Lay the garment flat, smooth it without stretching, and describe exactly where each measurement starts and ends. Keep the labelled size in the listing as well. A size label and a tape measurement answer different questions.
Depop recommends including measurements and fit notes. eBay also includes measurements in its listing description guidance. The method below is a practical routine for used clothing, rather than a universal tailoring standard.
Set up a flat measuring area
Use a clean table, a flexible tape measure and enough space to lay the item out fully. Close the buttons or zip as the garment would normally be worn. Smooth folds without pulling the fabric taut.
Check the tape starts at zero and lies straight. Remeasure any surprising number before copying it into the advert. Keep each garment with its notes so measurements from similar items do not get mixed up.
Print the relevant measurement reference sheet to keep beside your photo area.
Measure tops, shirts and jackets
For a typical top with shoulder seams, record these four measurements:
| Measurement | Where to put the tape | How to label it |
|---|---|---|
| Chest width | Across the front from armpit to armpit | Pit to pit, measured flat |
| Length | Highest shoulder point beside the neck to the hem | Shoulder to hem |
| Shoulder width | Across the back between shoulder seams | Shoulder seam to seam |
| Sleeve length | Shoulder seam along the sleeve to the cuff | Shoulder seam to cuff |
A raglan sleeve has no conventional shoulder seam. You can measure from the neckline to the cuff instead, but name that method in the description. For a curved or uneven hem, say whether the length is at the front or back.
Understand pit to pit versus chest circumference
If a shirt measures 52 cm across the front from armpit to armpit, list “Pit to pit: approximately 52 cm, measured flat.” Do not call that a 52 cm chest circumference.
Twice the flat width is approximately 104 cm around the garment. It is not a promise that it fits a person with a 104 cm chest: cut, fabric and room for movement still matter. Encourage buyers to compare the measurement with a similar garment that fits them well.
Measure jeans and trousers
Fasten the waistband and lay the trousers flat. Avoid forcing a shaped waistband into an unnatural straight line.
- Waist width: across the waistband, side to side, with the method stated.
- Front rise: from the crotch seam up to the top of the front waistband.
- Inseam: along the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem.
- Outside length: from the top of the waistband down the outside to the hem.
- Leg opening: across the bottom of one leg, measured flat.
Keep a tagged size such as W30 L32 separate from the tape measurements. Used jeans may have been hemmed or shrunk. If the actual inseam differs from the label, show both and describe any visible alteration.
For an elasticated waist, give the relaxed flat width. If you add a gently stretched width, label it separately and avoid pulling the elastic to its limit.
Measure dresses and skirts
For a dress, useful measurements include pit to pit, waist width and shoulder-to-hem length. Measure across the garment at its waist seam where there is one; otherwise explain where you took the waist measurement.
For a skirt, record the waistband width and waistband-to-hem length. A fitted skirt may also benefit from a hip-width measurement: state how far below the waistband you measured it so a buyer can repeat the comparison.
With adjustable straps, record the strap setting used. For asymmetric hems, give the shortest and longest lengths rather than one unexplained number.
Copy measurements into a clear listing note
This example describes an imaginary shirt. Replace every detail with your own measurements:
Labelled size M. Approximate garment measurements, laid flat without stretching: pit to pit 52 cm; shoulder to front hem 68 cm; shoulder seam to seam 43 cm; shoulder seam to cuff 60 cm. Please compare with a similar shirt you own.
Use centimetres consistently. If adding inches, divide centimetres by 2.54 and label the conversion. Avoid giving extra decimal places that suggest more precision than your measuring method supports.
Photograph the measurement and check both listings
For an unusual fit or disputed label size, a photo showing the tape’s start and end points can clarify the method. Keep the tape readable and include useful written measurements too. Use the phone photography guide for the rest of the photo set.
When cross-listing with Listalong, review the measurements in the resulting advert along with the size fields and condition notes. If you correct a measurement later, inspect both live listings for consistency.
Prepared 4 November 2026. Measurements help buyers compare garments; they cannot guarantee fit.
Frequently asked questions
Do you double pit-to-pit measurements?
Record pit-to-pit as the flat width. Doubling it gives an approximate garment circumference, not the wearer’s body measurement. State clearly which number you are supplying.
Should clothing measurements be in centimetres or inches?
Centimetres are a useful default for Australian listings. Add inches if helpful for your buyers, using 1 inch equals 2.54 centimetres and clearly labelling both units.
Can I use a brand size chart for used clothes?
A brand chart can provide context, but measure the actual garment. Washing, alterations and wear can change its dimensions. Keep the labelled size separate from your measurements.