Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Measurements


measurement guide2
I get a lot of questions about measurements, so I figured I should make a blog post  about it.  This blog post will be updated as needed.

The main measurements I need for a dress are your overbust, bust and waist measurements. Optional measurements you can provide for a better fit are your bra size, your overbust/chest measurement, your back length to natural waist, and your height. Feel free to throw in any other measurements you want and mention any fit issues you tend to have or any concerns you have.

Genral Information for Taking Measurements
-It's best to take the measurements over the garments you'll be wearing under the dress or garment. It might not seem like it, but wearing a different bra or not wearing one at all can make a difference.

-Make sure your undergarments fit you properly!  Your bust should be about halfway between your shoulder and elbow.  If it's not, your bra is not doing its job.  My dresses are designed to be worn with a properly fitting bra.

-You can find tape measures for about a $1 at a number of places.  Supermarkets and big box stores like Wal*Mart and Target all carry them in addition to fabric stores.  Look for them in the sewing and repair section,

-If you don't have a tape measure, you can use a ribbon or string. Just wrap in around yourself, mark where the measurement should be, and then measure it flat with a ruler.

-When you measure, stand how you normally stand. 

-When you take your measurements, the measureing tape should be snug, but not tight.  It shouldn't be digging into your skin. 

-I recommend having a friend help you take the measurents, as having to bend over or hold the tape in place can effect some measurements.


ladybug romper measure guide

How to take the Measurements I Require
 -For your overbust/chest measurement-This measurement is taken over bust and under your arms. It helps prevent gaping at the neckline.  Think of where the neckline would be on a strapless dress.

-For your bust- measure around the fullest part of your bust (across your nipples) and around your back, keeping the measuring tape as straight horizontally as you can. You want it snug but not pinching in.

-For your waist- measure around your natural waist which is usually about an inch or two below your rib cage. To find it, just bend sideways and measure straight across where the bend is.

Here's two videos that show how to take measurements:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UguOJMyEs4g&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAMv9hS5Lz4&NR=1

Additional Measurements (and when to provide them)

-You can provide as many measurements as you'd like. The more measurements you provide, the better the fit will be. At worst, I just won't use them.  If in doubt, just send it in.


--underbust- This measurement is taken right under your bust.  If you see a seam line under the bust, this is a good measurement to send in if you want a snug fit. 

-bra size- Most of my dresses are drafted for a B cup standard. A couple of them are drafted to a D cup.  If your cup size is larger than that, it may cause the waistline to rise in the front a bit (as well as the hem), your chest to look a little squished giving you more cleavage, and possibly gaping at the neckline. The gaping usually isn't a problem if the dress has shirring and back lacing.  The waist may also be raised up a bit in the front. If your bust is smaller than a B cup, you may have some extra fabric in the bust area that wrinkles.

-your back length to natural waist- This helps me adjust the bodice so the waistine will sit in the right place. The dress will likely still fit, but it's surprising how much difference an inch (or even less) can make in how flattering the dress is. It'll fit and look good, but it'll fit and look even better when the waist line is at the right place on you.

-your height- This is if you are taller or shorter than 5'4" to 5'6", then likely the length of the bodice and or skirt needs to be longer or shorter respectively. Send in your back length along with this measurement for best results, since standard I'll adjust the bodice length by 1 inch and the skirt length by 2. Not every body has a longer or shorter torso and legs.

-your shoulders- The standard shoulders on my dresses tend to be adjusted to be a little bit smaller.  This is good for those of you who have narrow shoulders or trouble with straps falling off your shoulders all the time.  It's a good measurement to provide if you order anything with sleeves from me.  This measurement is measured from the bone in your shoulder, behind your neck, to the bone in your shoulder.  It's pretty much right where your arm starts and your shoulder ends.  The pictures will be updated in the next day or two to show this measurement.


Here's another video showing how to take measurements:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbpCs0H5nSM&feature=related

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