Size & Measurement Guide
Measure with confidence
A well-fitting garment starts with accurate measurements. This guide walks you through every measurement we use at Tsedal Design — and how to take each one correctly at home.
Getting Started
How to measure yourself at home
Taking your own measurements is easier than it looks — all you need is a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and (ideally) a friend to help. Follow the steps below for each measurement, then enter them in our custom order form.
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Use a soft, flexible measuring tape — not a metal ruler.
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Wear thin, fitted clothing or measure over underwear.
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Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug, not tight.
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Record measurements in centimetres (cm).
Prefer a professional fitting? Book an in-person appointment at our Bahir Dar studio and we will take every measurement for you with care.
Measurement Reference
All the measurements we use
Click any card to learn exactly where and how to take that measurement. You do not need all of them for every garment — we will tell you which ones apply.
Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Breathe normally and relax your arms at your sides.
Wear the bra you plan to use with the garment for the most accurate result.
Waist
Find your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Keep the tape flat against the skin and breathe out gently before reading.
Do not pull your stomach in. Measure in a relaxed, upright posture.
Hip
Stand with feet together. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks — usually 18–22 cm below the waistline.
Make sure the tape stays level all the way around.
Shoulder
Measure from the edge of one shoulder (where the sleeve meets the shoulder seam) across the back of the neck to the edge of the other shoulder.
Keep your posture natural — do not hunch or pull your shoulders back.
Sleeve length
With your arm slightly bent at the elbow, measure from the shoulder edge down the outside of your arm to your wrist bone.
Bending the arm mimics how a sleeve moves when worn.
Dress length
Measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where the neck meets the shoulder) straight down the front to the desired hemline.
For full-length dresses, measure to the floor while wearing the shoes you plan to use.
Shirt length
Measure from the highest point of the shoulder down to the desired bottom edge of the shirt.
For a tucked-in shirt, end the measurement at the hip line; for an untucked fit, measure a few centimetres longer.
Trouser length
Measure from the top of the waistband (where the trousers sit) down the side of the leg to the desired hemline at the ankle or floor.
Wear the shoes you plan to pair with the trousers so the length is correct.
Neck
Wrap the tape around the base of your neck where the collar sits naturally. Keep one finger between the tape and your skin for comfort.
This is especially important for fitted shirts and traditional Ethiopian collar garments.
Inseam
Measure from the very top of the inner thigh down the inside of the leg to the desired hemline.
Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart for an accurate inseam.
Upper arm
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bicep with your arm relaxed at your side.
Leave room for movement — fit two fingers under the tape.
Wrist
Measure around the wrist bone, keeping the tape snug but not tight.
This is essential for fitted cuffs on traditional Ethiopian shirts.
Pro Tips
Ten tips for accurate measurements
A few small habits make a big difference. Follow these tips and your custom garment will fit perfectly the first time.
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01
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape — metal tailor's tapes or paper ones can give inaccurate results.
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02
Wear thin, fitted clothing or measure over underwear for the most accurate body measurements.
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03
Stand naturally with your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
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Have a friend help you — measuring yourself can distort the tape and produce uneven readings.
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Always keep the tape parallel to the floor when taking circumferential measurements (bust, waist, hip).
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Write down each measurement in centimetres — we work in metric for accuracy.
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Do not pull the tape too tight; you should be able to fit two fingers under it for comfort.
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If you are between sizes, choose the larger size — taking in is always easier than letting out.
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For custom orders, send us clear front, side and back photos alongside your measurements.
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Book an in-person appointment at our Bahir Dar studio if you would like us to take your measurements.
Need a hand?
We are happy to measure you in person
Visit our Bahir Dar studio for a professional fitting, or book a virtual consultation and we will walk you through every measurement step by step.
Or call us on 0909139045 · 0978687748