Measurements
You are here: Home > Body Shapes & Measurements > Measurements DIFFERENT MEASUREMENTS FOR DIFFERENT OUTFITS Every Fashion Designer and dressmaker has a different style when approaching measurements or constructing a garment. None of them is wrong, providing the finished garment is as desired, excellent quality and above all comfortable.
The undergarments and the shoes you are wearing, and your posture affect the accuracy of your measurements. All measurements should be snug, but not tight. Please avoid wearing anything that distort your natural contours. Avoid too tight and bulky underwear around your chest, bust, waist and hips. Also, please make sure that your tape measure is not old and worn.
Before you start to measure yourself bear in mind the followings:
- Tie a piece of elastic around your waist as a reference point in taking the other measurements. Move a little bit, bend front and back or side to side, until the elastic settles at you natural waist
- make sure that the tape is held parallel to the floor and not too tight against the body
- Do not hold your breath or stand stiffly
- Stand normally and relax, looking straight ahead. We don't really like our measurements but you have to be fair to yourself, if you want a comfortable outfit!
- Probable it will be easier if a friend could help as back measurements may be difficult to take alone
- And finally, double check your measurements for accuracy, and record them, along with the date on a chart for your easy reference, especially if you know your body weight is a bit of a yo-yo. If necessary please repeat the procedure until you are happy and comfortable with the measurements taken The important four as measurements are:- A. Chest or High bust - above the fullest part of the bust, under the arms. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
- B. Bust - the full line of your bust. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
- C. Waist - measure above the elastic. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
- D. Hips - again the fullest part. Or around the thighs if they are fuller then the hip itself. The standard distance between waist and hip is approximate 9'. This is known as Hip Length. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
You will find that we have already included measurements A, B, C and D in the charts on these pages with grey dotted lines. They are there for you as a reference point, and because, especially C and D, are the most covered part of your body (with more then one 'layer' of clothing).
Take a classic example: a Normal 3 Piece Suit, Jacket with Top and Skirt, requires your waist and hip measurements twice, once for the top and the jacket and once for your skirt. It will be much easier to start with the important four and to have them as reference points in taking the additional ones.
Too many measurements can never be enough in dressmaking especially when fitting is out of reach. But with patience and your involvement in the measurement process we can definitely create the outfit for you. It will also help us to understand your normal human shape better.
Please also note that the measurements are quite standard and may not cover the design/gown desired. If it is the case we will require this information from you, specifically. Different designs need different sets of measurements. |
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