How to Measure and Size Costumes / How to Measure Hat Size

We would rather take time now to get it right, than see you disappointed later - we're glad to help.

Use a tape measure. If you do not have a tape measure, use a piece of string and then measure the string.

"The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them."
       George Benard Shaw 1856-1950

 Men's Measurements

• Chest: Measure at the fullest portion of chest keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

• Waist: Taken around the natural waistline just below your belly button. Keep the tape snug.

• Inseam: Taken from crotch to desired trouser length with shoes on.

• Outseam: Taken from natural waistline (at your naval, just below your belly button) down the outside of your leg to desired trouser length with shoes on.

• Nape-Waist: Nape of neck in back to the natural waist in back.

• Neck: Circumference at base of neck. Gently wrap the measuring tape around the neck leaving room for 1 finger between neck and tape.

• Sleeve: From the middle of the back, across the shoulder, and down the side of the arm with arm slightly bent to the bottom of the wrist bone.

• Shoulder: In the back, shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

• Hat: Measure around the circumference of the head, above the ears, where the hat is to rest, with hair or wig styled as for the performance.

 Women's Measurements

• Bust: Measure at the fullest portion of your chest keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

• Bra Size: Commercial bra and cup size. (see below)

• Waist: Taken around the natural waistline just below your belly button.

• Hips: At the fullest portion of the hip area. Typically 9" below your natural waistline keeping the tape parallel to the floor and snug.

• Height: Performer's full height with good posture, in stocking feet.

• Waist-Knee: Natural waist on the side to the middle of the knee cap, on the outseam.

• Waist-Floor: Natural waist in front to the floor in front.

• Waist-Ankle: Natural waist in front to ankle

• Nape-Waist: Nape of neck in back to the natural waist in back.

• Nape-Floor: Nape of neck in back to the floor in back.

• Dress Size: Commercial Dress size.

• Neck: Circumference at base of neck.

• Sleeve: From the middle of the back, across the shoulder, and down the side of the arm with arm slightly bent.

• Shoulder: In the back, shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

• Hat: Measure around the circumference of the head, above the ears, where the hat is to rest, with hair or wig styled as for the performance.

 Follow these simple steps to determine your bra size

First, put on a comfortable bra--one that doesn't minimize or boost your breasts. Then grab a measuring tape that can wrap easily around your body. Can't find one? Use a piece of string and then measure the string. 

Note: These guidelines are based on a woman of medium build. If you are plus sized or extra petite, you may need to calculate your cup size based on a slightly to moderately different scale than the one at the bottom of this guideline. Give us a call and we'd be glad to assist you in getting a proper fit.

Band size
Measure under your armpits, high on your back, and across the top of your chest, above your breasts.

How many inches do you get? If this measurement is an even number, that will be your band size. If it's an odd number, add 1 inch and that will be your band size. So if you measure 34 inches around, your band size will be 34. And if you measure 35 inches around, your band size will be 36. 

Cup size
Measure loosely around the biggest part of your chest, keeping the measuring tape level with the ground. This is your bust size.

Got that number? Now subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch represents a cup size. For example, if your band measurement is 34 inches and your bust measurement is 35 inches, the difference is one inch, and your cup size is A. If your band measurement is 34 inches and your bust measurement is 37 inches, the difference is three inches, and your cup size is C.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The best way to get your head measurement is to use a fabric tape (also referred to as a seamstress tape). Have someone measure your head, placing the tape where the hat would sit. Be sure the tape is not tight. the tape should be only snug, what the wearer would think of as comfortable. After you have your measurement consult the chart below. Remember if your measurement falls between two sizes, always go up.

An example would be as follows:
Your head measures 22 1/8 inches. You consult the chart and find the next size would be 22 1/4 inches or 7 1/8. The wearer would then be able to pad the hat slightly, where found to be loose to adjust fit.

* Hat Sizing information comes from "The 1996 Hat Life Directory" published by Hat Life Publications.