Measuring Properly for Costume.

Measuring of the Human Form for Costume Making.

In measuring anything there is room for human error, but making reasonable precautions like having a decent textile tape measure (with inches and centimetres), a notepad and pen close by and no small amount of patience, you can achieve anything in costume making.
The images on this page are from my sketchbook, the diagrams were given to me by my tutor, I don't claim to own them. (click to enlarge)

Male Measurement Positions

Female Measurement Positions

It's always good to have a practise first so grab a friend (bribe them with cookies) and measure them using the diagram, I will try and make it as simple as possible while also giving you all the measurements you'll need for a well fitting garment.

First things first, make sure your model is comfortable, they're quite important.

On a sheet of paper or a sketchbook number 1 - 28, on the image above it has a different set of letters please ignore them, it's there just to help you visually.

If you're doing a full length item you'll need your models height, put that down if you need it.

FB- Means you'll need a front and back measurement for the best fit.
FBS - Means you'll need front, back an side measurements.

1. Neck - This is the measurement around the base of the neck just above the shoulders. It should not be tight, this can make your model uncomfortable.

2. Chest/Bust - Measure around the largest part of chest/bust. Make sure the measuring tape is level all the way around.

3. Ribcage - Measure under the bust and around the ribcage.

4. Waist - This is your models natural waistline, let them to put their hands on their waist to find the smallest point and measure that.

5. Hips - Around the largest part of the hips.

6. Nape to waist FB - The nape is the top of your spine at the base of your neck. For this you'll need a front and back measurement from the natural waistline to the nape.

7. Across shoulders FB - From the top side of one shoulder to across the front and back to the other shoulder.

8. Cross back - This is from the armpit across the widest part of the back to the other.

9. Cross front - From just above the armpit across the flattest part of the chest to the other side.

10. Armscye - This is the measurement all around the shoulder and under the armpit.

11. Underarm to waist - From just below the armpit to the natural waistline.

12. Bust span - This is across the front of the chest (from nipple to nipple).

13. Head around - This is only if a hat is required for the costume. Measure around the widest point of the forehead keeping the tape measure level all the way around.

14. Shoulder to elbow - From the tip of the shoulder to the tip of the elbow.

15. Shoulder to wrist - From the tip of the shoulder to the wrist bone.

16. Bicep - Circumference of the largest part of the upper arm.

17. Elbow - Circumference of the elbow.

18. Wrist - Around the wrist over the wrist bone.

19. Waist to floor FBS - From the centre back, front and sides of the natural waistline to the floor.

20. Waist to knee FB - From the natural waistline to the knee.

21. Inseam - This is the inside leg from the top of the leg to the ankle.

22. Outseam - Outside leg from the hip to the ankle.

23. Thigh - Circumference of middle of upper leg.

24. Calf - Circumference of biggest part of lower leg.

25. Above the knee - Circumference of leg above the knee.

26. Below the knee - Circumference of leg below the knee.

27. Ankle - Around the ankle bone.

28. Body rise - This is the measurement from the top of the hips, through the legs and to the top of the hips on the other side.


If you're making anything for yourself its important to get someone else to measure you for the most accurate garment.

Thank you for reading!! 

I do not own the images on this page.