How to take model measurements: height, bust, waist and hips

Measurements are the most requested part of a model card. Brands and stylists prepare clothes, shoes and the shoot plan around them. Wrong or out-of-date numbers mean missing sizes on the day, lost time and lost trust. This guide shows how to take accurate measurements at home, step by step.

What you need

• A soft tape measure that doesn't stretch
• A full-length mirror or someone to help
• Thin, close-fitting clothes (or measure over underwear)
• A flat floor and no shoes

Measuring in the morning, when you're relaxed, gives the most consistent results. Keep the tape snug against the body but not tight.

Height

Stand straight without shoes, with your back and heels against a wall. Place a flat object (a book works) on your head, mark where it touches the wall and measure from the floor to the mark. Write it in centimetres and don't round up.

Bust / chest

Stand relaxed with your arms by your sides. Run the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level across your back. Don't hold your breath or push your chest out.

Waist

Find the narrowest part of your waist — usually a little above the belly button. Measure without pulling your stomach in, keeping the tape level.

Hips

Stand with your feet together. Run the tape around the widest part of your hips, level with the floor. Check in the mirror from the side that the tape hasn't slipped.

Clothing and shoe size

• Clothing size: the size you wear most often (e.g. S, M or EU 36, 38). Sizes vary between brands, so your measurements matter more.
• Shoes: use the EU size (e.g. 38, 42) and mention half sizes.

Hair and eye colour

Write your current hair colour. If you dye or cut your hair, update it along with your measurements. Keep eye colour simple: brown, hazel, green, blue, grey.

Common mistakes

• Using old numbers: bodies change with weight, training and age. Re-measure every few months.
• "Improving" the numbers: if the clothes don't fit on the day, you're the one who loses out. Real numbers build trust.
• Measuring over thick clothes: it adds a few centimetres.
• Tilting the tape: especially common on hips.

How measurements work on CastLyra

When you fill in your model card during the application, only our team sees your measurements at first. You decide whether they appear on your public profile by ticking a separate consent. You can update them at any time.

Start your application or read the application photo guide first.