01 · Core measurement
Height
Stand straight without shoes and measure from the top of your head to the floor.
How to Measure
Four essential measurements create the foundation for a refined fit. Add the supporting measurements when you want a more precise made-to-measure result.
A few things make every measurement better.
- Ask someone to help so your measurements are as accurate as possible; do not round up or down.
- Wear close-fitting clothing and the undergarments you plan to wear with the outfit.
- Stand straight and keep the tape level without pulling it too tight or leaving it too loose. Leave about two fingers of ease.
- Both centimeters and inches work for us.
- Relax and have fun — it is easier than it sounds.
Tip: Tie a ribbon around the narrowest part of your torso—your natural waistline—to make the following measurements easier.
The essential four
Start with the measurements that shape the fit.
These four measurements establish the overall proportion and ease of your qipao.
02 · Core measurement
Bust
Stand tall with your arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust and leave two fingers of breathing room. Wear the bra you plan to wear with your qipao; avoid a sports bra.
03 · Core measurement
Waist
Wrap the tape around your natural waistline, usually about one inch above your belly button. Keep two fingers between your body and the tape for breathing room.
04 · Core measurement
Hips
Stand tall and measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually about seven inches below your belly button. Leave two fingers of ease.
For a more precise fit
Complete the details.
These supporting measurements refine the collar, shoulders, bodice, sleeves and finished length.
05 · Additional measurement
Neck Girth
Wrap the tape around the base of your neck in a shallow V. A looser measurement creates a looser mandarin collar.
06 · Additional measurement
Shoulder Width
From the back, stand straight with your arms at your sides and measure between the two shoulder bones.
07 · Additional measurement
Armpit to Armpit (Front & Back)
Measure across the chest from the left armpit to the right without wrapping under the arms. Repeat across the back.
08 · Additional measurement
Bust Point Height
Measure from the shoulder, over the bust, to the bust point.
09 · Additional measurement
Bust Point Width
Measure the distance between the two bust points.
10 · Additional measurement
Front Waist Length
Measure from the shoulder, over the bust, to the ribbon at your natural waistline.
11 · Additional measurement
Back Waist Length
From the back, measure from the shoulder to the ribbon at your natural waistline.
12 · Additional measurement
Arm Girth
Relax your arm and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your upper arm or biceps.
13 · Additional measurement
Arm Hole
Wrap the tape around the armhole and leave two fingers of ease for comfortable movement.
14 · Additional measurement
Dress Length
Stand straight and measure from the shoulder, over the bust, to where you want the dress to end. For a floor-length dress, measure to the floor and include your heel height.