Best sewing tape measures according to redditors

Most men's clothing are pretty archetypal, and honestly the stuff you'd find in Target's Goodfellow line is representative of a lot of mall brands but in a lower quality/synthetics. Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch carry a lot of the same things but in fuller or thicker fabrics that may be as cheap as Target on sale. All three stores often have 40-60% off and all sport a 15% off email sign-up code that you can keep getting with burner emails, for instance, in-store and online. Sub to /r/frugalmalefashion to be alerted of any sales that stand out.

If you're willing to forgo the traditional shopping experience then online second-hand is a way to go. Grailed.com, /r/malefasionmarket, and the B/S/T threads in /r/malefasionadvice, and eBay all have folks looking to move things but you'll benefit greatly to know your size and what you're looking for whether it be a brand or type of item. You can often find higher-end items for pretty reasonable prices—stuff like raw denim and premium jackets/shirts—for a fraction of or a "good for what they are" price.
Grab a cloth measuring tape and learn to measure using your favorite-fitting clothing on a flat surface for reference as most people are willing to provide their item's dimensions for you (if they haven't posted them already).

If you happen to be a M-L-slimish person or a 34" waist check out my Grailed store for something that catches your eye. I've a bunch more to upload but I've been too lazy/depressed and measuring everything takes a good minute per item.

I can practically guarantee you need to size yourself. you can use the /r/ABraThatFits tool, and post your measurements here for ppl to help check results for you.

an easier way, that also works great, use this video. do you have a tape measure?

edit: my mom never took me bra shopping.

Get a soft measure tape. Your local craft place should have plenty of them.

Or, use a string to map out your path, then measure the string :)

This is the brand that stamps them with West Germany: hoechstmass Soft Tape Measures Sewing Rulers Dual-Sided (cm/inch) 150cm/ 60inch with Colour Decimetre Divisions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R8YWGNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7rGDCbXYSZM8T.

You can use a piece of string and a ruler. You can even print a ruler off assuming you have a printer.

That said tailors tape is relatively inexpensive and can come in handy for taking measurements.

Check out the customer images on this highly rated (4.3) product.

> yesterday I started wanting something sweet. Will this go away soon?

Maybe, maybe not. There are all sorts of recipes for cheesecakes and other desserts floating around if you'd like to try making stuff. I used to do a chocolate fudge-like concoction with cream cheese, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and liquid stevia. Find something that suits your craving, but don't go overboard.

> Has anyone had any long term success while drinking diet soda? Will I eventually need to cut it out completely?

Ugh. Probably the most controversial topic here. Some people claim it prevents them from entering ketosis or from losing weight. Frankly, I don't believe them. If you're a few weeks in and haven't lost any weight in a week or so, maybe try cutting back. Other than that, have at it.

> I know I need to set a weight goal for myself

Nope. Some people find it useful, but in no way is it required. In fact, I would highly recommend NOT weighing yourself for at least the first month. The best metric is measurements. Get a measuring tape like this one and track your wait, belly, chest, and neck. Often you'll go a week without losing weight, which may be discouraging... but if you'll probably also have lost an inch off your belly in that time. I'm not an expert on the mechanism, but I believe a lot of times your body will replace areas of lost fat with stored water, which comes out about the same in weight, but much denser. You'll notice a drop in inches over time with little change in weight, then BOOM five pounds are gone. Measurements will give you a more consistent indication of how you're doing.

Exactly my thoughts. More than likely, this is all water fluctuation. Disheartening to see the numbers increase, because weight is the most popular way to measure progress. That's why I'd always recommend taking body measurements. They sometimes reveal changes that the scale does not (e.g: You did NOT get "bigger" or fatter if you look at body measurement trends) A device like this makes it all the much easier:

https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=myotape&qid=1571406074&sr=8-6

Throw your scale in the garbage and save your sanity....

https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/ref=sr_1_40?keywords=body+tape&qid=1570817899&sr=8-40

I have one of those scales and it’s a piece of crap. I don’t trust it’s body fat estimates at all. If I have some carbs (usually from beer) I’ll put on a kilo or 2 of water and it disappears with a day or 2. The scales think this is mostly fat.

I’ve lost about 70lbs of fat over the last 3 years and I’ve had periods where I didn’t know whether I was losing fat or muscle and also gaining fat or muscle (when eating at a surplus). The best thing I did was get a cheap body measuring tape which makes it really easy to take consistent measurements of my body. You can then use the Navy or YMCA body fat calculator to estimate body fat %. From there you can estimate how much fat and lean mass you’re carrying around. I track this in a google sheet and I can see what’s happened each month.

