top of page
Writer's pictureLeah Widdicombe

How to take body measurements for custom-made clothing.


What is made-to-measure clothing?

If a garment is made-to-measure, it means that it is cut and sewn to fit the specific measurements of your body. I (the seamstress) ask for your relevant body measurements that I will need from you, such as your height, bust, waist, and hip measurements. I then use these measurements to adjust my sewing patterns specifically for your order. This process will hopefully maximize your chances of getting a great fit and minimize the need for returns!


What tools do I need?

If you don't have a flexible tape measure, you can download our free printable pdf of a tape measure, or you can simply use a piece of string and a ruler. Our YouTube video will walk you through the process of how to get your measurements, or you can read our written instructions below! (Grab a pencil and jot down your measurements so you don't forget them.)


What body measurements should I take?

If you have a flexible measuring tape (or string and ruler), use it to wrap all the way around these three main points around your body.

Bust

Measure with your arms down, across the fullest part of your chest and around (under your armpits, around your shoulder blades, and back to the front)

Waist

Measure the full circumference around your natural waistline (the narrowest part of your torso) which is located above your belly button and below your rib cage. (If you bend to the side, the crease that forms is your natural waistline.) Don’t suck in your stomach, or you’ll get a false measurement.

Hips

Keep your feet together and measure the full circumference. Start at one hip and wrap the tape measure around your rear, around the other hip, and back to where you started. Make sure the tape is over the largest part of your buttocks. Because making sure the tape is level back there can be hard, try to do it in front of a mirror.

Height

On most garments, we will ask for your height, because we know that can drastically alter the fit. We will either make you a petite, regular, or tall garment depending on the height you provide. This measurement should be your standard height (from top of head to the floor).



What are the benefits of made-to-measure clothing?

  1. Reduces the rate of returns, which reduces the environmental footprint made by return shipping, and it reduces the guilt that you feel about returning (or forgetting to return) your clothing because it fits you right the first time.

  2. You are happier with your clothing, making it more likely that you wear it many times over, and you won't let your closet build up with unworn and unfitting items.

  3. It requires you to buy the garment for yourself only, or as a gift only with consent from the wearer. I know, seems crazy that I wouldn't want you to buy my items as gifts. And I still do want you to, in the right circumstance! But nonconsensually gifted clothing is a HUGE contributor to fast fashion and clothing waste. How many times has someone gifted you something that you wore once out of pity then donated to Goodwill or chucked into the landfill? Clothing is an expression of one's personality, and I want each of my garments to be a perfect fit (physically and stylistically) for the wearer.

All Charlie Darwin garments are made-to-measure.


We cut and sew your clothing after you've placed your order, which gives us the opportunity to personalize your fit. We just ask you to provide us with certain body measurements at checkout!


P.S. Additional customizations can be made by request. Just drop us a line at Charliedarwinco@gmail.com

Commentaires


bottom of page