How to Measure Correctly

IMPORTANT: All costumes are altered to be the measurements which you provide. An error made in measurements will create an ill fitting costume. Any additional alterations or costume replacements caused by inaccurate measurements are preformed at additional cost, if time allows. The tape measure should be pulled snugly, but not too tightly.

Important facts to remember when measuring a performer: Have the performer remove all bulky items from pockets that could alter measurements. Remove sweaters and any bulky outer clothes. Do not take the word of the person being measured as to measurements. Always have one qualified person measure all performers to avoid problems arising from inaccurate or changes in measurements. All measurements should be taken with the performer in stocking feet, except where noted. Women should be wearing the type of under garments that they will be wearing for the performance.

Men's Measurements:

• Chest: Measure at the fullest portion of chest.
• Waist: Taken around the natural waistline.
• Inseam: Taken from crotch to desired trouser length with shoes on.
• Outseam: Taken from natural waistline to desired trouser length with shoes on.
• Nape-Waist: Nape of neck in back to the natural waist in back.
• Neck: Circumference at base of neck.
• Sleeve: From the middle of the back, across the shoulder, and down the side of the arm with arm slightly bent.
• Shoulder: In the back, shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
• Hat: Measure around the circumference of the head, above the ears, where the hat is to rest, with hair or wig styled as for the performance.

Women's Measurements:

• Bust: Measure at the fullest portion.
• Bra Size: Commercial bra and cup size.
• Waist: Taken around the natural waistline.
• Hips: Seven inches down, or at the fullest portion of the hip area.
• Height: Performer's full height with good posture, in stocking feet.
• Waist-Knee: Natural waist on the side to the middle of the knee cap, on the outseam.
• Waist-Floor: Natural waist in front to the floor in front.
• Waist-Ankle: Natural waist in front to ankle
• Nape-Waist: Nape of neck in back to the natural waist in back.
• Nape-Floor: Nape of neck in back to the floor in back.
• Dress Size: Commercial Dress size.
• Neck: Circumference at base of neck.
• Sleeve: From the middle of the back, across the shoulder, and down the side of the arm with arm slightly bent.
• Shoulder: In the back, shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
• Hat: Measure around the circumference of the head, above the ears, where the hat is to rest, with hair or wig styled as for the performance.

Alterations:

Should you find it necessary to perform any alteration of our garments, open seams carefully with a seam ripper only. Do not use a razor or scissors. Hand stitch all closures or take up with loose basting stitch. Do not machine stitch.