Ready to wear sizing is not yet universal and sadly, sometimes very confusing for the online buyer.
Every clothing manufacturer seems to have their own set of rules, and sizes such as small, medium and large and all their variations are just arbitrary terms unless they’re based on a particular system or measurements.
In addition, personal sizing choices vary. Some wearers like to look as though they’ve been poured into their costume - others prefer a looser fit or to buy with lots of growing room.
And to further complicate matters not all 'stretch' fabrics used are created equal. Some are really stretchy, others not so much, some stretch more in one direction than the other and some only stretch in one direction.
I like to think I have most alternatives covered by allowing for different stretch and trim properties within each design, and offering individual sizing suggestions for each costume so you can choose your own fitting preference.
I’m happy to help if you need fitting advice. Simply Contact Me.
Measuring:
Measurements should preferably be taken over the underwear that would normally be worn on stage, otherwise over a close fitting plain leotard. No street clothes!
The person being measured should stand straight, look straight ahead (not down or around at what’s being measured) and breathe normally.
Chest, underbust, waist, high hip and hip should all be measured with the tape measure horizontal to the ground all around the body.
Always measure snugly but not so tight as to cut into fleshy parts of the body and NEVER allow extra for growth!
The most important measurement for a leotard or costume is the torso (also known as the girth). In construction, the greatest stretch usually goes sideways around the body, so it’s important for the length to fit correctly.
Torso/Girth is measured by placing one end of a tape measure at the top centre of one shoulder (where a strap would sit) and looping the other end of the tape down through the legs and back up to the same point on the shoulder. The tape measure should be firm but not tight. DO NOT push the tape into any inward curves!
Chest is measured at the widest part of the chest.
Waist is measured at the smallest part (usually just above the navel).
High Hip Line (often just called the 'Hip Line') is measured approx 5 - 8cm down from the waist where the hip bones start to protrude.
Hips are measured lower down around the widest part of the derriere.
Underbust is measured on the ribcage below the chest (where a bra band would sit).
Sizes of leotards and costumes on this site.
Please choose the closest torso measurement first.
If your measurements are towards the higher side in your torso group the fit will be a little firmer. If you are towards the smaller side it will give a little room for growth.
Sometimes, when a leotard or costume is completed and in my opinion doesn't quite suit any of my standard sizes, I may recommend it as a size, or even a combination of sizes, which are not shown on this chart but will be explained in the leotard or costume description.
As above, I’m always happy to help with fitting advice.
My Standard Sizes in Cm
My Standard Sizes in Inches