Basic Measurements
Tools that you'll need:
- A Flexible Sewing Tape Measure (available at WalMart, Target, JoAnns, Amazon, fabric stores, OR we can provide via mail as part of your fee)
- A piece of cording or yarn about 36-46 inches long, not to be stretched when using (roasting cord will do OR we can provide via mail as part of your fee)
- A level/flat hard surface to stand on
- A flat hard surface to sit on
Costumes, Swimwear & Various Garments
These measurements are a great start to most any costume. You can download the PDF format CLICK HERE and then email, text, or DM it to us completed.
Stance
- Good Posture
- Arms Relaxed
- Feet slightly apart, with equal weight on both feet
First determine the waist. The waist is where your performer bends from side to side. Loosly tie a ribbon or elastic at the waiste where she bends. Please see the video below to identify the waistline.
All red lines are CIRCUMFERENCE, that means that your measurement starts and ends at the same point. This applies to Neck, Bust, Chest, Waist, Hips, Wrist & Ankle.
The green line, girth, is also circumference, but it is more vertical. It goes from top middle shoulder, across the body, through the crotch, up the back, and meets back up at the shoulder starting point.
Turquoise are vertical measurements: from the hooha to the floor (inseam), and the base of the neck, at the bone protrusion, to the waist. After you measure inseam, make sure you measure the actual finished length of the pant, each leg if it varies.
Apex to Apex (nipple to nipple) and top of shoulder to apex are measurements to make sure that your dancer is covered adequately.
Limbs
Arms
Measure outside of arm for a normal sleeve joined at the shoulder to the bodice. Measure the inside, under arm, for raglan sleeves: armpit to finished length of sleeve.
Tight fitting
For a snug or tight fitting sleeve, measure from the shoulder joint to the finished length of the sleeve with a bent arm.Loose fit
Loose or flowing sleeve fit with chiffon, silk, or mesh. Measure from the shoulder joint to the finished length with your arm relaxed at your side, arm bent naturally.Stance
Good Posture Arms Relaxed Feet slightly apart, with equal weight on both feetCrotch Measurements
Determine the waistline and tie either string or elastic at the waist. Normally, the waist has a natural indentation of the torso about ±2 inches above the belly button. The waist can be determined or double checked by bending from side to side. You bend at the waist. This is where the string or elastic should be tied snug enough to not sag, but not so tight that you are cutting the person in two.
Crotch Length
Stance
Good Posture
Arms Relaxed
Feet slightly apart, with equal weight on both feet
Measure from the front waist elastic/string through the legs up the back/butt to the waist elastic/string on the back.
Crotch Depth
Sit on a hard surface with legs out directly in front of you bent at 90°. Measure from the seat to the waist elastic/string in a straight line at the pant side seam.
Halter Measurement
Additional measurement for halter leos or unitards is the measurement from side waist, around waist, and back down the other side to the other side waist. It can also encompass the bra band around the neck, and back to the other side bra band, which is the case for a crop top.
High Bust Measurement for Big Busted
Additional Considerations
Skirt Lengths
Desired skirt lengths at the quadrants of a skirt should be given in measurements from the waist. Keep in mind stretch factor so a skirt measurement is not an exact science, particularly when you get into longer skirts, and weight plays a role in length due to stretch.
Good Posture
Arms Relaxed
Feet slightly apart, with equal weight on both feet
Headdress
Any of the following can be used to fit a headdress. However depending upon how you want to wear it will determine which method you choose. Our customers wanting a specific type of headdress will need to let us know which method they are using.
Measurements are of great importance if you want a costume to fit properly.