Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. I’m a hobbyist. This tutorial is meant for those just learning to make costumes. It has been made as a guideline for those who may not have had any exposure to sewing from family, classes, or friends and don’t really know where to begin. These instructions are just one of many ways of getting started, and are not necessarily the method for you. That said, there may still be tips helpful to the intermediate level cosplayer.
There are number of nicely sewn, but poorly fitted costumes being made and worn to conventions. Some of the problem starts before the fabric is cut, when the measurements are taken. Maybe this tutorial can be of some help for people suffering from this flaw in the process.
Before I get to the tutorial, there are some points I want to stress:
- Measurements change. Remeasure often. Your measurements last year aren’t necessarily your current measurements.
- Don’t be shy about your proportions when you get measured. Sucking it in or generalizing the measurements will probably result in a costume that you can’t wear. Check your ego at the door first, because it’s better to measure everything a bit bigger than a bit smaller.
- Do not take the measurements too tight or too loose. The measuring tape should just rest on the body without slack or restriction.
- Write down measurements to the closest 1/4”. Be as accurate as possible.
- If these measurements are your own, have someone else take these measurements for you. You won’t be able to take them properly yourself.
- Remember to stand upright and don’t look down while your measurements are being taken unless told to by the instructions. Slouching or moving around too much will cause the measurements to be inaccurate.
- Don’t take any of these measurements sitting!
To take these measurements, you will need a piece of string or ribbon, and measuring tape (not metal, the fabric or plastic ribbon kind.)
Waist Measurement
Your waist should be marked off with string. You will need to locate it again later in the measurements.
Tie a cord or piece of yarn around the natural waist line.
Your natural waist can be found by bending to your side . Bend, placing a finger where you fold the greatest amount. This will indicate where you should measure. After marking it off with a string or ribbon, put your arms to your sides and relax. Don’t suck in! Wrap the measuring tape around where the cord indicates the waist.
Chest Measurement
Men:
Measurement should be taken around the widest point of your chest. Expand by inhaling. This should cause you to expand by an inch or more. Take this measurement now as you puff up your chest as much as is comfortable so that breathing will not be inhibited by the costume.
Women:
Measure the ribcage under the breasts separately from a second measurement on the widest point of the breasts. Expand while inhaling as with the men’s measurement.
Neck Measurement
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of the neck, resting almost on the collarbone.
Shoulder to Shoulder Measurement
Measure from one shoulder blade end to another.
Back Measurement
Take this measurement from the end of the shoulders. I like to take a second one from the armpits, as well.
Expanded Back Measurement
Hunch over significantly. Take this measurement from end of the shoulders. This is important so you can comfortably bend in your costume without ripping seams.
Back Neck to Wait Measurement
This is where you will need to know where the natural waist is located again. Measure from the bottom of the neck to where the string/ribbon is located. Make sure there is no gap between the measuring tape and the body. Have it follow the natural curve of the back.
Shoulder to Wrist Measurement
This measurement is best taken with your arm stretched strait out. Run the tape along the length of your arm from your shoulder to the wrist. Make sure the tape touches your arm for an accurate measurement. If there is space between the tape and the body, the measurement will be too short!
Bicep Measurement
Flex the upper arm by bending the elbow and making a fist. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest point on the upper arm.
Forearm measurement
Stick your arm out and make a fist. Measure the widest point on the lower half of the arm.
Wrist Measurement
Wrap the measuring tape around the bony part of the wrist bone. It is okay to be a tiny bit loose here.
Inseam Measurement
There are two ways to take this.
1) You can look at the inseam measurement from pants that you wear.
2) You hold the end of the tape at the top of your thigh and run it down to the ankle. Make sure you are standing upright. (Ignore the image. The mannequin didn’t know he was going to be my guinea pig when they made him 
)
Either will work! I prefer to have the actual leg measurement for accuracy, but if you feel uncomfortable having this measured by a friend, the first option works fine.
Outer Leg Measurement
Measure from the natural waist to the ankle on the outside of the leg.
Crotch/Seat Measurement
This is a measurement you will want to do yourself, unless you are very comfortable with the person measuring you. Measure from the waistline at the center back to the waistline at the center front, running the tape in a U shape between your legs.
Girth Measurement
Same as the seat measurement, run the tape from the center indentation in your collar bone to the back of the neck in a U shape between the legs.
These aren’t the sole way of taking decent measurements, but this is the way I was taught in theater costuming, and it’s the way I prefer to do it. There are many other measurements you may need to complete your cosplay project, like hand and head measurements. I’ll save those for later, though. These are pretty basic and should get you started.
Now you have a ton of numbers written down! Don’t know where to go from there? Pattern drafting. That’s something for a later tutorial, too. Keep an eye out for pattern drafting tutorials coming in the future here.
You can take these measurements and modify or make your own patterns with confidence (hopefully!)
