How to Take Measurements
I strive to accommodate a wide range of sizes, especially since no two bodies are exactly alike. That is why taking your personal measurements is key to creating a truly custom item. Keep in mind that there will be slight variances in every finished piece, as with any handmade item. Sizing may vary depending on the type of fabric used and the amount of stretch in the fabric. Do not hesitate to contact me with sizing questions if you are unsure.
Use a fabric tape measure to measure accurately. If you need a visual of where to take the measurements, shoot me an e-mail and I am happy to provide you with a worksheet that shows you exactly where to measure.
When taking measurements:
Wear a thin/tight shirt or even just in the bra you normally wear. This is especially important if you are measuring for a more formal garment and plan on wearing a different bra for it – strapless, push-up, etc.
Breathe normally when taking measurements.
Hold the tape snug to your body, but not squeezing.
Measuring in front of a mirror helps you keep the measuring tape as even horizontally as possible.
High Bust – This is taken around upper back, under arms and over your bust.
Bust/Chest — Full bust is around the fullest/biggest part of your bust. Keep the tape as even horizontally as possible.
True Waist– This is your natural waistline. This is NOT your belly button or where you wear your pants. It is taken at the smallest part of your mid-section. If you don’t have a very defined natural waist there is a very easy way to find it. Take any kind of stretch trim, fold over elastic, thin elastic, even a strip of knit will work, and tie it snuggly around your mid-section. Now MOVE around, bend walk around, sit down, it will naturally settle on your smallest part. This is your natural waist.
Preferred Waist/High Hip – This is taken around your hip bones (where most people like to wear their pants and most youth patterns are drafted to hit).
Hip – Measure around your fullest/biggest part, which is usually your booty. Keep the tape as even horizontally as possible.
Thigh - Taken around thigh close to crotch, keeping the measuring tape flat horizontally around.
Sleeve length - from armpit to hem of shirt.
Rise - Taken from back center high hip, under booty, through legs, and up to center front high hip. Make sure the measuring tape is pulled taught.
Inseam - Taken from crotch to where you’d like hem of pants.
Side Waist Length – Taken from your armpit vertically down to your natural waist. Making sure this measurement is accurate will give you the most flattering fit. If the seam doesn’t hit you at that smallest point then you’re not using it to your advantage. Start with your arms DOWN. You want your tape to start where your crease naturally lies— not all the up to your arm. Think where you’d like your shirt to be (if it’s all the way up as tight as possible then it is uncomfortable and you can’t move your arms around).
Under Bust – This is taken directly under your bust around back. Keep the tape as even horizontally as possible.
Total Crotch Length - Taken from back center natural waist, under booty, through legs, and up to center front natural waist. Make sure the measuring tape is pulled taught.