PTP in clothing stands for Pit To Pit, and it refers to the measurement across the chest of a garment, taken from one armpit seam to the other. This measurement is crucial for determining the size and fit of tops like shirts, sweaters, and jackets.
Understanding Pit to Pit Measurements
The pit-to-pit measurement provides a direct indication of the garment's width across the chest area. When shopping online or buying pre-owned clothing, PTP is a very useful measurement to compare to your own body measurements or to clothing you already own that fits well.
How to Measure Pit to Pit
To accurately measure the PTP of a garment:
- Lay the garment flat on a surface.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bunching.
- Using a measuring tape, measure from the seam under one armpit straight across to the seam under the other armpit.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Why is PTP Important?
- Determining Fit: PTP helps you determine if a garment will fit comfortably across your chest and shoulders.
- Online Shopping: When buying clothes online, PTP is a common measurement provided to help customers choose the correct size.
- Vintage/Pre-owned Clothing: As sizing standards have changed over time, PTP is especially useful for accurately sizing vintage or pre-owned clothing where the tagged size may be inaccurate.
PTP vs. Bust Measurement
While PTP is related to bust size, it's not the same. Bust measurement is taken around the fullest part of your chest. PTP measures the garment itself, not your body. To determine your appropriate PTP, measure your bust and then choose a garment PTP with a few inches of ease for comfortable movement.