Dress measurement for a boy-shaped woman

August 13, 2013 11:20 AM

I have an odd body shape, even for a woman of East Asian descent. I basically look like a rectangle. What is the best way for me to get measured in the UK for a custom wedding dress that I am ordering online? Is there a tailor in the UK that will take my measurements without me having to order something from said tailor? I am willing to pay a reasonable fee for their time and expertise. Is there someone in the London/Cambridgeshire area that you can recommend? More details inside.

My body is basically shaped like a skinny shoebox. I have no breasts (my cup size is somewhere around AAA or AA, which makes my chest effectively pre-pubescent), virtually no hips of which to speak (I believe the difference between my bust and my hip measurements is unusually small), and a bit of tummy, so I have no curves whatsoever. This makes dress-buying off the rack very difficult, since I am not the shape of most women my age either in the US or in the UK.

I have done a lot of looking online, and have found a legitimate clothing designer who is not a sweatshop seamstress from China. I believe that I will look good in this dress. I want to ensure that this dress will fit me well, given my unusual measurements.

What is the best way to measure myself? Would it be a better idea to take an average of 3 or 4 measurements, or would it be better to go to a professional tailor to get measured?

Given the style of the dress, which measurements are the most important not to get wrong?

Is it socially acceptable to go to a tailor in the UK and get my required measurements without ordering anything from said tailor? Are there tailors you know of in the area of London or Cambridge that will do a good job of this?

posted by the_wintry_mizzenmast to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (5 answers total)

Any tailor will do this. Don't measure yourself (just because of weirdnesses from how you have to position yourself to measure yourself), but any competent friend could do this too, though maybe less well then the tailor. Don't stress, just go to a tailor and ask.
posted by brainmouse at 11:26 AM on August 13, 2013

Response by poster: Just to clarify, I have a partner who can do the measurements with me. Thanks!
posted by the_wintry_mizzenmast at 11:28 AM on August 13, 2013

I'd go to a dry cleaner that does alterations. If this is your regular dry cleaner, so much the better.

Getting a tailor to do it, with no remuneration seems weird to me.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:04 PM on August 13, 2013

Best answer: Any tailor will do this and any competent alterations shop should do a competent measure. Personally, I would call ahead and ask when would be a good time to stop in because I would not want to go while they were busy. I'd also ask if they'll charge you; although they probably won't charge, I'd tip 5-10 dollars for it.

But if you don't want to do that, print out a measurement guide, have your friend measure you at the appropriate points, being sure to pull the tape tight enough that it remains in place without being held, but is loose enough not to be binding. Don't suck in your stomach or hold your breath. Stand naturally, but don't slouch. Mark the measurements on the guide, so it shows precisely where you've measured, but also include a list of them, starting at the top and working down. Wear something snug, without bulk, for the measuring. Honestly, the bra you intend to wear and a pair of leggings is best, but a slip or snug t-shirt and leggings is fine.

This measurement guide is not bad, but it's missing the armscye, which you will certainly want for the dress you've shown. It's also missing navel to floor and front length. Here are some other chart examples: One, two, three which are a little more comprehensive.

Shoulder to bust, bust to waist and the various bust/waist measurements are going to be more critical than the hip and length measurements. You always want upper bust, bust and lower bust measurements. Be sure to wear the bra you plan to wear, even with a small bust, it matters. For this dress, I'd take small waist (always the smallest part of your waist, usually just at the end of your rib cage) and low/wearing waist (usually wider and taken at your navel). Note the distance between the two measurements. I see the dressmaker website guide only has a single waist measurement--you could just clarify where they want that taken: the narrowest part of your body or at the navel.

I'd also take a neck circumference and a neck length measurement for this dress. Definitely get a cross-shoulder (across your back) and a back waist measurement.

Then take a photo of yourself in your underwear or in a snug camisole and leggings from the front, side and back. Include those photos with your measurements when you order (go ahead and blur your face or crop your head out of the photos). It really helps with custom-sized over the internet to include a photo with your measurements.

It's a pretty dress!
posted by crush-onastick at 12:22 PM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks for the advice, especially for the extra measurements!
posted by the_wintry_mizzenmast at 2:53 AM on August 16, 2013