How to Measure Yourself for Performance Clothing

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a great costume fit. Performance clothing — bodysuits, corsets, leotards, shorts, and dresses — is designed to move with your body under stage conditions. An ill-fitting costume can restrict movement, shift during performance, or require costly alterations. This guide walks you through every key measurement so you can order with confidence.

What You'll Need

• A soft fabric measuring tape (not a rigid ruler)
• A mirror, or a friend to help
• Form-fitting underwear or a leotard — do not measure over bulky clothing
• A pen and paper to record your measurements

Key Measurements

Bust

Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor. Do not pull the tape tight — it should sit snugly without compressing. Breathe normally and record the measurement at the end of a natural exhale.

Tip: Measure while wearing the bra or bralette you plan to wear under the costume, if applicable.

Underbust

Measure directly under your bust, around your ribcage. This measurement is used for corsets, structured bodices, and some bra-style tops. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

Waist

Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, typically about 1" above your navel. Stand relaxed (do not suck in) and keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Tip: If you're unsure where your natural waist is, bend sideways — the crease that forms is your natural waist.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, typically 7–9" below your natural waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and stand with your feet together.

High Hip

Measure around your body approximately 3–4" below your natural waist, across the upper hip bone. This measurement is used for high-cut bottoms, briefs, and some shorts styles.

Inseam

Measure from your crotch to the floor (or to your desired hem length). Stand with feet hip-width apart. This measurement is used for shorts, leggings, and full-length costumes.

Torso

The torso measurement runs from the top of your shoulder, down through the crotch, and back up to the same shoulder point. This is critical for one-piece bodysuits and leotards. Measure over the shoulder closest to your dominant side, keeping the tape snug through the crotch.

Tip: A torso that is too short will pull uncomfortably at the crotch. A torso that is too long will gap at the chest. When in doubt, size for your torso length first.

Shoulder Width

Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, across the back. This measurement is used for structured tops, jackets, and some costume pieces with defined shoulder seams.

Thigh

Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. This is used for thigh-high boots and some shorts and legging styles.

Calf

Measure around the fullest part of your calf. This is particularly important for knee-high and thigh-high boots, where calf circumference determines whether the boot will zip fully.

Measurement Reference Table

How to Choose Between Sizes

When measurements fall between sizes

If your measurements place you between two sizes, consider which area is most critical for the garment. For bodysuits and leotards, prioritize torso length and bust. For bottoms and shorts, prioritize hips. For corsets, prioritize underbust.

Stretch vs. structured garments

Stretch fabrics (spandex, lycra, mesh) have more forgiveness — sizing down slightly gives a more secure fit for performance. Structured garments (corsets, boned bodices, woven fabrics) have little to no stretch and should be sized to your exact measurements or slightly larger.

Performance fit vs. everyday fit

Stage wear is designed to fit closer to the body than everyday clothing. A costume that feels snug when standing still will feel correct when moving. If a garment feels comfortable at rest, it may shift or gap during performance.

Still unsure?

Contact us with your measurements before ordering. We're happy to recommend the best size for a specific style based on its cut and construction.