These instructions are reprinted Entirely Without Permission from
Originals by Kay.
She has a very interesting site that you would enjoy visiting.
If I am sued someday and sacked, I wish you all a fond farewell.
Important! Read this before taking your measurements
**Before starting on your measurements, tie an elastic band or string tightly around your waist, let it settle on your narrowest part, even if this appears to be several inches above where you consider your natural waist to be. This is your base line for all your measurements and therefore very important. It is referred to as the "waistband" in the instructions. Measure preferably in centimeters (the small number on your measuring tape), do not mathematically convert inches into centimeters. If your tape has only inches, use those. Please do not mix the two types of units.
**Measurements for dresses and bodices must be taken over period correct underpinnings. A corset is necessary when measuring for a ball gown or other low bodiced dress and should also be worn in measuring for any other bodice if you're planning to wear this with a corset.
A. Bust (measure all the way around on the widest part) __________
A1. Above Bust (measure all the way around, high in the armpit and above the bust in the front) _______
B. Waist (along the waistband tied there)___________
C. Center Front Length (from the throat to the waistband)____________
D. Neck Circumference __________
E. Wrist (not too tight - for coat & bishop sleeves and for undersleeves) ______________
F. Skirt Front (from the waistband over the hoop to the floor): ___________
(Note: Measure to floor. Skirts of the period were usually 2-4 inches off the ground and we will adjust accordingly)_______
H. Upper Arm Circumference (around upper arm as high as you can measure: ________
I. Underarm to Waist (from just to the front of your arm pit to the waistband): ______
J. Arm Length (shoulder point G to wrist)______
A. Shoulders (across back, to the rear of your underarm, about 3 inches below shoulder joint):____________
B. Back waist length (collar to waistband):____________
C. Back skirt length over hoop (from waistband to floor):____________
D. Over the shoulder measurement #1: from center front point on the waistband, over the shoulder close to neck, to center back point on the waistband. ________
E. Over the shoulder measurement #2: from center front point on the waistband, over shoulder jointpoint G, to center back point on the waistband. ________(These two measurements help us calculate the slope of your shoulder to get a better fit)
Your Height: ___________Weight: _____________
Your posture type:
(a) Straight (shoulders over hip joint)
(b) Stooped (shoulders forward)
(c) Swayback (shoulders behind hip joint)
Please be honest: Did you tie a band around your waist tightly for these measurements?
Units used: (a) centimeters (b) inches
Other characteristics to note, if any: ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
Other Measurements, depending on the garment:
For Chemises:
Measure all the way around shoulders, about 2 inches below the shoulders. _______
Bust: _______________________
Height: ______________________
For Drawers:
Hips: (widest part) __________________
Front, waist to crotch: ______________
Back, waist to crotch: ______________
Outside leg, waist to 4.5 inches below your knee: __________________