The right costume size depends on the cut of the garment and your body measurements. A fitted stretch suit behaves differently from a structured coat, a uniform jacket or a set of layered armor pieces. Use the size chart on the specific product page first; not all products share the same measurements.
Measure your body—not your usual clothing label
To select a standard size, take these measurements in centimeters (cm) using a flexible measuring tape:
- Chest / bust: around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level.
- Natural waist: around your waist without pulling the tape tight.
- Hips / seat: around the fullest part of your hips.
- Shoulders: shoulder-point to shoulder-point across your back, where applicable.
- Height: helps us determine sleeve, coat and trouser lengths, but does not replace chest, waist and hip measurements.
Wear close-fitting clothing, stand naturally and ask someone to help where possible. See our illustrated measurement checklist in How to Measure.
How to choose a standard size
- Open the product’s own size chart and make sure you are reading the body or finished garment measurements indicated in its heading.
- Match your chest, waist and hips to the garment’s relevant measurements. For structured jackets, also check shoulder width. For fitted trousers, prioritize waist and hip measurements.
- If you fall between sizes or each body measurement points to a different size, consider the design’s fabric stretch and intended ease; for significant differences, custom sizing may give a better result.
- Use height and additional lengths to confirm proportions. A person with a broad chest and a shorter stature should not automatically select a smaller chest size solely due to height.
- Double-check gender-based pattern blocks if the product offers them. You should choose the body shape and measurements that fit you, not rely on an assumed character’s gender.
Body size vs. finished garment size
Body measurement describes your actual body. Garment measurement describes the clothing after construction. Ease is the difference between the garment measurement and the body measurement and helps provide comfort and movement. Structured woven costumes typically need more ease than elastic bodysuits. Do not add arbitrary extra centimeters to your actual body measurements when supplying a custom size: our patternmaking process determines the necessary allowance.
Different costume types
| Costume style | Fit priorities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Structured jackets and uniforms | Chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve and body length | Woven materials need movement allowance. |
| Stretch bodysuits | Chest, waist, hips, torso length, fabric stretch | Fabric elasticity and negative ease vary by design. |
| Dresses, coats and robes | Chest, waist, hips, overall and sleeve lengths | Style and layering change ease requirements. |
| Pants and jumpsuits | Waist, hips, inseam, torso | Torso rise and crotch fit matter. |
| Boots and gloves | Foot/hand dimensions, shaft or calf where requested | Footwear sizing is product-specific. |
Standard size or custom size?
Standard sizing is convenient when your measurements fit one set of specifications. Our custom size service is intended for individual body measurements and may require additional pattern adjustments and production time. See Custom Sizing.
Important fitting advice
A costume made to supplied measurements is only as accurate as the measurements provided. Measure twice, avoid mixing inches and centimeters, and do not use clothing labels as measurements. Fit can also be affected by posture, shoulder slope, body proportions, underlayers and personal preference. Please contact us before ordering if you are uncertain.
Note: A standard-size garment manufactured after you place an order is not automatically a legally personalized item. See our Refund and Returns Policy for distinctions relevant to returns.