There are only minimal supplies needed to take measurements. You will need a flexible measuring tape, like those sold for sewing and a regular ruler. 

You will need a thin chain or just a piece of heavy string for the neck.

Pieces of elastic that is no wider than 1/4” / 6mm. A couple yards of a cheap elastic is fine and even scraps will work.

I strongly suggest a circumference measuring tape, if you are taking your own measurements by yourself or you want to create measurement sets for lots of people.