Menu
Menu
Share on
In this article, you will discover the scientific explanation behind our daily body changes and how they affect the accuracy of measurements. How we gain and lose weight?
In this article, you will discover the scientific explanation behind our daily body changes and how they affect the accuracy of measurements. How we gain and lose weight?
Each time a tailor takes measurements of a customer, they will differ from the ones taken only a few hours or even minutes ago, and for a good reason. The human body is not a static object; it is a dynamic living organism subjected to a lot of biological changes throughout the day and the night.
And it has nothing to do with the means of measuring – whether it’s an old-school measuring tape, a bulky 3D scanner, or a mobile body scanning app – what you get isn’t really accurate and objective numbers but rather subjective, changeable and average parameters in a certain state of your body.
In this article, you will discover the scientific explanation behind our daily body changes and how they affect the accuracy of measurements.
1. We become shorter and taller
Owing to gravity, our body shrinks by about 1″ throughout the day and gets back to normal every night. The reason behind it is the elasticity and malleability of our spine discs. Over the course of the day, when we stand or sit, pressure and gravity compress the discs between our vertebrae by about an inch. Then at night, our body expands and gets back to its normal height once we are stretched out between the sheets with the pressure off the spine.
The impact is even higher when we are dehydrated as water balance directly affects elasticity, or when we do heavy work, participate in power training or ballistic activities, such as running, which put even more pressure on our vertebrae. And it happens to all people regardless of height and gender. The study shows the height loss between 7 am and 7 pm of minimum 0.3″ (0.7 cm) and maximum 1.1″ (2.7 cm).
This whole process is known as diurnal variations in stature, and it is one of the common sources of error when taking people’s measurements.
2. We gain and lose weight
Daily weight fluctuation is a perfectly normal thing too. The average adult’s weight changes up to 6 pounds (2.7 kg) per day, and it all comes down to what and when we eat, drink, exercise, and even sleep.
Yet the food we eat and the liquids we drink not only contribute to weight changes, they also affect our body measurements. According to the study, daily nutrition-related fluctuations of measurements are observed for both men and women, for the waist circumference in particular. The difference between the same waist measurement taken 10 minutes after a meal, 2 hours after a meal, and with an empty stomach reaches 0.7″ (1.7 cm) for women and 0.6″ (1.4 cm) for men.
The result? Your waist circumference is not a static measurement at all, and if you write it down, the result will change dozens of times per day.
Besides nutrition, consider other factors as well. We lose weight with sweat every time we exercise. At the same time, we gain some of it back because of the water retention process induced as a healing response to micro-tears and inflammation after physical activity. Minor changes may also occur because of an illness, dehydration, cortisol fluctuations, medication intake, or the consumption of high-sodium foods.
So, next time you decide to get on the scale or take measurements for the second time in a day, don’t be surprised by the disparity in figures. That is exactly why it’s recommended to take measurements two or three times and average all the results to get the most neutral numbers.
3. We breathe in and out
Many customers get confused with breathing while taking their measurements, especially when it comes to chest and waist parameters. That’s because the standards for breathing are generally either vague and average or absent at all. Tailors and online guides don’t often mention breathing recommendations, and those that do vary by tailor and type of the measurement taken. There is no standardization in it so far – some recommend breathing normally, others breathing in or out depending on the parameter.
Meanwhile, the measurement differences can be drastic: the fluctuations of chest circumference as we breathe depend on the thoracic diaphragm size and range from 1.2″-2″ (3-5 cm) for non-athletes up to 2.8″-3.1″ (7-8 cm) for physically fit individuals. The same goes for waist measurements – the fluctuations of the mid-abdomen waist circumference range between 1.5″-2″ (4-5 cm) while breathing in and out, equally for all groups of people.
Therefore, when we measure the human body with a tape, a 3D scanner, or a mobile scanning technology, we actually measure a certain breathing state of our body, which is better to be agreed with a tailor in advance.
4. We move and change our posture
As our body is a complex system of interconnected tissues, bones, and muscles, even the slightest movements affect our anthropometric parameters. Likewise, the posture we hold – standing or sitting, normal, erect, or relaxed, with back straight or rounded, feet together or apart, arms up, to the sides or parallel to the ground – influences our body shape, size, and measurements from head to toe.
According to the study, changing posture and body position causes fluctuations in measurements up to 2.8″ (7 cm). These include but are not limited to:
The biggest problem here is that wrong numbers eventually translate into the poor size and fit. That’s why taking measurements with the right posture and in the right position is essential for maximizing the fit and comfort of the wearer.
