Measuring accurately is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of ordering your corset. Even if you have never taken your measurements before, all that is required is a little time and care, and a friend who is willing to help. When in doubt, double-check, or even triple-check. Take the extra time, because if the measurements are not accurate, your corset won't fit when it arrives.
Preparing for Measuring
Wear clothing that is skin-tight, so the measurements will match your body, not your clothes. If your wardrobe includes bras, wear one that is as naturally shaped as possible, without padding, bust enhancement, or bust reduction. When you are taking the measurements, be prepared to stand with your feet square to your body and in a straight, relaxed posture. Your posture does change your measurements, as does twisting the torso. This is why it is critical that a second person take your measurements.
You will need a measuring tape for sewing or tailoring, available at any fabric or craft store, and most drug stores. If you wish to mark the locations where you take the measurements, masking tape usually works best. You'll also need a pen and paper to write down the measurements.
Not all measurements are required for every kind of corset, but it never hurts to provide all of them. I will keep them on file, but every time you order a corset I will ask for confirmation of the measurements as they can change over time.
Taking the Measurements
It doesn't really matter in what order you take the measurements, but I do recommend starting with the circumference measurements. That way you will know exactly where to take the vertical measurements.
For all measurements, the tape should be held barely snug, not tight. When you have taken all the measurements, I recommend re-taking them and checking to make sure you get the same numbers. If they differ in any way, take the measurements again until you get consistent numbers. It might take some extra time, but it's worth the effort to have a corset that fits.
If you are noticably asymetrical, please let me know when consulting for your custom garment so I can provide you with more specific measurement instructions.
Standard Measurements
1) Bust Circumference
This measurement should be taken at the fullest part of the bust, which is usually across the nipples. This measurement is only used on overbust style corsets.
2) Underbust Circumference
This measurement should be taken directly under the bust. If your bra has an underwire, you may want to remove the bra for this measurement.
3) Lowest Rib Circumference
This measurement should be taken at the height of the lowest part of your rib cage. To find the bottom of your rib cage, run your hand down your side and follow your ribs down towards your kidneys. If you are plus-sized it might be difficult to find, so take the measurement roughly where you think it is. This measurement is most important on thinner individuals, because it helps prevent any uncomfortable pinching of the rib cage.
4) Smallest Waist Circumference
This is the place where your torso is smallest in circumference. Depending upon your body type and weight, it is possible that the smallest waist will be anywhere from just below the underbust to a bit below the lowest rib measure. If you have no definable waist, take this measurement where you consider your waistline to be.
Natural Waist Circumference and Distance From Underbust (not on diagrams)
This measurement is used for most conical corsets, stays, and bodies instead of the smallest natural waist. This is because if the corset extends lower than this on the sides it will have a tendency to dig in.
To find your natural waistline stand straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean to the side and put your finger where your torso bends. Do the same to the other side, and repeat until you are certain of the location. Take the circumference and distance measurements at this height on your torso.
5) Point of Hip Circumference
This the highest point at the front of the pelvis. Feel for the bony top of the pelvis on either side of the abdomen, and take the measurement there.
6) Hip Circumference
This is not necessarily your full hip measurement. When standing, lift your leg and place your finger just above where the leg articulates into the pelvis. Take the hip measurement at this height.
7) Bust-to-Underbust Distance
This is the vertical distance from the bust to underbust, taken to the side of the bust or under the armpit. This measurement is only used for overbust style corsets.
8) Underbust-to-Rib Distance
This is the vertical distance from the underbust to where the lowest rib measurement was taken. Along the side is usually the easiest place to take an accurate measurement.
9) Underbust-to-Waist Distance
This is the vertical distance from the underbust to natural waist.
10) Underbust-to-Point-of-Hip Distance
This is the vertical distance from the underbust to the highest part of the pelvis.
11) Underbust-to-Hip Distance
This is the vertical distance from the underbust to the articulation point of the hip joint.
Additional Measurements
These measurements are used for certain specialized kinds of corsets, or for occassions when I want to make a standard block form before creating patterns. Do not worry about taking these measurements unless I specifically ask for them.
Full Hip Circumference and Distance from Underbust
This measurement is used for making long-line corsets, skirts and pants. Measure the circumference of your body at the widest part of the hips, and the distance from there to the underbust.
Buttox Circumference and Distance from Underbust
This measurement is used for making long-line corsets, skirts, and pants. Measure the circumference of your body at the largest part of the buttox, and the vertical distance from there to the underbust.
Back Length
This is the vertical distance from the nape of the neck (large vertebrate where the back of a collar usually sits) to the natural waist. This measurement is used for very high-backed corsets, corsets with shoulder straps, and full torso patterns.
Back Width
This is the width of the back at the shoulders, and the vertical distance from the nape of neck to where the measurement was taken. This measurement is used for corsets with shoulder straps, and full torso patterns.
Shoulder Width
This is the width of the shoulders, from point to point. The point of the shoulder is widest part before the arm slopes sharply downward. This measurement is used for corsets with shoulder straps, and full torso patterns.
Back Diagonal Length
This is the diagonal distance from the point of the shoulder to the center back at the waistline. In the illustration, the blue line represents the waistline. This measurement is used for corsets with shoulder straps, and full torso patterns.
Neck Width
This is the horizontal width of the neck. The measurement should be taken at the nape of the neck, across the shoulders, and should be the visual width. This measurement is used for full torso patterns.
Chest Width
This is the width of the chest at the arm, and the vertical distance from there to the center of the collarbone. Take the width measure from where the skin naturally starts to fold when the arm is down. This measurement is used for corsets with shoulder straps, and for full torso patterns.
Center Front Length
This is the vertical measurement from the center of the collarbone to the waist. The blue line in the diagram represents where the waist measurement was taken. This measurement is used for full torso patterns.
Diagonal Torso Front
This is the diagonal measurement from the intersection of the Waist and Center Front Length measurements, to the point of the shoulder. This line should travel over the apex of the bust. This measurement is used for full torso patterns.
Princess Front Length
This is the length from the top of the shoulder to the waist, over the apex of the bust. It should follow the same line as a "princess seam". This measurement is used for shoulder straps and full torso patterns.
Arm Circumference
This is the circumference of the arm at the shoulder. With the arm relaxed at the side of the body, gently snug the measuring tape around the arm, through the armpit and over the point of the shoulder. This measurement is used for full torso patterns.
Any Additional Information
Different people cinch into corsets differently, so if you have worn a corset or bodice before, please indicate your comfortable waistline reduction. Otherwise, I will reduce the waist measurement by 2"-4", depending upon your natural measurements. If you absolutely do not want any waist reduction, please specify, but I strongly recommend a small amount of waist reduction to help prevent shifting and chaffing during wear.
For a bra-top corset, I will also need your cup size.
Other special embellishments or corset styles might require additional measurements. When you submit your inquiry, I'll discuss with you any special requirements to create your ideal corset.
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