When ordering your Custom Sized clothing, I’ll need your measurements as well as your “Snugness Preference” as explained below. Please read thoroughly.
Meaurements I'll need:
1. Measure bust at fullest part (do not go by bra size).
2. Measure waist at smallest part.
3. For torso length measure at the very top of your shoulder where the front and back straps will meet, then go directly down your back to your waist without angling over to your center waist. The illustration is almost perfect BUT the top of the tape measure should be placed slightly more towards the shoulder. Basically, where your bra strap lies at the top of your shoulder, then straight down to your waist.
4. For skirt length, measure from your waist to wherever you'd like the hem to hit keeping in mind the shoes you'll be wearing and added fullness from a hoop slip or crinoline. These underpinnings can bring a hemline up 2-3 inches, so be sure to factor that in your final number. If you plan on tucking the skirt waistline under your bodice, then add another inch to this number as well.
5. If you’ve ordered a court gown with sleeves, I’ll also need a bicep measurement and an
outer –shoulder-to-wrist measurement.
Snugness Preference:
SP #1: For maximum push-up and cinching, the bodice should be about 2-3 inches smaller in the bust and an inch or so smaller in the waist than your actual measurements. This is a VERY snug fit and not recommended if you're really into comfort. This is the ratio in which I wear my own bodices but I’ve conditioned myself to take very shallow breaths.
SP #2: For a reasonably comfortable fit but still a some enhancement, the bodice should be about an inch smaller in the bust and the waist about the same as your actual measurement.
SP #3: For total comfort, the bodice bust should be about the same as your bust measurement and the bodice waist should be about an inch larger to allow for bulkiness from the skirt.
You can either give me your measurements along with your Snugness Preference and I’ll calculate the bodice dimensions OR you can tell me the measurements in which you’d like the bodice to be made. Just let me know which way you’ve done it.
Additional Fit and Measurement Info
I can’t over-emphasize the importance of getting accurate measurements.
I want you to be thrilled with the fit of your bodice. I can’t thrill you if I don’t have accurate measurements.
Apparently, the torso measurement seems to be the trickiest, so be sure to study the illustration and read the above directions thoroughly. If you still have questions, then email me.
Sometimes I get measurements (especially for that pesky torso) which seem “off”…too long or too short. I gauge this by the other measurements given, plenty of experience in bodice-making and some minor psychic ability. If I question your measurements, don’t be offended. It’s just little ole’ anal-retentive me trying to make sure we’re getting you a perfectly fitted bodice. Not to sound smug, but usually I’m right when I question something. After a second measuring session (usually done by an enlightened female versus the well-meaning husband or boyfriend who got it wrong the first time), the measurement is modified and I have good, accurate information.
If you plan on wearing a corset underneath your bodice, then I’ll need your measurements taken while wearing the corset. I’ll add approximately ½” to the bust and the waist measurements to get the final dimensions for your bodice (unless you tell me otherwise).
If after reading all this delightful information, you STILL have questions, then please drop me a line.