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For accurate online shopping, dimensions are key; therefore, knowing how do you measure a purse correctly becomes essential. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) emphasizes the importance of standardized measurement techniques in design. A soft measuring tape is a basic tool that helps ensure accuracy. Major retailers such as Nordstrom often provide detailed size charts to assist customers in understanding these measurements, reflecting the bag’s overall volume capacity.
Getting the Right Size: A Complete Guide to Measuring Your Purse
Choosing a purse online can feel like a gamble, especially when you’re unsure about the actual size. Pictures can be deceiving, and let’s face it, "small," "medium," and "large" are subjective. That’s why understanding how do you measure a purse is crucial before you click that "add to cart" button. This guide will walk you through the steps to accurately measure any purse, so you always know exactly what you’re getting.
Essential Tools
Before we dive into the measuring process, gather your supplies. You’ll need:
- A flexible measuring tape: The kind used for sewing is perfect. A rigid ruler won’t conform to the curves of a purse.
- A flat surface: A table or countertop works great.
- A pen and paper (or your phone’s notes app): To record the measurements.
The Three Key Measurements: Height, Width, and Depth
These three measurements are the foundation of accurately sizing a purse:
- Height: Measures the vertical distance of the purse.
- Width: Measures the horizontal distance of the purse.
- Depth: Measures how far the purse extends from front to back.
It’s important to note that these measurements are typically taken when the purse is empty and laying flat (if possible). If the purse has a structured base, it will stand up on its own.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how do you measure a purse:
1. Height:
- Place the purse on its base (or lay it flat).
- Locate the highest point of the purse. This might be the top of the handles, the top of the body, or a decorative element. Note that this measurement typically excludes the height of the handles or straps unless they are integral to the overall height (like a top handle that doesn’t drop).
- Measure from the highest point down to the bottom of the purse.
- Record this measurement as the "Height."
2. Width:
- Lay the purse flat or stand it on its base.
- Find the widest point of the purse, typically the main body.
- Measure across the widest point from left to right.
- Record this measurement as the "Width."
3. Depth:
- With the purse placed on its base, measure from the front of the purse to the back. This determines how much the purse can hold.
- Record this measurement as the "Depth."
Special Cases and Considerations
Measuring can get a bit tricky depending on the purse style. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Handles and Straps: As mentioned, the height of the handles and straps are usually not included in the overall height. However, you might find the drop of the handles or straps listed. The "drop" is the measurement from the top of the handle/strap to the top edge of the purse body.
- Irregular Shapes: If your purse has an unusual shape, try to identify the most prominent points for height, width, and depth. You might need to take multiple width measurements at different points to get a better sense of the overall size.
- Slouchy Bags: For slouchy or unstructured bags, it’s harder to get a precise measurement when the purse is empty. In these cases, you might want to lightly stuff the bag with paper to give it some form before measuring.
- Rounded Bottoms: If the purse has a rounded bottom, finding the exact bottom point for height can be difficult. Try to visualize where a flat base would begin and measure accordingly.
Understanding Online Listings
Most online retailers will list the dimensions of their purses in the product description. The measurements are usually given in inches or centimeters, and they typically follow this format:
- Height x Width x Depth
For example: 10" H x 12" W x 5" D
This means the purse is 10 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.
Here’s a handy table to illustrate:
| Measurement | What it tells you | How to measure |
|---|---|---|
| Height | How tall the purse is. Determines if it will fit your essential items vertically. | From the top of the purse (excluding handles unless integral) to the bottom. |
| Width | How wide the purse is. Affects how much you can fit in side-by-side. | Across the widest part of the purse. |
| Depth | How thick the purse is. Dictates how much space the purse has overall. | From the front of the purse to the back. |
FAQs: How Do You Measure a Purse?
What’s the standard way to measure the height of a purse?
Typically, purse height is measured from the highest point of the bag (excluding handles or straps) to the bottom. This gives the main body height. Knowing how do you measure a purse height accurately helps ensure the bag fits your needs.
Should I include the handles or straps when measuring a purse’s total length?
No, the length measurement usually refers to the width of the purse at its widest point, excluding any straps or handles extending beyond the bag’s main body. Sometimes sellers will list the drop length of the handle. When determining how do you measure a purse, remember to keep these distinctions in mind.
What’s the best way to measure the depth or width of a purse?
Purse depth (or width, depending on orientation) is measured at the bottom of the bag. Place the purse on a flat surface and measure from the front to the back at the base. This tells you how much the purse can hold. This is essential for knowing how do you measure a purse for its capacity.
Are purse measurements always exact, or should I expect some variation?
Purse measurements are often approximate, especially for soft-sided bags. Expect slight variations of perhaps half an inch. These bags can be slightly variable. If the size is exact, it may be a very structured bag. Understanding how do you measure a purse and accepting a bit of variance helps manage expectations.
So, next time you’re eyeing that adorable new bag online, you’ll know exactly how to measure a purse and make sure it’s actually the right size for your needs. No more guessing games or disappointing deliveries! Grab your measuring tape, follow these steps, and happy purse hunting!