The first 2 months on carnivore (after losing bloat, water weight etc) saw me weight stable but I lost about an inch from my waist. I didn’t care whether it was muscle (my strength actually dropped) or bone or organs that kept my weight stable but I knew I’d lost fat. You’re still early on your journey - get one and take measurements now, record them somewhere (you’ll thank yourself later on). Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/

If you are flat they kind of serve no purpose they only make whats there appear bigger. I think you would be better suited looking up padded bras under the shirt they can give the impression of breasts.

I bought a cloth tape measure for measuring underbust and overbust and bought the corresponding bras from amazon. Though its a bit different with a wide chest like mine the cup size has to be dramatically reduced, so if you have a wide chest make sure to check out size guides for trans woman.

https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485617343&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=cloth+tape+measure&psc=1

You're going to want to get this really accurate. Most people use a string or a tailors measure and run that around at his widest point.

Highly recommend picking up one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI

Buying clothes online based on height/weight is a struggle not worth fighting. Using your real measurements and manufacturer's sizing charts is a much better way to go (you're still at the mercy of their accuracy, though).

So this is a tape measure lol.
Sounds weird, I know.
But it's actually for me to be able to measure my chest so I can get the right size binder

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QN6645Y/?coliid=I95K8F5UL712F&colid=1MX1SFQ9PRRQN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Check out one of your local tailors and have them measure you. Be upfront about why you are there. If you buy something from them, thats great. I'd tip a tailor $20 to take my measurements if I wasn't giving them any business.
The other option is to have your Significant Other measure you. Then compare those measurements to garments you already own and fit you well.

https://www.amazon.com/Measuring-Measure-Double-Measurement-Sewing/dp/B07SWZVNC3/ref=pd_ybh_a_76?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TWH3ATMVHM8KKZZV99W1&pldnSite=1

Yeah, I also shop online unless I'm away and feeling confident. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071XGLB1S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 One of these tape measures for body measuring will be your new best friend. I shop at Amazon a lot. I like H&M for some basics, including undies. And there are store galore that specialize in whatever style you want to cultivate. If having things shipped to your home is a problem, and you don't have the option of receiving packages at work, Amazon also has pick up location options.

this would be super helpful and thanks for doing this contest!

None of this is very helpful because sizes vary so much even within the same make/model.

Get a tailor’s measuring tape and measure yourself. At minimum you should measure your waist, hips, thighs, and inseam — write those down or commit to memory. Include them whenever asking a question like this.

You should also measure your garments that fit you well so you can compare them to other garments you’re looking to purchase. It takes most the guesswork out of finding the correct size.

measuring tape

It's part of a set

YEQIN 4 Pcs Retractable Tape Measure Plush Ruler Sewing Tool 60-Inch/150cm https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MT3SQT9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8OOKDbCQVBBQK

You can definitely do it yourself. Just pick up some Tailor's tape and you are set!

HOBBICO Retractable Fabric Tape Measure

This is the All New Retractable Fabric Tape Measure from Hobbico.

FEATURES:

Hardshell Blue Plastic Case

Flexible Tape Strip w/Metal Loop End

INCLUDES: One Retractable Fabric Measuring Tape

SPECS: Diameter: 2-1/16"

Thickness: 5/8""

Overall Length: 5 ft

Increments of 1/10 of an inch

Get a tape measurer https://www.amazon.com/Tailor-Craft-Flexible-Measure-Yellow/dp/B00C94EHFY and check your key measurements. Chest, arms, waist, etc.

Here is my Every Day Carry list.

• Not picture by itself is my belt. EDC Cobra Belt With Velcro Lining - Size 36"
  
  
• Timex Ironman
  
  
• SureFire G2X Pro with Surefire Rugged Polymer Speed Holster
  
  
• Zero Tolerance 0566BW with skater tape on the bottom end
  
  
• Oakley Radar Path Sunglasses with cheapo replacement lenses
  
  
• iPhone 6s with Otterbox Commuter Series Wallet Case
  
  
• Aluminum Key Organizer with Magnesium Fire Striker and Blood Type Key Chain
  
  
• Cheap Tool Belt Pouch with G2 Pilot, SOG Powerlock with V-Cutter, generic lockpick as a tooth pick, Measuring Tape and a generic comb

Start here. But most places that provide measurements will also provide a guide to how they measure.

First of all, screw lunch. It's all about breakfast for dinner! =) Secondly, to measure my bodyfat, I use tailor's tape. I then enter the relevant info (age, gender, height, weight, neck, waist, and hip measurements) into my preferred body fat calulator. Measuring yourself can be tricky, so I suggest doing some research, and maybe enlisting the help of a trusted accomplice the first time or two until you get the hang of it. Finally, I try to also use the calipers and my appearance It's always going to be an estimate, but I think I have a pretty good idea.

