1) Across shoulders from the widest points.

 2) Across fullest part of the bust OVER your bra. Which brings us to what I fondly refer to as, "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 where ever 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.