chest instead. Loop the measuring tape snugly about 1 in (2.5 cm) below your arms to get an exact chest measurement.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mia Danilowicz
  Master Tailor
  Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}
- Since jumpsuits are a full-body garment, you need to factor in multiple measurements.
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3
Measure the thinnest portion of your waistline. Slip on a shirt that fits you comfortably, then find your waistline, or the narrowest section of your waist. Loop a soft measuring tape snugly around your waistline and jot down the resulting measurement. Slip 2 fingers beneath the measuring tape to make sure it’s not too tight.^{[5]
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4
Wrap a soft measuring tape around your hips. Measure about 5 in (13 cm) down from your waistline, or find wherever your hips are the widest. Loop your soft measuring tape around your hips to figure out your exact measurement.^{[6]
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- Your hip and waist measurements are equally important to figuring out your exact jumpsuit size, since it’s a full-body garment.
5
Check the length from your shoulder to wrist to figure out your potential sleeve length. Place the tip of the measuring tape along your shoulder and hold it in place. Drag the rest of the soft measuring tape down to your wrist to figure out how long your sleeves need to be.^{[7]
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- If you’re getting a sleeveless jumpsuit, you don’t need to worry about this.
6
Measure the length of your shoulder to your inner leg. Place 1 end of your measuring tape along your shoulder, keeping it fairly close to the neck. Drag your measuring tape down across your chest, waist, and hips until you reach the top of your inner leg, around the groin area. Take note of this measurement, as it gives you an idea of your overall body length.^{[8]
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- While it’s called a body length measurement, you’re really just measuring your torso.
7
Double-check your height with a measuring tape. Take a soft or metallic measuring tape and see how tall you are. Feel free to ask a friend or family member for help, as this can be a bit tricky on your own.
- Some brands use height to size and categorize their garments.
8
Compare your measurements to a sizing chart. Convert your measurements to a standard size, or check your measurements against sizing charts for specific stores.^{[9]
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Research source} Keep in mind that jumpsuit-specific brands may sort their garments by height, or have special classifications for “petite” and “tall.”^{[10]
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- If you aren’t sure of your exact clothing size, plug your measurements into this site: http://www.sizecharter.com.
- Some brands sell jumpsuits based on a chest to hip ratio while also factoring in your height.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Factoring in Adjustments

1
Add an extra 2 in (5.1 cm) to your hip measurement if you have muscular thighs. If you’re really athletic, a typical sizing chart may not represent you accurately. As you figure out your exact jumpsuit size, factor in an extra 2 in (5.1 cm) to your hip measurement to ensure that your jumpsuit fits really comfortably.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}
2
Adjust your waist and hip measurements if you wear a lot of layers. If you’re planning on wearing long underwear or sanitary napkins beneath your jumpsuit, think about how thick or thin they will be. Add 2 in (5.1 cm) to your hip and waist measurements if your underwear isn’t that thick, and up to 4 in (10 cm) if you’re wearing something longer and thicker.
- If you don’t wear long underwear or use thick sanitary napkins, you don’t have to worry about this.
3
Opt for a longer jumpsuit if you tend to wear your pants low. When figuring out your exact jumpsuit size, add a few inches or centimeters to your height. If you like to wear your pants pretty low, you may want to wear a jumpsuit that’s a size up, which will accommodate your preference.
- Some brands sell jumpsuits based on height. If you’re shopping with this kind of company, purchase a jumpsuit that’s in the height category above your actual height.
4
Choose a taller pantsuit if you wear high-heeled shoes. Think about the shoes you prefer to wear on a daily basis. If you gravitate towards chunky boots, stilettos, pumps, or other shoes, you may want to add an extra 1 to 3 in (2.5 to 7.6 cm) to your usual height measurement.

Expert Q&A

Question

What length should a jumpsuit be?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

That will depend on the design or style of jumpsuit you want to make. Search for a pattern from brands like McCalls, Simplicity, or Vogue to find a ready made pattern. After, you can take the appropriate body measurements based on the design.
Question

Can I take my measurements without a tape measure?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

If you don't have a tape measure, try using a piece of string or ribbon. Tie that around your waist like you would measuring tape. If you have one, you can measure that length with the type of tape measure you can find in a tool box.
Question

Can I take my measurements myself?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

Ideally, you want to have someone do your measurements for you. When taking your measurements yourself, it's possible to do it too tightly because your arms are raised a little bit. It's best to have your arms relaxed at your side, as that will allow your body to relax into the measurement.