What tools do I need to take measurements?

A flexible measuring tape is essential, but it is not the only tool you need. We also recommend using a soft elastic band tied around the natural waistline. Several important measurements are taken relative to the waist level, and the elastic helps keep this reference point consistent throughout the measuring process. A mirror and a helper can also improve accuracy.

What should I wear when taking measurements?

Wear close-fitting clothing such as a leotard, underwear, or fitted sportswear. Avoid loose clothing, hoodies, sweaters, or anything bulky, as they can distort the measurements. For the most accurate results, stand naturally and maintain your usual posture.

How tight should I hold the measuring tape?

The measuring tape should lie flat against the body without digging into the skin or hanging loosely. It should be snug enough to follow the body's contours while still allowing natural breathing and movement. Pulling the tape too tightly is one of the most common measuring mistakes.

Should I add extra room for growth?

No. Always enter the athlete's current body measurements. Growth allowance should not be added to the measurements themselves, as it can affect the fit and accuracy of the pattern. If extra room is needed, it should be considered during pattern adjustments, not during the measuring process.

Should competition leotards fit tightly?

Yes. Competition leotards are designed to fit closely to the body and should feel more fitted than everyday clothing. A properly fitted leotard supports movement, prevents shifting during routines, and creates a clean professional appearance. However, it should never restrict breathing, flexibility, or athletic performance.

Library

How to Take Measurements for Sewing

A step-by-step guide to every measurement you'll need to build an individual pattern in AROA. Keep this page handy while you measure.

Measurement Recording Template

Height

Stand straight against a wall, barefoot, with heels, hips, and shoulders touching the wall. Look straight ahead. If your height falls between two values, choose the next higher one.

Girth (Around the torso)

The measurement is taken from the highest point of the shoulder bone, around the torso, passing the measuring tape between the gymnast’s legs.

Chest Size (above the chest)

Place the tape measure under the armpits and position it horizontally across the fullest points of the chest.

Waist

Measure around the natural waistline, where the elastic rope is tied.

Hips

The measurement is taken horizontally across the fullest points of the buttocks.

Neck girth

The measurement is taken at the narrowest part of the neck.

Back waist

This is a crucial measurement for creating the pattern. It is mandatory to take it with the elastic rope tied around the waist. Measure along the backbone from the seventh cervical vertebra down to the point where it crosses the elastic rope at the waist.

Waist front to back (crotch)

The measurement is taken along the central line: from the crossing of the elastic rope at the front to the crossing at the back, passing the tape measure between the gymnast’s legs.

Upper point of the pant front

Locate on the front or side the most comfortable point at the top of the pant-leg curve and take two measurements: vertical — from that point straight down to the elastic tied at the natural waist; and horizontal — along the elastic from the intersection to the center front waist. Ensure the tape runs strictly vertical/horizontal for accuracy.

Sleeve length

Measured from the protruding shoulder bone (located directly above the armpit) to the wrist. There is no need to bend the arm, as we work with highly stretchable fabrics that compensate for this.

Biceps (upper arm)

Measure around the biceps at its fullest point on a straight arm, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

Wrist

Take the measurement at the start of the wrist: measure the circumference where the forearm meets the hand, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

Skirt length in front

Measure along the center front line: from the elastic tied at the natural waist to the desired bottom edge of the skirt.

Skirt length behind

Measure along the center back line: from the elastic tied at the natural waist to the desired bottom edge of the skirt.

Crotch depth

Seat the gymnast on a chair. Take the measurement along the side line: from the elastic tied at the natural waist straight down to the chair surface.

Waist to floor

Measure from the elastic tied at the natural waist straight down to the floor. For this measurement, the gymnast should stand flat-footed.

Thigh

Take the measurement around the upper third of the leg at its fullest point, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

Ankle size

Measure around the narrowest part of the ankle, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

Foot

Measure the girth at the widest part

Strap Width

Specify the desired strap width in centimeters — the one that best matches your design and style of the garment.

Seam allowances

Seam allowances are added to all pattern edges to account for stitching. Enter the value in cm — if left empty, the pattern will be generated without seam allowances.

Questions & Answers

A flexible measuring tape is essential, but it is not the only tool you need. We also recommend using a soft elastic band tied around the natural waistline. Several important measurements are taken relative to the waist level, and the elastic helps keep this reference point consistent throughout the measuring process. A mirror and a helper can also improve accuracy.
Wear close-fitting clothing such as a leotard, underwear, or fitted sportswear. Avoid loose clothing, hoodies, sweaters, or anything bulky, as they can distort the measurements. For the most accurate results, stand naturally and maintain your usual posture.
The measuring tape should lie flat against the body without digging into the skin or hanging loosely. It should be snug enough to follow the body's contours while still allowing natural breathing and movement. Pulling the tape too tightly is one of the most common measuring mistakes.
No. Always enter the athlete's current body measurements. Growth allowance should not be added to the measurements themselves, as it can affect the fit and accuracy of the pattern. If extra room is needed, it should be considered during pattern adjustments, not during the measuring process.
Yes. Competition leotards are designed to fit closely to the body and should feel more fitted than everyday clothing. A properly fitted leotard supports movement, prevents shifting during routines, and creates a clean professional appearance. However, it should never restrict breathing, flexibility, or athletic performance.