How do I measure an article of clothing?

I bought a dress online over the summer. Turns out it's too big on me,
but I couldn't return it, so I was thinking of selling it on Ebay. I
notice most people provide measurements for the clothing they sell, but
I'll admit I have no idea how to measure an article of clothing! Can
anyone help?

mjoann...

The best thing I can say is- in this case, more is better. Sure, there
may be a correct way to measure clothing, but not everyone on e-Bay may
understand the "right" way. Without being ridiculous, you should give
multiple measurements. Clothing sales can often turn nasty when the
buyer and seller interpret their measurements different ways. I
personally prefer to see the full bust, waist and hip measurement from
all the way around the item. The length is necessary for skirts, pants
and shorts, etc.

Some sellers lay the item flat and measure from side to side, while
others just give a general size. It is never safe to just give the size!
You may get lucky and have a customer who understands that clothing
sizes vary between brands, but you might not.

ellabella...

I second the motion of providing all measurements. Hip measurements in
particular are often left out but are crucial for pants, skirts and
dresses. For your dress, it would be good to provide the shoulder
measurement as well (seam to seam) as that is important to how well the
dress hangs.

Trianna...

Lay the garment flat on a table or bed. Use a cloth tape measure, not
a ruler.

Okay, now here are the measurements I provide, and that I want from
sellers, on eBay:

Length--back collar to hem

Width at bustline, side to side

Width at waistline, side to side

Width at widest part of hips, side to side

Width at hemline, side to side

Sleeves--underarm seam to end (more reliable than shoulder seam to end,
because some garments have dropped shoulders).

If there are tailored shoulders, width shoulder seam to shoulder seam
is useful.

If there is a defined waistline, length from shoulder seam to waist is
useful.

Hope this helps!

cofarb...

When I'm selling something that fits me, I have someone take some photos of
me wearing the garment. (I obscure my face or crop my head from the
photos.) In addition to the measurements taken while the garment is lying
flat, I also say something like, "The model is 5'1" tall, 100 lbs."