Measuring yourself is so important whether you are looking for a used cosplay, getting a custom commission, or buying anything that is factory made.
However, getting the proper measurement can be quite confusing. If you haven't done this much before and are trying to piece together all the different tips, tutorials and images from the internet, it can seem super daunting.
What doesn't work
Below are some typical tips you see online and here why it's not super helpful for people starting out.
a. The Abstract Schematic
I'm sure by now everyone has seen versions of the image below. I love using it as a reference but when I looked at it for the first time, I remember being super overwhelmed. Exactly where on my body do those lines map to? How high up should I measure? I definitely had more questions than answers after seeing this picture.
b. Getting Measured by Someone Else
Getting measured by a tailor is a good way to get accurate measurements. However, during the pandemic, going to your tailor may be harder or not possible. Also, if you're someone whose weight changes a lot (like my husband, who can gain or lose 10 pounds per week), going to the tailor every time he needs a measurement will be really inconvenient.
If you're getting measured by a significant other or friend who's not familiar with how to do it, then you're back to square one and have to teaching them from the beginning.
All in all, I think it's the best to learn how to measure yourself. Not only can you use these for costumes, regular clothing purchases, you can also track your health and changes with your body. So let's get to it right now!
3 Measurements for Factory costumes and Secondhand Costumes
You will generally only need 3 measurements for ready to wear or prelove costumes, and that's your bust, waist, and hips. See this short video on how to get these measurements properly.
Before getting started make sure you
- Wear form fitting clothing
- Wear the bra and shoes you plan on wearing with the costume
- Stand in front of a mirror
What you'll need
- Tape measure
- String or something like it (I used my wired ear pods)
Definitions
Bust - The fullest part of your chest
Waist - The smallest part of your waist
Hip - the largest part of your hip/bottom
4 Common Measurements for Custom Pieces
If you are getting anything more custom, you'll need more specific measurements. Here are a few more common measurements. This is not comprehensive by any means, but just the ones that tend to be used the most.
According to a costume maker we spoke to, if she could get only 1 measurement, in addition to the waist, bust and hip, she would want the high hip. The high hip is a few inches below your natural waist and is the little pouch on your belly. This measurement can be very different for two people who have the same waist and hip, depending on how their body stores fat. More details are in the below on how to measure yourself for any custom work.
Definitions
High Hip - the largest part of your belly, usually a few inches below your natural waist
Sleeve - from your shoulder indent to your wrist bone
Inseam - from the floor (including shoes) to your crotch
Outseam - from the floor to your natural waist for high rise pants or skirts. Floor to high hip for mid rise. Floor to hip bone for low rise
4 Easy Tests to Double Check Your Measurements
Here are all the little tests you can do to make sure you measured properly, complied from the video above.
1. Roll test
When measuring your waist, the roll test can help you find the smallest point. I like to take my ear pod and put it in the general area of my waist. Then, I will take a breath and suck my belly in while tying the earpod as tightly as I can. This will naturally force the string to the smallest part of your waist. Then relax your stomach and loosen the string until it sits flush but not tightly against your waist.
2. Deep breath test
When measuring your bust, read the measurement while breathing normally. Then, take a deep breath and read the measurement after your breath. If the bust of your costume is between these numbers, you'll still be able to fit, but you might have a harder time breathing deeply. If you're working with a commissioner, feel free to share both numbers
3. Seat test
Can you sit down comfortably? When measuring your hips, make sure you sit down on a chair before reading the measurements for your hips. If you read it while standing up straight only, the resulting garment might not let you sit down comfortably.
4. Elbow test
When measuring your sleeve length, be sure to bend your elbow before reading the measurement. If you just take the measurement while your arm is hanging by your side, you'll end up looking like you outgrew your costume (since the sleeves will be too short). I personally love 3/4 length sleeves but when your sleeve hangs only an inch or two above your wrist, it looks super awkward and unflattering.
And there you have it, the easiest way to take measurements by yourself, without confusing graphics or pulling someone else in. If you like our post, check out more blogs here, or head on over to our listings section to see what gems other cosplayers are swapping out of their closets!
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Mengshu is a co-founder of Coscove. Growing up in Canada, Mengshu loved theatre, dance, and all things photography. She did photoshoots in costume before even learning what cosplay was! Find her on Coscove: coscove.com/mengshus
