How to take your measurements to make a costume
So, you're getting ready to start a costume. And you want to buy a new pattern. Or you want to draft your own pattern. Or maybe you're having a costume made for your next cosplay or LARP event. And your costumer wants your measurements.
Anyway. You've got the list of measurements you need... but you're not quite sure how to go about it.
Check this out. Let's go through it together. And I'll help you out.
Taking your measurements isn't super complicated, but there are still a few details you need to follow to get it right.
1. Find yourself a helper
Don't try to take your own measurements by yourself. It'll come out all wrong. Because you'll move. And because you won't be able to see if your measuring tape is placed correctly.
It's simple, ask someone to take your measurements while you stay still. That way, no messed-up measurements. If you've got a crafting partner, that's great, you can take their measurements after they take yours. Teamwork!
2. Dress properly
Don't worry... You don't need to be in your underwear to take your measurements (you might not be that close with your crafting partner...). Make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes, fitted, but not too tight. If you've got a fitted t-shirt, with the armhole seams landing right at the edge of your shoulder, that's great (it'll come in handy later).
If you're planning on wearing shapewear under your costume, or you want to boost your chest... whatever it is, if you're planning on temporarily changing your body shape (even just a little) for the cosplay you're about to make, don't forget to wear whatever you'll be wearing under your costume. Because it can change your measurements quite a bit (and therefore the fit of the costume).
3. Use the right tools
Now, if you're thinking "Whaaat? Do I need something fancy to take my measurements?", don't worry! Not at all. All you need is a sewing measuring tape. And you can find those pretty much anywhere. And they cost next to nothing. So treat yourself and go buy one if you don't already have one.
I'm mentioning this because I've seen people try to measure their waist with all sorts of unlikely things. Like a ruler. Or a construction tape measure. Yeah, the kind that don't really bend...
You know, you're made of curves, so use something that'll follow your curves. Come on. I'm all for improvising in life, but this isn't going to end well if you don't have, at minimum, a measuring tape. And something to jot down your measurements.
4. Stand up straight
That's what your helper is for. You stand up straight and look straight ahead. While they take your measurements.
You look straight ahead.
You don't watch what they're doing.
You look straight a-head.
It won't help them measure if you're watching them. In fact, it'll probably get in the way. Because even if you just want to glance down, your whole body shifts (even if you think you're not moving) and that can throw off the measurement.
If it helps, set up in front of a mirror. That way, you can satisfy your curiosity... without moving. 😉
5. Breathe
Relax. Don't be too stiff. Breathe. Loosen up a bit. And please, don't suck in your stomach! You want a custom-fit costume, own your measurements. Simple as that. If you suck in your stomach or stand super stiff, the measurements won't be accurate. And there's a good chance your costume will end up less comfortable.
6. Check your reference points
I know, when you're not used to it, some measurements aren't always super clear. Where do you take this? How?
The most important one is the waist. The real waist. It's not where your pants sit. ...Unless you're wearing full '80s high-waisted pants.
To find your waist, bend to the side. Wherever it creases, that's your waist. For guys, it's usually at the belly button. For women, it's usually a bit higher.
You'll need your waist circumference measurement. But you'll also need to remember its height. If you don't want to spend your time re-checking exactly where it is, you can tie an elastic or ribbon around your waist. That way, you'll have a solid reference point for your height measurements.
For circumference measurements
Most circumference measurements aren't too complicated to take. The main thing is to always make sure the measuring tape stays straight and parallel to the ground.
For the hip measurement, since you need to measure at the widest point of the hips, the tape doesn't always stay in place well. So you can help your measuring partner by holding the tape at the right height on your backside (yes, yes, you're allowed to move for this one, you have my permission).
Same thing for the bust, especially for women with a fuller chest. Just be careful not to squish your chest though, you don't want to alter the measurement.
For height and length measurements
For length and height measurements, the main thing is knowing where to start and where to stop. Generally, these measurements are taken from the side. Unless stated otherwise. And here's a good tip: check where your body bends.
If you're wondering "for the knee height, where do I stop? Above the knee? Below? In the middle?" Bend your leg. The answer is at the height of the crease.
And when you get to measurements that reference the waist (front height, back height, hip height, etc.), that's when your waist ribbon comes in handy. You don't want the measurement running from your neck to your waist to overlap with the one running from your waist to your hips, because you'll end up with measurements that are too long. Following me?
As for measurements taken around the shoulders, that's where having a fairly fitted (but not too fitted) t-shirt comes in handy. If the armhole seam of your shirt lands right at the edge of your shoulder, it'll make things a lot easier. Because shoulder width is the measurement that runs from the base of your neck to the edge of your shoulder (not on top, not down your arm... right at the edge). And arm length starts exactly where you stopped for the shoulder and ends at the wrist (you know, where it bends).
And for front and back width measurements, those are measured pretty much from one seam to the other. In front. And in back.
My cheat sheet
I made myself a diagram with all the measurements I take when I start a project. It makes life a lot easier when I'm measuring a client. I know I won't forget anything. And it helps my clients who take their own measurements understand exactly what I need.
| If you want a super complete sheet for taking your measurements, it's available for free in my shop. |
Quick reminder
Just because you took your measurements perfectly doesn't mean everything's going to be flawless.
If you're using a purchased pattern, keep in mind the measurements are standardized. You'll probably need to make adjustments here and there... That's normal. And honestly, that's kind of the whole point of making your own costumes, right?
| If you want to choose the right size when buying a pattern, I've got some tips for you! |
If you're drafting your own pattern from scratch, you'll probably still want to check the ease, fullness, and plenty of other details. So it's recommended to make a test version before diving in.
And if you're having it made by a pro, they'll probably need to do 1 or 2 fittings (or more) to make sure everything looks good.
I've had cases where I've made costumes completely remotely. But even with a lot of experience, even with all sorts of techniques for testing a costume's fit without trying it on my client, there's still a chance the fit won't be perfect. That's a risk you take when having something made remotely. Even by a pro.
Taking your measurements isn't magic. There's always a margin of error.
Important note if you're having your costume made...
… and your costumer asks for measurements that aren't on my list. Or gives you instructions that don't match what I just shared with you… Do what they say. Don't argue with them. They know what they're doing. It's entirely possible they use different methods than mine to work. And that's totally fine. 🤓
What matters is that they understand what they're asking of you.
If you're ready to start your costume, I've got all kinds of sewing patterns for you!
| If you want to know the standardized measurements for my patterns, you can check my size chart. |
And if you want to stay in the loop on new releases, promos, and new articles to help with your creative projects, join The Harbour!
In the meantime,
Happy sewing! Happy crafting! 🤓✂🐙