Your fit will only be as good as the measurements you feed your seamstress.  There are many ways to approach measuring.  Here is the simple, old time way, I work with.  Tools needed:  a dressmakers measuring tape, or a ball of string and a yardstick or handyman's tape measure.  An assistant will also be very helpful, but not completely necesary.  Do not add or subtract from the actual measurement.

CHEST   Place the Dressmakers Measuring Tape (DMT), or string, under the arms and hug the person bringing the tape completely around the body.  Hold it snug but not tight.  Record the measurement.  If you used a piece of string, lay it flat on the table and measure against the yardstick or handymans tape measure.  This is not the size the shirt gets sewn to.  I use a dressmakers formula to calculate the finished measurement.

ARM LENGTH  Hold the (DMT) at the top of the arm/shoulder joint.  Let the loose portion hang down the arm.  Catch and hold the loose end against the wrist in the place the bottom of the cuff should lay.  Record the measurement.  Or continue with the piece of string method. This will be the finished length.

SHORT SLEEVE  The procedure is the same as for measuring the arm except you fold the arm being measured against your chest and measure to the bottom of your elbow.  This is the one place you can add to, or subtract from, the measurement to get the finished length you want.

BACK LENGTH  Sit in a chair and hold the yardstick, largest numbers up, against your back.  By feel find the knobby bone at the base of your neck and grasp the yardstick between your index finger and thumb.  This is your base back length.   With this measurement the hem of your shirt will fall at the middle of your hip line.  Straight dance shirts are quite a bit longer.  I use a dressmakers formula to calculate the measurement.  You can double check the measurement if you have an assistant with a dressmakers measuring tape.   In a standing position have your assistant measure from the knobby bone at the base of your neck to the bottom of the hip pockets on the pair of jeans you are wearing.  Record the measurement.  If you have measured both ways, give the seamstress both measurements if they are not the same.

WAIST  If you have an assistant, another hug is needed.   Bend slightly to one side, the groove formed is your natural waist.  Place the DMT in the groove and bring it all the way around the waist.  Straighten up, snug the tape and record the measurement.  The piece of string method works as well.  It is important to be real about this number.  A dressmakers formula is used to calculate the finished size of the garment.

INSEAM  Easy way...Measure the inner leg seam on a pair of pants that fit you well.  Or with the yardstick held in front of you,  largest numbers to the top, end resting on the floor between your feet, find your crotch and grasp the yardstick at that point.  Record the measurement.  A dressmakers formula is used to calculate the finished measurement.  It is helpful if you are able to give the seamstress both measurements.

HIP Place the DMT at the fullest part of the buttocks.  Draw it around the body.  Snug and record the measurement.  A dressmakers formula will be used to get the finished garment measurement.

When placing your order, also mention how tall you are and your body type... slender, muscular or fluffy.  Body builders need to also include neck and bicep measurments.  It also helps to know if the intended wearer is in a wheel chair or has a need for openings or pockets to accomodate medical equipment. 

I learned how to make my own patterns from my grandmother 45 years ago now.  I work with store bought patterns too, but I find the one size fits many concept creates clothing that truly fits no one.  If you would like to feel the pleasure of a well fitted garment, check out my store and select from the styles there.  Any shirt there can be made without ribbon.  If the style you want is not there yet, contact me through Ebay.  I will be honored to sew a special shirt just for you and add the style to my offerings in the store. 

May the joy hidden in this day find its way into your heart.

Mimike (Mee-mee-kay) means butterfly in Potawatomi and Ho Chunk languages.