To make a tai chi-suit that fits your body well and still provides enough freedom of movement during training, it is important to take your measurements carefully.
Follow the instructions below step by step. Take your time and preferably use a soft, flexible measuring tape. It is best to ask someone to help you, or use a mirror to check that the tape is positioned correctly and not pulled too tight.
General guidelines
• Make sure the measuring tape sits comfortably.
• You should be able to slide one finger between your body and the tape to allow enough freedom of movement.
• Measure preferably in underwear or close-fitting undergarments.
• Stand relaxed and upright, breathe normally, and do not pull in your stomach.
• Then follow the instructions for each body measurement.
a) Body height
Stand upright with your back against a wall, without shoes. Place a flat object (such as a book) horizontally on top of your head and measure the distance from the floor to the underside of the object.
b) Neck circumference
Place the measuring tape loosely around your neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
c) Chest circumference
Place the measuring tape under the armpits and around the body across the nipples.
- Women: measure at nipple height.
- Men: measure just under the armpits.
d) Waist circumference
Place the measuring tape loosely but securely around the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above the navel. If necessary, bend slightly to the side or use a mirror to locate this point.
e) Hip circumference
Place the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips or buttocks. Stand upright and keep your legs slightly apart.
f) Outside leg length
Measure from the side of your waist (where your waistband would normally sit) along the outside of your leg down to just below your ankle.
g) Inside leg length
Place the measuring tape at the crotch (where the legs meet) and measure along the inside of your leg down to just below your ankle.
h) Arm length
Start at the shoulder, near the base of the neck, and measure along the outside of your arm, past the elbow, to slightly beyond the wrist bone. Keep your elbow slightly bent while measuring.
i) Front length
Place the measuring tape on your shoulder at the base of your neck, and let it run straight down over your chest to the length you want for your jacket.
j) Sitting height
Sit on a firm chair and measure the distance from the seat to your waist.