5. We measure in the wrong places
Measuring for different clothing often means differing guidelines. For example, the waist girth for a dress shirt is different from the waist measurement for trousers with 2″-4″ (5-10 cm) in between. The former parameter is around the level of the belly button, while the latter one is a bit lower depending on the pant rise.
Measuring hips can become equally challenging. Some guides recommend taking measurements below the hip bone; others suggest measuring above it. Now, if there is no exact guidance, it all comes down to size charts, which can be imprecise and insufficient. Oftentimes they don’t indicate what kind of hips are to be measured – high or low ones – while the average difference is 3″-4″ (8-10 cm).
The inseam isn’t always the same, too. Recommendations from brands and tailors include measuring from the crotch to different endpoints: on the level of the ankle, below it, till the beginning of the shoe, down to the ground, or just to the point where you want the hem of your trousers to end. And the list of disparities goes on.
Moreover, if not indicated, the wrong way to wrap the measuring tape around the body – tight, snug, or loose – alters the results and affects the size, fit, comfort, and, therefore, confidence of the customer.
That is why no means of body measuring – be it a mobile body scanning app, a 3D booth, or a measuring tape – can guarantee the numbers to be 100% accurate and always remain the same – because the human body does not.
Of course, we still have a long way to go to overcome the lack of standards regarding parameters, anatomical site, posture, phase of respiration, and other factors contributing to a measurement error. Yet the main issues with the discrepancies of all body measuring means today lie within the range of our physiological body changes and depend on our natural processes.
So, adhere to the old saying – measure twice and cut once. The most important thing is to embrace it as a fact that minor discrepancies in measurements is absolutely normal and usual thing to have. This is how you can “know your enemy”, take it under control and minimize its impact on your bottom line.
The ‘Mobile Tailor’ self-service solution built by 3DLOOK helps businesses receive precise body data of their customers remotely. The solution, which does not require any technical expertise to use, generates +65 points of measure from just two photos taken by the customer in under 45 seconds. The measurement data can then be accessed by each business through a personal workspace. For businesses that are using 3D fashion design software, there is also an option to receive the customer’s unique 3D Body Avatar.
ON-Demand Webinar: “How 3D technology is transforming Made-to-Measure and On-demand Manufacturing”
Tags:
Technology
EXPLORE MORE CONTENT
Ready to brush up on something new? We’ve got more to read this way.
Fashion | Technology
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Your source for the leading fashion tech industry tips, tricks and news delivered bi-weekly to your inbox
No more pages to load
Offer your customers an entirely new, inclusive, and engaging way to interact with your brand
Offer your customers an entirely new, inclusive, and engaging way to interact
with your brand
Let us help you find the right solution for your business needs
FAQs
Can body measurements change daily? ›
Each time a tailor takes measurements of a customer, they will differ from the ones taken only a few hours or even minutes ago, and for a good reason. The human body is not a static object; it is a dynamic living organism subjected to a lot of biological changes throughout the day and the night.
What are the factors to consider in taking accurate body measurement? ›More specifically, use a flexible measuring tape (rather than a fabric one, as those tend to stretch out over time.) Check your posture. Stand upright in a relaxed position with your feet together. When measuring, breathe normally and make sure the tape is comfortably fitted to the body.
What are the common mistakes in taking body measurements? ›The most common mistakes when measuring are the following ones: Back width. You take it from “bone” to “bone”. You don't start measuring from the arm nor around your body.
Why is it important to take body measurements correctly and accurately? ›The first step when you are planning to sew a garment for yourself (or someone else) is to take accurate body measurements. Without these essential measurements it is impossible to establish what size pattern to select and therefore ultimately achieve a great fit.
Why does my weight fluctuate 10 lbs in a day? ›Why Does My Weight Fluctuate So Much? Since many people can't eat enough in a day or two to actually gain 5 or 10 pounds, if you notice a dramatic increase on the scale, chances are it's due to water, says Anita Petruzzelli, M.D., owner and medical director of BodyLogicMD.
Should I weigh myself every day? ›Daily weigh-ins.
If you're really committed to losing weight, weighing yourself every day can be helpful. Research shows that people who weigh themselves every day have even more success with weight loss than those who weigh in once a week.
Variables such as temperature, humidity, pressure, gravity, elevation, vibration, stress, strain, lighting, etc. can impact the measurement result. Some tests and calibrations are more sensitive to certain environmental factors than others.
What are the two main requirements to make accurate measurements? ›- We must have the knowledge of appropriate instruments.
