If your mother had a trusty, hand-me-down measuring tape that was fraying at the edges because it was so old, you weren't the only one. It was perfect for the at-home hemming job, the yearly height check against the marked door frame, and everything in between. Now you're in the market for one, whether you've taken up tailoring as a full-time profession or you're just hoping to keep track of weight loss. To help you see how the competition "measures" up, we've compiled a shortlist of some of the best body measuring tapes on the market. Read on to find your own made-to-last measuring medium. iBayam 2-Pack Tape Measure for Body Sometimes we want retractable tape for a quick measurement. Sometimes we want free-standing tape to drape over our shoulders for that true tailor look. Luckily, you don’t have to choose one or the other when you buy iBayams two-pack of measuring tapes. While both are made of durable, rust-proof fiberglass, the pink tape is loose with large measurements and the black tape is retractable with smaller markings. Regardless of the task, this pack will never leave you short-handed. Pros: Pink background is high contrast with easy-to-read measurements Black tape is retractable at the touch of a button Both are made of fiberglass for soft, durable tape Extremely light and portable body Cons: May be harder to accurately measure thigh or arm circumference Lytown Body Measuring Tape Properly measuring the circumference of limbs, busts, or waists isn’t always easy, especially when you’re doing it yourself. If you’re looking for a measuring tape to speed things up, Lytown’s handy gadget might be the pick for you. This tape comes out of a curved edge that’s designed to rest snugly against your hip, bicep, leg, or chest for a more accurate reading. The markings themselves are easier to see since they face outwards, and you can always utilize the lock pin to hold the measurement in place. Just remember that the markings start at two inches to account for the two-inch-wide housing unit. Pros: Curved edge of the housing is ideal for measuring arms, calves, thighs, hips, and chest Tape accounts for the two-inch housing unit Purchase includes loose tape measure for other jobs Cons: Circumference measurements in centimeters will be harder to read Measurements are only accurate to the 1/8-inch mark Bushibu 3-Pack Tape Measure If you find yourself using the same measuring tape for everything from your body to home-restoration projects, we don’t blame you for wanting to color-coordinate your set of tape measures. Or maybe you’re just looking for a little pop of personality in your design kit. This three-pack of retractable tapes from Bushibu comes in a wide range of colors to satisfy all your needs, practical or not. Like other packs, this one includes a stand-alone soft tape for more accurate, housing-free measurements. Pros: Offered in a wide range of colors Dual-sided tape for accurate measurements Button-activated retraction Fiberglass tape is highly durable Cons: Retractable tapes are quite thin and can be hard to read Perfect Measuring Tape Body Tape Measure We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to measure something but failing because the tape just won’t reach. You could scrounge around for a pencil and do the math, or you could just make sure to have a larger tape on hand. If you’re prone to doing the latter, Perfect Measuring Tape has added another 20 inches to its body tape measure. The housing unit has a curved edge to make body measurements a cinch, and the outward-facing yellow side gives you an accurate, math-free reading. On the inside, the tape has regular inch-long markings for non-body evaluations. Pros: Tape can measure up to 80 inches Curved housing for simple circumference measurements of limbs, hips, and chest Yellow background is high contrast and easy to read Cons: No centimeter markings Frienda 4-Piece Body Measuring Tape You’re likely to measure yourself frequently if you’re trying to lose weight or fit into a particular outfit, but there’s no need to take a measuring tape everywhere you go. This four-pack of tapes from Frienda includes two body tapes with curved housings and two stand-alone soft tapes. This way, you can keep one at home, one in your car console, one in the gym, and one in the laundry room. The body tapes have locking pin closures and can be retracted at the push of the button for a quick check-up after your gym session. Each tape is constructed of durable fiberglass and has both inch and centimeter markings. Pros: Two retractable body tapes and two stand-alone tapes Fiberglass construction is soft and durable Both inch and centimeter measurements Cons: Locking pin may disengage easily if moved Frequently Asked Questions Do measuring tapes stretch over time? Depending upon each tape’s material, it may stretch if it is repeatedly pulled too tightly. Fiberglass tapes are more prone to warping than, say, a steel measuring tape, but steel isn’t ideal for measuring things that aren’t flat. Keep in mind that the higher the fiberglass strand count, the more likely it’ll return to its proper length. How do I know that my measuring tape is accurate? Though most companies guarantee accurate measurements, not all tape measures are created equally. If you’re buying a product from a new company, check your tape against a trusted ruler or measuring device. If you’re concerned about recording exact readings, try to look for tapes with measurements going down to 1/16 inches or even 1/32 inches. 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