The present invention encompasses a measuring tape for measuring the torso girth of a user, the tape comprising a separable fastening that, when fastened, creates a loop of tape that extends in use around the user's torso without support from the user's hands, a link co-operable with the tape allowing the circumference of the loop to be adjusted or varied when around the user's torso, and girth indicia co-operable with the link to indicate the circumference of the loop. The link maintains a securing tension on the loop to secure the loop around the torso but allows expansion of the loop when the user expands her torso during said measurement, and resists variation of the loop circumference when the fastening is unfastened after use. In this way, the circumference of the loop can be read by the user after use with reference to the girth indicia A method for measuring the torso girth of a user by means of the present invention is also contemplated.