How to measure a garment for a POM table
7 min read
Most fit disputes are measuring disputes. Two people measuring the same garment differently will both be "right", so the POM table must say exactly how.
Ground rules
- Lay the garment flat on a table, buttoned or zipped, smoothed but not stretched.
- Knits are measured relaxed. If you also need an extended measurement (waistbands, cuffs), add it as a separate POM.
- Use a soft tape on curves and a straight edge on straight lines. Write which one in "How to measure" when it matters, for example armhole straight versus armhole curved.
- State the unit once for the whole pack and do not mix inches and centimetres.
Half measurements
Chest, waist, hip and sweep are usually measured edge to edge across the flat garment, which is half the circumference. Mark them with "(½)" in the description so nobody doubles or halves them by mistake.
Reference points
- HPS (high point shoulder): where the shoulder seam meets the neckline. Body length, neck drop and many placements are measured from here.
- CB / CF: centre back and centre front. Shirts are often measured CB from the collar seam.
- Shoulder point: where the shoulder seam meets the armhole. Sleeve length is measured from here unless stated.
Common mistakes
- Chest measured "at armhole" instead of 1 inch below it: the difference is often half an inch or more.
- Sleeve length from CB on one sample and from the shoulder point on the next.
- Rise measured with or without the waistband, not stated.
- Measuring a knit while it is stretched on the table.
Make this faster in the studio. Tech Pack Studio loads standard POMs, tolerances and grade rules for 42 garments and draws the flats from them. Start free.