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Ideal Garments are not made in a factory, so there is no need for standard sizing. Every garment is handmade right here in Kansas City, and it is just as easy to make it the right size for you as it is to make it some standard "size" that probably wouldn't fit anyone.

For our purposes, it can be handy to know what size a woman generally gravitates toward in the store. But much more useful are actual measurements. (There is a size chart at the bottom of this page, if you want to sort out how measurements and sizes relate. At least in general. No one adheres scrupulously to size standards, as you well know.)

If you cannot come into the shop in Kansas City, go to any old store and buy a soft measuring tape. You can find them at drugstores, fabric stores, supermarkets, etc. Or order one from us. Right now, so we can get started. We'll throw it in the mail today.

Soft Tape Measure: $4




taking
measure
of the situation


Once you have your tape measure in hand, the important measurements for skirts and pants are the following:

waist

Measure around your narrowest point, or at least the one near your belly button. Do not pull tight to get a smaller measurement. It doesn't matter at all what the number is. Women come in every size, and clothes look best, and slimmest, if they are not tight.

hip

Measure the very widest point of your body below the waist. Again, don't pull tight to get a smaller number, but do be sure that the tape is level. If the tape goes up and down around you, you will get a bad, and big, measurement.

length

The most useful measurement for pants and skirts is the distance from the place the garment stops on your torso to the floor. If you are alone, drop the start end of the tape measure to the floor, and then read where it hits your waist, or wherever you would want a garment to stop. For slender skirts, some women like the skirt to fit right at the waist. Many others like for it to sit an inch or two below the belly button. Drawstring pants should be worn quite low on the torso. Belted pants might sit anywhere from high on the waist to quite low on the body. You will have to be the judge of what will be right for you.

For garments that do not go to whole length, measure to where you want the garment to stop, which could be anywhere, for pants or for skirts. Fully long is good, though, and most flattering, generally, for everyone. Mid-calf is nice for pants and for skirts. Shorter than that for skirts. Mid-thigh is a good length for mini-skirts, so measure carefully, from where clothing will sit on your torso to where it should end on your leg.



measuring
for jackets




Distance from your shoulder to the desired bottom edge of the garment.

Distance from one shoulder to the other.

Length of arm, from shoulder to tip of fingers.

Hip measurement, as above.





measuring
for tops




Back, measured from base of neck (between your shoulders) to waist. While you are at it, also measure from the base of your neck to the point where you would want a top to end.

Bust, measured at it largest point.

Under bust measurement (so we get the idea).

Waist measurement, as above.

Depending on the garment, a measurement that will indicate where the neckline should hit. We'll talk.




no...
really.




You must communicate your shape to us, or your garment will not be ideal.

It is very useful, in addition to real numbers, to have a description of body type, and some idea of what you have liked and not liked about manufactured garments. Describe things you have not liked, or persistent complaints you have had about clothing.

As soon as you order something, or even before you do, communicate to us about your shape. We will help you find the garment that suits you, inside and out.







size

itty bitty
(xs)

small
(s)

normal
(m)

average
(l)

luscious
(xl)

oh mama
(2x)

just divine
(3x)

size

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

bust

32

33

34

35

36

37.5

39

40

42

44

46

48

50

52
waist

27

28

29

30

32

34

36

38

41

44

46

48

50

52
hips

35

36

37

38

39

40.5

42

44

46

48

50

52

54

56

this size chart is just for guidelines... and to establish that we do know about the span of woman shapes.
it is a stupid chart, though, because very few people have such proportions... waists are bigger,
hips are more narrow or more voluptuous, breasts can be anything at all...
and the belly can throw everything into disarray.
the best thing is to just measure yourself and report the numbers. whatever you are is just fine.

 









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