Figure Types and Pattern

Sizes

Chapter 18
Determining Your Figure Type
 All pattern companies group patterns under
figure types according to height and proportion.
 Common types for students include:
 Junior
 Misses’/Misses’ Petite
 Women’s
 Unisex
 Teen Boy’s
 Men’s
 Pattern Sizes
 All pattern companies use
the same set of body
measurements for their
standard sizes
 Pattern sizes DO NOT
correspond of ready-to-
wear garments
 Pattern size is determined
by taking actual body
measurements
How to take body measurements
 Wear well-fitting garments.
Remove bulky outer clothing.

 Measure with a partner

 Tape should be snug, but not tight

 Measure twice for accuracy

 Record your measurements

Where to take measurements
Find your pattern size

 If you fall between

two sizes,
determine if you
prefer a loose or
close fit.

 For pajama pants,

the most important
measurement is
the hip size.
 What size pattern should Anna
buy?
 Anna’s
measurements:
 Height 5’ 8”
 Back Waist 16 ½”
 Bust 35”
 Waist 27”
 Hip 36 ½” Size 10 12 14
Bust 34½ 34 36

Waist 25 26 ½ 28

Hip 34 ½ 36 38
Answer  Anna’s figure type is a
Misses. This is
determined by her height
and waist length.

 Anna should buy a size

12 pattern. Anna likes
closer fitting clothes, so
she should go down a size
when in between sizes.

 Anna is taller than the

standard height of
pattern. Anna should
check the length of the
pattern leg before cutting
material to ensure the
length is long enough.