In that case, it seems like he has a really good appetite and may just not be storing much fat, yet (which is normal). A couple things I would do is get a small scale and a tape measure, just to track if he's growing, and just record the numbers in a note on your phone or simple Excel spreadsheet, along with how much he's eating, so you don't have to rely on your memory to spot any trends if he never grows or starts losing weight.

The scale I use is this one, currently $8.50 on Amazon, and a flexible tape measure like this, currently $4.85. I also second making sure he doesn't have intestinal parasites, which is something I would do even if he wasn't showing any symptoms, as infections like coccidia are extremely common and easy to spread within clutches. (Most vet clinics in my area will do a fecal test for under $20).

All that said, there's nothing from your post which would make me think there's something wrong with your dragon. Tracking the babies for the first couple of months is just something I do for peace of mind.

Good luck!

Edit: Here's an article about determining if your bearded dragon is underweight (though the method mostly applies to adults), as well as some tips for getting them to gain some weight. "2 Surefire Ways To Make a Bearded Dragon Gain Weight And Fatten Them Up"

oh nice, i didnt even look that close, it looks almost exactly like mine (i just spray glued a cloth measuring tape to it.)

https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI/

I've got this because I've been hoping to get more into cosplay and making my own clothes. So far I'm using a piece of yarn and a straight ruler, which works alright, but this will help with accuracy :) Its a few cents higher than your limit, but I thought I'd post it here anyway. THanks for the contest!! You're so sweet :D

Hey hon, I'm not seeing in there how long y'all have been doing this, but as another female, I wanted to pop in and let you know that I know the struggle.

Comparison being the thief of joy and all that, resolve to NOT focus on your numbers vs. his numbers. Being female, your body is more designed to retain weight. Your hormones throw everything out of whack, regularly. His, well, they don't. And hooboy can that be discouraging. I don't even BOTHER weighing myself that week of the month, or even a few days afterwards, because there's no point. The scale will show that I've gained weight, no matter how many cookies I've resisted or healthy choices I've made.

I recommend that you get/find a flexible measuring tape, like what tailors use - like this - and measure yourself. Measure your thighs, your arms, your waist, neck, and track it. Give yourself the data to see success in more than just the number on the scale.

Don't give up. You can reach your goal - it's just one decision at a time.

Edit: Also! You may know this, but based on the stats you've provided, for your safety, please eat 1200 calories a day. Especially do not drop below 1000. More info in the FAQ

Assuming you're a 5'7 30-year-old ( I have no idea, I can't find where ya'll have shared your age), and aiming for 140lbs, the maintenance calories for 140 is 1665. Source . So even staying between 1200-1500, you will get there sooner rather than later. The younger you are, the higher that maintenance calorie number will be.

TL;DR: Don't give up. Use alternatives to the scale to measure your success. Hormones are mean. Eat 1200. Don't give up.

|I'm kind of stuck in a rut now where my older clothes are boxy and I'd feel embarrassed wearing them, but I'm so depressed that I can't even get myself to the mall to buy anything new.


Never fear: the internet is here to help! With a bit of time & $ investment, you can forgo the hassle that is shopping in the (blech) "maul," find more flattering, stylish stuff with relative ease, and get MUCH better prices to boot. You'll be able to stretch your wardrobe budget to cover really nice pieces that you might otherwise pass over in favor of saving a buck, and bounce out of the rut of going to the same boring ol' shops in the interest of getting expeditiously the fuck out of the mall.

1. Spend $5 on this: http://www.amazon.com/6-Piece-Value-Pack-Soft-Fabric-Measures/dp/B003UXQQQG/ref=pd_sim_ac_1
   
   
2. Then, take & record your measurements as described here: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/category/popup/mens/menSizeGuide.html#measure
   
   
3. Peruse the Getting Started section in the sidebar. Don't necessarily glue yourself to the brands mentioned - there's plenty in there I wouldn't touch - but it's a great basic rundown. Pick a few starter pieces to look for, figure out how much you want to budget per month or so, and go from there.
   
   
4. Join sale sites like Gilt, etc. Most of the sale offering are for women, but the mens' sales are phenomenal when they show up. For instance, last night I ordered 3 Shirt By Shirt button-downs for Mr Undead at $30 apiece - usually $100+ apiece. If you keep an eye on upcoming sales, you can score some great deals. Until you have brand favorites and are familiar with how they fit, be prepared to order multiple sizes and send back lots of returns. Even with shipping charges, you'll still come out wayyyy ahead because of the deep discounts (but do factor in shipping and potential return shipping when looking at prices). And google is your friend - I often search the item I'm scoping out before buying it to look for reviews on other sites to get a more solid idea of fit/cut.
   

Something like a tailor's tape measure?

http://www.amazon.com/All-Purpose-Tailor-Dieting-Tape-Measure/dp/B001RUMI20