Pit-to-Pit Measurements: A Comprehensive Guide to Accurate Measurements

Pit-to-Pit Measurements: Definition and Importance

Pit-to-pit measurements are a crucial aspect of garment sizing, indicating the width of a garment measured from one armpit to the other. This measurement is essential for determining the girth or circumference of the garment, which is particularly important when shopping for tops, shirts, jackets, and other garments that are worn over the torso.

Determine Pit-to-Pit Measurements: A Step-by-Step Guide

Materials:

• Measuring tape
• Garment
• Soft surface (e.g., bed or couch)

Instructions:

1. Lay the garment flat: Spread the garment on a soft surface, smoothing out any wrinkles or folds.
2. Identify the armpit seams: Locate the vertical seams that connect the sleeves to the body of the garment.
3. Place the measuring tape: Place the zero end of the measuring tape at the center of the armpit seam on one side of the garment.
4. Measure to the opposite armpit: Extend the measuring tape horizontally across the garment, following the seam, until you reach the center of the armpit seam on the opposite side.
5. Record the measurement: Note down the measurement, which represents the pit-to-pit width of the garment.

Why Pit-to-Pit Measurements Matter

Accurate pit-to-pit measurements are essential for:

• Ensuring a comfortable fit: Garments that are too tight or too loose in the chest area can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.
• Making informed purchasing decisions: Online shopping often relies on measurements provided by the seller. Accurate pit-to-pit measurements allow you to compare them with your own measurements to ensure the garment will fit properly.
• Verifying garment sizing: If you are unsure of the size of a garment, taking a pit-to-pit measurement can help you determine its approximate size.

Benefits of Accurate Pit-to-Pit Measurements

• Enhanced fit: Garments that fit well are more comfortable to wear and look more flattering.
• Reduced returns and exchanges: Accurate measurements reduce the likelihood of needing to return or exchange garments due to size discrepancies.
• Increased satisfaction: When you wear garments that fit properly, it boosts your confidence and overall satisfaction with your wardrobe.

Tips and Tricks for Measuring Pit-to-Pit

• Use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy.
• Lay the garment on a flat surface to minimize any distortion.
• Measure along the seam connecting the armpit to the body of the garment.
• If the garment has a curved or contoured neckline, take your measurements from the highest point of the shoulder seam.
• For more accurate results, measure the garment while wearing a similar garment underneath to simulate the way you would wear it.

Industry Standards for Pit-to-Pit Measurements

According to the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the standard measurement for women's tops is as follows:

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) uses slightly different standards for pit-to-pit measurements:

Common Pit-to-Pit Measurement Questions

How is pit-to-pit different from chest measurement?

Pit-to-pit measurement measures the width of the garment at the armpits, while chest measurement measures the circumference of the garment at the chest area.

What does "double the pit-to-pit" mean?

Doubling the pit-to-pit measurement provides an approximation of the chest circumference. For example, if the pit-to-pit measurement is 20 inches, the approximate chest circumference is 40 inches.

How can I measure the pit-to-pit of a fitted garment?

For fitted garments, you can take an indirect measurement by measuring the circumference of your body at the widest part of your chest. Then, divide that measurement by pi (3.14) to get an approximate pit-to-pit measurement.

Call to Action

Accurate pit-to-pit measurements are essential for making informed clothing purchases. Whether you are shopping online or in-store, taking the time to measure pit-to-pit will ensure that you find garments that fit comfortably and flatteringly. By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided, you can achieve precise measurements and enjoy the benefits of well-fitting clothing.