How to measure for iro and buba

The 6 measurements a tailor takes for iro and buba, in the order they're usually taken. Each shows where the tape starts and stops (or where it sits), with a picture and one tip. Use it at the fitting, or send it to a client to measure themselves at home.

01
Bust
Round the fullest part of the bust.
Close-up
Tape goes · Across the nipples, the fullest part of the bust
Tip: Wear the bra you'll wear under the outfit. Tape level across the back.
02
Waist
Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.
Close-up
Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button
Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.
03
Hip
Round the fullest part of the hips and bottom.
Close-up
Tape goes · The widest part of the hips, over the fullest part of the bottom
Tip: Feet together. Look in a mirror to check the tape is level.
04
Shoulder
Across the back, from one shoulder edge to the other.
Close-up
Start · The bony point where the left shoulder meets the arm
End · The same point on the right shoulder
Tip: Measure across the back, not the chest. Arms relaxed by your sides.
05
Sleeve
From the shoulder edge, down the outside of the arm, to the wrist.
Close-up
Start · The bony point where the shoulder meets the arm
End · The wrist bone, or where you want the sleeve to end
Tip: Bend the arm a little, as if holding a bag. That adds the room you need.
06
Round arm
Round the fullest part of the upper arm.
Close-up
Tape goes · The thickest part of the upper arm, between shoulder and elbow
Tip: Arm relaxed by your side, not flexed.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for iro and buba?

6: Bust, Waist, Hip, Shoulder, Sleeve, Round arm. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

Yes, with a soft tape and a mirror, though a second person makes the lengths and the back easier. Stand straight and relaxed, don't hold your breath, and keep the tape snug but not tight. Your tailor will check them at the first fitting.

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free

How to measure for iro and buba

Bust

Round the fullest part of the bust.

Close-up

Tape goes · Across the nipples, the fullest part of the bust

Tip: Wear the bra you'll wear under the outfit. Tape level across the back.

Waist

Round your natural waist, the narrowest part.

Close-up

Tape goes · The narrowest part of the body, usually just above the belly button

Tip: Breathe out normally and don't hold your tummy in.

Hip

Round the fullest part of the hips and bottom.

Close-up

Tape goes · The widest part of the hips, over the fullest part of the bottom

Tip: Feet together. Look in a mirror to check the tape is level.

Shoulder

Across the back, from one shoulder edge to the other.

Close-up

Start · The bony point where the left shoulder meets the arm

End · The same point on the right shoulder

Tip: Measure across the back, not the chest. Arms relaxed by your sides.

Sleeve

From the shoulder edge, down the outside of the arm, to the wrist.

Close-up

Start · The bony point where the shoulder meets the arm

End · The wrist bone, or where you want the sleeve to end

Tip: Bend the arm a little, as if holding a bag. That adds the room you need.

Round arm

Round the fullest part of the upper arm.

Close-up

Tape goes · The thickest part of the upper arm, between shoulder and elbow

Tip: Arm relaxed by your side, not flexed.

Before you start

Use a soft tailor's tape, not a metal one.
Measure over thin clothing, standing straight and relaxed, feet together.
Keep the tape level all the way round for chest, bust, waist and hips.
Write each number down as you go, with the unit.

Questions people ask

What measurements do I need for iro and buba?

6: Bust, Waist, Hip, Shoulder, Sleeve, Round arm. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.

Should I measure in inches or centimetres?

Most Nigerian tailors work in inches, so measure in inches unless your tailor asks for centimetres. Write the unit down next to every number.

Can I take my own measurements?

How tight should the tape be?

Snug against the body but not pulling. You should be able to slide one finger under it. Measure over thin clothing, not over a jacket or a thick top.

More measurement guides

Let clients measure themselves

With Seamza, send a client a self-measure link on WhatsApp. It walks them through every measurement like this, checks for numbers that look wrong, and saves them straight into your book.

Start free