How to Take Your Measurements

When you are planning your cosplay project, whether you will be buying or making the various components, it is important to make sure they will fit properly. Most retail sizes you will encounter will not be indicative of how big the item is (i.e., a Medium will often be different actual sizes depending on the store), and many cosplay pieces require fitting that retail sizes simply don't cover. Therefore, it is handy to take your own measurements, either to compare them to the sizing charts that e-tailers and pattern makers offer, or to ensure the best fit for custom-created items. This process can be tricky on your own, so I recommend wearing close-fitting clothing and having a friend available.

You will need:

• Flexible tape measure
• A mirror
• A friend
  

Base Measurements

These are the standard measurements that apply to most clothing and will be found on typical size charts.

Height: In your bare feet or socks, measure from the top of your head to the floor

Weight:  Weigh yourself wearing as little as possible. While weight does not always correspond to a certain body shape, it can be useful to have available.

Bust/Chest: The circumference of the largest part of your chest, generally at the level of your nipples.

Waist: The circumference of the smallest part of your waist, usually the waist line is about 2" above the belly button. If you have trouble finding it, bend sideways and measure at the crease.

Hip:the circumference of the largest part of your hip

Inseam: Inner leg from crotch to ankle

Secondary Measurements

These measurements are for more detailed fittings, like a dress shirt, hat, or fitted bodice.

Head:the circumference of the largest part of your head

Neck:Measure the circumference of the largest part of your neck. The tape should sit just above the collarbone.

High Bust: Measure around your upper chest just under the armpits.

Underbust (women): Measure just under the bust where your bra band sits

Shoulder Width: the length from shoulder to shoulder

Armpit Circumference: Measure around the top of the arm where it meets the shoulder.

Front Waist Length: Measure from the base of your neck where it intersects the top of your shoulder. Pull the tape as straight as possible over the fullest part of your bust to the natural waist.

Bust Depth: Measure from the same point as the Front Waist Length, but only to the fullest part of your bust.

Bicep: Measure around the fullest part of the bicep.

Back Waist Length: Measure from the nape of your neck to your waist.

Shoulder Length: Measure along the topmost point of your shoulder from the base of your neck to the tip of your shoulder

Sleeve: Measure the length from shoulder to the wrist (elbow should be bent slightly)

Wrist: Measure around the wrist.

High Hip: Measure around the topmost point of your hip, at the point where you crease when you bend forward.

Thigh: Measure around the largest part of your thigh.

Knee: Measure around the knee.

Calf: Measure around the fullest part of the calf.

Ankle: Measure around the ankle

Full Measurement Chart

Height: __________________  

Weight: __________________

Head: __________

Neck: __________

Shoulder Length: __________

Shoulder Width: _________

Armpit Circumference: ________ 

Sleeve Length: ________

Bicep: ________

High Bust: ________

Bust/Chest: ________

Underbust: ________

Bust Depth: ________ 

Front Waist: ________

Waist: ________

High Hip: ________

Full Hip: ________

Thigh: ________

Inseam: ________

Ankle: ________