Getting the Right Measurements Make All The Difference!
September 29, 2006

One of the main advantages of getting custom made clothes is the fit. You have complete control over ever aspect of the design process, so you know that no matter what your child's body type, you can get something that looks and fits perfectly. Below are some tips to getting the best fit possible for your custom clothing.

• Enlist the help of another adult when measuring your child for custom pieces. A squirming infant can be a real challenge to measure, so an extra set of hands will prove invaluable.

• Communicate with your designer or seamstress every step of the way. Find out what measurements they need, and the exact method that should be used to take each one. Most will create a piece with a couple inches of seam allowance just in case. So, if a custom piece takes a few weeks to complete, you may be able to do some final alterations right before delivery, thus ensuring a perfect fit.

• Measure your child with a diaper on for the correct fitting for pants or overalls.

• If your child is walking, put them in the pair of shoes that they wear most often when looking at the length of dresses, skirts, and pants.

• Consider adding an extra inch for length to hems, and sleeves to account for a sudden growth spurt. Many parents choose to roll up the hems on pants to give them a little bit more wiggle room when it comes to fit.

• Infant clothing may require a weight measurement as well, so make sure to note this as well when taking your other measurements. Generally speaking, you will want to create a piece that allows for a five pound weight gain before the piece no longer fits.

• Discuss your fabric choice with your designer. Stretchy fabrics will fit differently, and the measurements may need to be adjusted accordingly.

• When measuring the height of your child, have them stand against a wall or laid out on a table if the child is unable to stand yet. Use a ruler and a pencil to mark their height and then use a tape measure to find out the measurement.

• When measuring their chest- choose the fullest part of the chest, with the tape measure flat across their back.

• Think about shirt length carefully. Longer is usually better, and will not only last longer but will look better in the long run.

Measurement Chart: <http://www.couturewalk.com/Measuring_Chart.pdf>

Jamie Velasquez-Hoenshel
Hoenshel Couture
CoutureWalk.com
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