Measurement Terms

Below is a description/explanation of each of the measurements on the CASTLE BLOOD COUTURE custom order worksheet. Please take accurate measurements--this is NOT a beauty contest, and you will not be judged on the of the numbers. We need accurate measurements so we can make a garment that will fit you properly and comfortably.

CHEST: Distance around the fullest part of the chest.

WAIST: Distance around the narrowest part of the waist. [Or men: where you wear the waistband of your pants.]

HIP: Distance around the fullest part of the hip. [ Generally 7"-9" below the waist.]

OUT SEAM: Distance from waist to ankle (or waist to desired length of garment).

INSEAM: Distance from crotch to ankle (or crotch to desired length of garment).

CALF:  Distance around fullest part of calf.

ANKLE:  Distance around ankle.

CROTCH LENGTH: Distance from center back waist to center front waist, through the crotch.

SLEEVE LENGTH: Distance from top of shoulder to wrist (or desired sleeve length). [Men: this is a different measurement than your standard off-the-rack shirt sleeve length, which is measured from the center back to the wrist.]

NECK TO SHOULDER: Distance from the side base of the neck to the top of the shoulder. [Shirts, jackets, etc, have a seam along the top of the shoulder that joins the front of the garment to the back of the garment. The length of this seam is what we're looking for here. Measurements will range from 4"(woman with narrow shoulders) to 8" or more (man with broad shoulders).]

UPPER ARM:  Distance around the fullest part of the bicep. [If this measurement increases dramatically when you flex, then give the flexed measurement.]

FOREARM:  Distance around the fullest part of the forearm. [Flexed measurement may apply.]

WRIST:  Distance around wrist.

HAT:  Distance around the fullest part of the head (tape should go around like an Indian headband).

NECK:  Distance around the neck. [Don't pull the tape measure too tight on this one--allow a little looseness for comfort. We will add extra "breathing room" into the garment as well.]

BACK LENGTH:  Distance from center base of neck to center back waist.

SKIRT LENGTH:  Distance from waist to floor (or desired length of skirt). [Hint: wear the shoes/height of heel you intend to wear with the costume.]