Bustledress.com, MEASUREMENTS PAGE for Bustle Dresses, Victorian Gowns, Antique Dress, Vintage Clothing, Corsets, Vintage Clothes. |
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 Taking Dress Measurements |
Here's a measurements chart to help you make correct measurements. NEVER assume that something is a certain size- always check measurements so you won'thave a measurement problem. Have a friend measure you- do not try to measure yourself- it's almost impossible to be accurate.Make sure to wear the undergarments you plan to wear when taking your measurements as they add bulk. Add 1/2" to your measurements for wearing easeor you'll feel like a stuffed sausage if the item is too tight. (Think of that little brother bundled up for the snow in "A Christmas story.") LOL Remember, many of the old garments may not have any or much in sem allowances.
The most important measurements (in my opinion) are:
1) Across shoulders from the widest points. 2) Across fullest part of the bust OVER your bra. Which brings us to what I fondly call, "The Boob Factor."And this is pretty important point so please try to keep this in mind when choosing garments. DO NOT go by a bra size. A 36A cup and 32D do not fit the same (although the initial measurements are similar. The 36A will take a larger back measurement.) If you are bustier than a "B," take a back measurement to the side seams and measure your front to the side seams so you have an idea on how much larger a front measurement on a garment needs to be for you to fit correctly in the front and less than the back. Remember, most women in the Victorian era were not usually larger than say, a "B" cup which was considered average at the time. If you don't heed this advice,the garment may pouch through the back shoulders or pull and stretch across incorrectly in the front if it fits at all. 3)Shoulder to waist , across the natural waist (at belly button) and 4)Across the widest point at the hips. 5) Then from shoulder to floor or whereever the hem needs to be. If you have a thick wrist, or larger biceps or neck, you may want to include those measurements as well. |
ShoesFor shoes, measure your best fitting shoe from the inside length by the width of the ball of the foot. For tightly pointed toed boots or shoes I suggest adding at least1/2" to 1" for the tip or your toes will get cramped at the ends. For instance my feet measure 10" in length (a size 8) and 3" in width, so I am a US sized 8 wide.In pointed toe boots I purchase boots that are 11" long and 3," or slightly more in width (if I can find them) for comfort. |
| Hope this has been helpful... |
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