The 8 measurements a tailor takes for a kitenge dress, 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.
07
Shoulder to waist
From the shoulder, over the bust point, down to the waist.
Close-up
Start· Top of the shoulder, halfway between neck and arm
End· Your natural waist, the narrowest part
Tip: Let the tape run over the bust point, not beside it.
08
Full length
From the shoulder by the neck, straight down to the hem.
Start· Top of the shoulder, right beside the neck
End· Where the hem should fall, or the floor in the shoes you'll wear
Tip: Wear the shoes you'll wear with the outfit. Someone else holds the tape.
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 a kitenge dress?+
8: Bust, Waist, Hip, Shoulder, Sleeve, Round arm, Shoulder to waist, Full length. Each one is shown above with where the tape goes.
Should I measure in inches or centimetres?+
Most tailors in Kenya work in inches, though some use centimetres, so ask yours which they prefer. 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.
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.