How it works
The bust is measured at its fullest point, the waist at its narrowest, the hips at the fullest part of the seat. For men, chest, waist, neck, sleeve and inside leg are often taken.
Measurements appear on the comp card and the agency website in centimetres, in the US in inches. They must be accurate and current, because clients book and prepare clothes by them.
Measurements are not a measure of beauty but working data, like a size in a shop. Health always matters more than a number, and a fair agency never asks you to sacrifice it.
In practice
The agency measures a model: height 177 cm, bust 82, waist 61, hips 89, shoes 39, green eyes, light brown hair. The figures go on her comp card and the website. Six months later the agency measures again and corrects the hip figure, so a client booking from the card is not disappointed.
What to watch for
- Use a soft tape, not pulled too tight.
- Update your measurements every few months and tell your agency.
- Measure yourself honestly before a trip on a guaranteed contract.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01How do you measure correctly?
Bust at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest, hips at the fullest part of the seat, standing straight and relaxed.
02Do measurements have to be particular numbers?
For the runway, clients look for proportions that fit sample garments. Commercial work uses all kinds of figures.