How well your costume fits is directly determined by how accurately you measure. To make sure you are getting accurate measurements, you should have a friend help you measure. I cannot take returns on custom made merchandise, so please make sure to get good measurements!

Here's several common mistakes:

Be sure you're reading the tape measure from the right side. Don't laugh, I've done this before. (Wow, how do I have a 35" waist all the sudden??) You aren't in that much danger if you have a tape that contains inches on one side and centimeters on the other, but some of them contain inches on both sides - just starting from different directions on the 60 inch tape. Also be sure to start from the right end - this also may seem obvious to you, but it's easy to grab the wrong end if you are in a hurry!

Take your time, and measure twice. If you wind up with several inches difference between two "bust" measurements, it could be because you had a full breath of air on one and had just let it out on the other. I generally try to have about half a breath of air when I measure my bust.

Use a sewing tape, not a construction tape measure, and NEVER a piece of string and a ruler. If you don't have one already they only cost about a dollar or two and it is well worth the investment to make sure your costume fits.

Below is a description of each of the measurements listed in the chart above.

Upper Bust Measured above the bust below the armpits. How much air you have in your lungs will influence this measurement. I generally try to have about half a breath of air for all bust measurements. Bust Measured around the bust at fullest point. Pay attention to how much air you have in yout lungs. Under Bust Measured around the rib cage just under the breasts. Again, try to have about half a breath of air when measuring. Upper Arm Circumference of the upper arm above the elbow. Waist This measurement refers to your natural waist at smallest point. Abdomen Traditionally this measurement refers to the circumference vertically halfway between natural waist and largest hips, but I use it to refer to the point at which you like to wear your waistbands for belly dance costumes. Hips Measured around the hips and butt at largest point. Inseam Measured from crotch to floor. You will want to have a friend help you measure - you hold the end of the tape measure at the crotch and your friend sits on the floor to get the measurement at bottom.

Stretchy Sizing

Below are my basic size charts for all stretch fabric costumes, and elasticized cotton/satin costumes. As you can see, there is one number for each size that overlaps a bit. My measurements are 36-27-35 so I can technically fit into both a size Small and an extra small, but the extra small is extremely skin tight. The small is comfortably tight.

Even if you are just ordering a top from me, I recommend getting all the measures I have listed below and writing them down - so you have them, and just in case. Taking a bunch of measurements lowers your chances for making mistakes, and has more opportunities to raise red flags - like if your waist is in the Medium size range but your hips are in XS you will know you made a mistake somewhere!

	XS	S	M	L	XL
Upper bust	30-33	33-36	35-41	41-47	47-54
Bust	29-33	33-38	38-43	43-50	50-58
Upper arm circumference	9-10	10-11.5	11.5-13	13-15	15-18
Waist	23-26	26-31	31-36	36-43	43-51
Abdomen	31-34	34-37	37-42	42-48	48-55
Hips	33-36	36-40	40-45	45-51	51-58

Non-Stretchy Sizing

My lines of renaissance and gothic costumes, since all of them are made of non-stretch fabric, are based on different size charts than my stretch merchandise. If you are a size L in my stretch tops, you could be a size XL in my renaissance bodices. Be sure to check these size charts and read what I've written!

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Bust	31.5 +	33.5 +	37 +	41 +	45 +	49 +
Under Bust	25 +	27 +	30.5 +	34 +	37.5 +	41 +
Abdomen	30 +	33 +	37 +	41 +	48 +	55 +
Upper arm circumference	8.5 +	9.5 +	11 +	12.5 +	14 +	16 +

Rather than give a measurement range, I give a + after each measurement - it is technically possible to wear a smaller belt or bodice laced really loosely (you can go about one size smaller without looking stupid.) Do this only if you are expecting to lose A LOT of weight in the near future. Contact me if your measurements for a bodice do not fit neatly into one of the above categories. Usually the Underbust measurement is actually what matters most for getting a perfect fit (boobs squish, but rib cages don't!)

The measurement for each size refers to the minimum measurement needed for a tight fit. For instance, if your underbust measures exactly 30", and you want a tight fit, get a Small, not a Medium.

Belts are equally easy to size. Measurement given above is the minimum measurement needed for a tight fit. If your abdomen is larger than the measurement above, you will have some gap between your belt pieces where they are laced together.