It’s a digital world, and things are certainly changing in the retail industry! Online shopping has soared to new heights, but customers are frequently frustrated with how to determine what size they should buy.

We’ve decided to take the mystery out of online shopping and prepare a simple guide for you on how to take measurements so that you can shop online with confidence!

1. For the most accurate results, have someone else measure you. If there is no one available to help, you can always go to a tailor to get properly measured as well!
2. Always use a cloth measuring tape (if you don’t have one, use a string and cut it to the exact length. Then line the string up against a ruler or builder’s tape measure).
3. Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments.  However, close-fitting clothing will be fine. Do NOT measure yourself wearing jeans, sweats, or other bulky clothing.  It DOES make a difference!
4. Wear proper undergarments including a bra that you would plan to wear under the outfit.
5. Make sure the tape measure is held snugly and firmly (but not too tight) against your body and is parallel to the floor.
6. Try taking a deep breath, sitting down and standing back up to check that the tape isn’t constricting you as you move and breathe — this ensures that clothing of that size won't be too tight.
7. Don’t trust your memory (we’ve all been there!) – write your measurements down!

Which measurements to take:

Bust:

Measure around the fullest part of the bust. This measurement is taken above the band of your bra, and may not be the same as your bra size. Place the end of the measuring tape on the front of your chest at the widest point. Going under your arms, wrap the measuring tape around your back, making sure it doesn't twist up. Pull it taut so it's horizontal around your body. Try to pull your arms down over the tape and take the measurement.

Waist:

Most size charts say "waist" to refer to your natural waist, which is not at your belly button. To find your natural waist, stand straight up and bend side to side, finding where your body creases. For many, it is the smallest point, but it may not be! Make sure the tape measure is flat around your body, and then take the measurement in front.

Hip:

The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of the hips (around your bottom!). Do not take this measurement around the waistband of your clothing, or where your hands fall when you "put your hands on your hips."   Wrap the tape around your body, keep the tape horizontal and flat against your body, and then take the measurement in front where the measuring tape meets itself. It is helpful to stand with your legs about 6 inches apart.

Pro tip: Remember to sit down and stand up while taking your hip measurements to make sure you're not pulling the tape too tight. This will prevent that all too common issue where pants fit perfectly when standing up, but as soon as you sit down, they dig in and are uncomfortable.

Sleeve:

With your arm down at a slight angle, place the end of the tape measure at the tip of your shoulder and measure down to your wrist.

Pro tip: Get help for this one; it’s hard to do yourself.

Length/ Highest Shoulder Point (HSP): This measurement is taken from the highest shoulder point down to the hem.

Inseam: This measurement runs from your crotch down to where you want your pants to fall on your ankle. If you wear heels sometimes, you may want to take a second measurement if you'd like to wear your pants longer.

Pro tip: You can also take a measurement from a pair of pants that fits you well in length.

PLEASE NOTE: Many of the brands we carry at Shepherd’s Fashions use “flat lay” measurements. In this case, the garment is measured while laid on a flat surface, rather than the measurements representing measurements done on a person’s body. Please be careful to read and understand each size chart so that you know what it represents. As well, due to the manufacturing process each garment could measure up to ¼” more or less than indicated on the size chart. This is normal and to be expected.

Our expert team of stylists and customer service team are available to help via email, phone or chat and are happy to assist you in finding the correct size.

If you watch our videos and relate well to the size and shape of a particular model you can always check the size they wear as indicated in each product. Further, you can click on the model name in any product description to see their sizing, body shape and style personality to help you make your decision.

We do our best to give as much information as possible to help you make your sizing decisions and offer worry free refunds up to 14 days!

Our final parting words are these: try not to get discouraged — it may take trial and error to find the perfect fit!

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