ABSTRACT
Before beginning any construction project, accurate measurements should be taken of your performer. Bodies are constantly in flux and it is best not to rely on any measurements older than nine months. On the following pages you will find descriptions and an illustration of measurements common to theatrical costume construction. Because Elizabethan undergarments can greatly alter the size and shape of the body, it is best to take these measurements over any undergarments you will use in the production. For this reason, a measurement session with an actor often doubles as an undergarment fitting. https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table">
Neck Base
Measure around the neck where it meets the torso. Be careful not to pull too tightly.
FSh-Sh
(Front Shoulder to Shoulder) Measure across the front of the body from shoulder tip to shoulder tip.
FA–A
(Front Armscye to Armscye) Measure across the upper chest from the edge of one arm to the other.
Bust
Measure around the body at the fullest point of the bust. Keep the tape level with the floor.
Underbust
Measure around the ribcage, just under the bust.
Waist
Measure around the smallest part of the torso. This is not necessarily where your pants sit or where your navel lies. If you have trouble locating your natural waist, bend to the side and note where your body naturally indents—this should be your natural waistline. It may be helpful to tie a string around the body at this point so you can clearly identify the waistline.
High Hip
Measure around the body at the hip bone. Keep the tape level with the floor.
Low Hip
Measure around the body at the fullest point of the derrière. Keep the tape level with the floor.
Sh-Line
(Shoulder Line) Measure from neck base to tip of shoulder.
SH–BP
(Shoulder to Bust Point) Measure from the shoulder line to the apex of the bust. This measurement can be greatly affected by choice of undergarments.
CFN–W
(Center Front Neck to Waist) Measure down the center of the body from the base of the neck to the waistline.
CFW–F
(Center Front Waist to Floor) Measure down the front of the body from the waistline to the floor.
U–W
(Underarm to Waist) Measure down the side of the body from the edge of the armpit to the waistline.
W–Low Hip
(Waist to Low Hip) Measure down the side of the body from the waistline to the low hip line.
Around Armscye
Measure around the armpit. Keep the tape loose and comfortable. Measure where you ultimately want the armhole seam to land.
CBN–W
(Center Back Neck to Waist) Measure down the back of the body from the base of the neck to the waistline.
BSh–W
(Back Shoulder to Waist) Measure down the back of the body from the center of the shoulder line to the waistline.
CBW–F
(Center Back Waist to Floor) Measure down the back of the body from the waistline to the floor.
BSh–Sh
(Back Shoulder to Shoulder) Measure across the back of the body from shoulder tip to shoulder tip.
BA–A
(Back Armscye to Armscye) Measure across the back of the body from the edge of one arm to the other.
