The most important thing you can do to ensure a perfect fit at J&S Creations is to get measured properly. It’s not hard at all, but a lot of women are nervous about it the first time! You can do many of the measurements yourself, but it really is much easier and better if you can get a friend or professional person to help. Did you know that most companies who offer alterations will do a professional measurement session for a very low cost? And when you compare investing just a short amount of time to get your measurements done vs the time you spend returning ill-fitting clothes to retailers, it really makes more sense to get your measurements!
Waist
If you put your arms down and bend at your elbows, where your elbow bends are your natural waist. It is also the narrowest point on your torso. Stand tall and natural. If you are round-shaped or have ‘rolls’, do not suck them in.
Total Bust
Take a 360° measurement at the widest point of your bust. Measure with your arms down rather than out to the side. Note: The nipples are not always the widest point of every woman’s bust.
Highest Point Hips
Measure approximately 3’’ below your waist, at the top point of your hip. Take a 360° measurement, with your feet together.
Widest Point of Hips
Measure approximately 8’’ below your waist, at the widest point of your hips (and generally your booty). Take a 360° measurement, with your feet together.
Single Thigh
Wrap the measuring tape around the thickest part of your thigh, with legs straight. This should be right under your booty. Take a 360° measurement.
Widest Point of Upper Arm
Take a 360° measurement of the widest part of your upper arm. Flex or bend your arm if you want a looser fit. Otherwise, leave your arm outstretched.
Shoulder to Shoulder (Back)
Measure from one shoulder bone to the other across the back of your neck. If you have trouble figuring out where your shoulder tips are, find anything you own that fits you well and has both a collar and a sleeve and measure its shoulder length.
Front, Collarbone to Waist
Stand tall as you measure from the center of your collarbone (your clavicle) to your waist. For added accuracy, tie a string around your natural waist before measuring!
Drape/Lengths
Front, Shoulder to Length
Stand tall as you measure the front of your body from the top of your shoulder to the floor. Make sure to measure from the top of your shoulder, over your bust and keep a straight, vertical line.
Inner leg
Measure inside the top of the leg to the full length.
Outseam, Waist to Ankle
Measure outside the body from your waist to your ankle.
Crotch
Tie a string around your natural waist. Measure from the center of the front of your waist under your crotch to the center of the back of your waist
Arms & Legs
Sleeve Length (Straight Arm)
Measure from your shoulder bone to your wrist bone. Let your arm hang down naturally. This is for most shirts and dresses. If you are measuring for a suit jacket, ask your designer to add 2 inches (4 cm) or the preferred length for the suit sleeve.
Sleeve Length (Bent Arm)
Measure from your shoulder bone to your wrist bone. Place your hand on your waist to form a 90° angle as you take this measurement.
Widest Point of Calf
Take a 360° measurement of the widest part of your calf. This measurement is most important if you have very large or very skinny calves.