Measurement Chart/measuring tips
It is extremely important that you know your true measurement when ordering online. The easiest way to take measurements is with a cloth measuring tape (available at any clothing store or in sewing departments at any superstore (i.e. Wal-Mart).  DO NOT use a metal tape measure….your last option is to measure with a heavy string which you fit tightly around waist, bust etc. and then pin down on flat surface and use ruler or metal tape to measure string. Sometimes I tie a string or elastic at the waist while I am taking measurements for a reference point to some of the other measurements.
NEVER pull the tape too tight, be completely honest with yourself or the result will be a garment that doesn’t fit properly. Take your measurements in your undergarments (panties-bra) just as you would wear with the garment.
  Compare your measurements with the sizes listed with our garment description. All garments were measured on a real body, or on the dress form.  We did not add ease, but also we didn’t measure too tight, so there may be a little ease due to the fabric, bias and form we used.

Bust:  Measure the fullest part of the bust all around front and back.  This measurement is NOT the same as a bra size.  Bra sizes are determined by the under bust  and cup size……..for example if you wear a 34C…….your bust IS NOT 34” probably more like 37/38”.  FYI…UNDERBUST…This is the measurement that is taken under the breast and around back. Bra size determined this way.

Waist: Measure around your natural waist line…….Your waist is the smallest area, or measure at navel line, or bend to one side…..waist is where you bend.  Do not pull tape in too tight, or you may end up with a dress that’s too tight.

Hips:  Hips are located approximately 7”-8” down from your natural waistline or the fullest part of the derriere.  This measurement isn’t always necessary in some dresses unless they are quite straight.  Be aware of styles.

BWL: Back waist length /take a measurement from the small bone at the back of the neck to the back waist.  This measurement determines if you are short or long waisted.  For example Petite/ junior sizes are shorter in this measurement than ladies sizes. If this measurement is off a lot, the dress will not fit at the waistline.

S-S:  Shoulder to shoulder……….Take this measurement at the end of one shoulder point to other.  This is where the sleeve cap is usually inserted into the bodice.  If this measurement is way off, the bodice will feel tight across shoulders.
Back waist length:  Measure the point at back waist to the hem. This obviously determines the length of the dress or skirt.  Some antique skirts are normally longer in back than the front

Front waist length:  Measure at front waist to front hem……this is important if the front is shorter than back. 

Back neck to hem: This measurement includes the back waist length and the waist to hemline.  We use this measurement if there wasn’t a defined waistline.

Sleeve Length: Measure from shoulder cap to wrist, bend your arm slightly to have some ease.  Remember, some of our garment measurements are to the elbow or are cap sleeve or full gathered with cuff. 


Your measurements:
Bust:__________________________
Waist__________________________
Hips:___________________________
Back Waist Length________________
Shoulder to Shoulder______________
Sleeve Length____________________
Back Neck to Hem_________________
Back Waist to Hem________________
Front Waist to Hem________________