- We must have the knowledge as to how to use these instruments properly.
- Keep EVERYTHING Calibrated! ...
- Conduct Routine Maintenance. ...
- Operate in the Appropriate Range with Correct Parameters. ...
- Understand Significant Figures (and Record Them Correctly!) ...
- Take Multiple Measurements. ...
- Detect Shifts Over Time. ...
- Consider the “Human Factor”
Common sources of error include instrumental, environmental, procedural, and human. All of these errors can be either random or systematic depending on how they affect the results. Instrumental error happens when the instruments being used are inaccurate, such as a balance that does not work (SF Fig.
What are the possible effects of inaccurate measurement? ›
Inaccurate measurements can cause short term and long term heachaches for oil and gas companies. Such headaches may include financial losses (due to an incorrect amount of product being bought or sold), or operational downtime for installations (in order to diagnose and solve problems).
Why is measuring using body parts not accurate? ›We cannot use body parts to measure the physical quantities because any measurement should have equal unit value everywhere, but body parts will have different value for different persons. e.g. length of your palm and that of your father's will be different, so you both will obtain different value for the same length.
How do we take body measurements correctly and accurately? ›- If possible have someone else take your measurements.
- Keep the measuring tape level.
- Don't suck in or push out.
- Wear as little as possible or very form-fitting clothing while taking your measurements.
Daily weight fluctuation is normal. The average adult's weight fluctuates up to 5 or 6 pounds per day. It all comes down to what and when you eat, drink, exercise, and even sleep.
What is my real weight morning or evening? ›For the most accurate weight, weigh yourself first thing in the morning. “[Weighing yourself in the morning is most effective] because you've had adequate time to digest and process food (your 'overnight fast').
How did I gain 4 pounds overnight? ›You're Dehydrated
Dehydration causes your body to retain excess water, which can lead to 5 pounds of weight gain overnight (5). When you feel thirsty and drink a lot of fluid at once, you'll absorb the extra fluid quickly and it shows up on the scale within 24 hours.
Mostly, losing weight is an internal process. You will first lose hard fat that surrounds your organs like liver, kidneys and then you will start to lose soft fat like waistline and thigh fat. The fat loss from around the organs makes you leaner and stronger.
Why does the scale not move but my clothes fit better? ›As you work out, you are building lean muscle which weighs exactly the same as fat but is leaner. if your clothes are looser but the scale is the same, this is because of the lean muscle you have built.
Why do I weigh so much but don't look it? ›Muscle is denser than fat, and as it is more compact within your body, as you gain muscle mass, you end up looking thinner, no matter your physical weight. So, if you've been doing a lot of strength training lately, it's likely this is the reason that you're looking fantastic but not dropping those numbers.
Where accurate measurements are needed in everyday life? ›Measurements continue to play an important role throughout everybody's life, for example, during a medical check-up, a sports competition, when building a house, when controlling temperature in appliances, or while cooking.
Why does my body shape change throughout the day? ›
When you stand or sit, gravity compresses your disks, pulling you down. Over the course of the day—and especially if you're dehydrated—your discs compress enough to cause you to lose some height. Monto says, “You have about a one percent height loss, which you get back at night when you lie down and hydrate.”
Why does my body shape fluctuate? ›Your body shape changes naturally as you age. You cannot avoid some of these changes, but your lifestyle choices may slow or speed the process. The human body is made up of fat tissue, lean tissue (muscles and organs), bones, and water. After age 30, people tend to lose lean tissue.
How often should you check your body measurements? ›It's wise to take measurements every 2 to 4 weeks to see how your efforts are affecting your body composition while you are actively trying to build muscle, manage your weight, or both. If you are trying to maintain your results, taking measurements every month or two should suffice.
How much can my body fluctuate? ›Body weight can shift throughout the week and even during the day. In fact, an average adult can lose or gain two to eight pounds over the course of a few days. There's a weekly rhythm to weight variation with higher numbers on the scale in the beginning of the week and lower numbers toward the end.
Why am I gaining weight when I'm eating less and working out? ›You've gained muscle.
And here's an often overlooked fact: Muscle tissue is more dense than fat tissue. So as you gain more muscle and lose fat, you change your overall body composition, which can result in a higher weight, but a smaller figure and better health.
Unintentional weight gain occurs when you put on weight without increasing your consumption of food or liquid and without decreasing your activity. This occurs when you're not trying to gain weight. It's often due to fluid retention, abnormal growths, constipation, or pregnancy.