How to Read a Costume Size Chart

Costume sizes can look familiar and still fit differently from the clothes in your wardrobe. A few minutes with a tape measure before you order saves a lot of trouble later. This guide covers what to measure, how to read the chart, and what to do when you land between sizes.

Why costume sizes are not clothing sizes

Everyday clothing is cut to a fairly consistent standard. Costumes are not. Many are made to be worn over other clothes, so they are cut roomier. Others are one piece jumpsuits, capes or dresses with a fixed length, so height matters more than it does for a shirt.

Sizing also varies between makers. A medium in one range may not match a medium in another. Treat the size name as a rough label and the chart as the real answer.

Your usual shoe or clothing size is a starting point only. Always compare measurements to the chart for the costume you are buying.

How to measure

Use a soft tape measure. If you only have a rigid ruler, use a piece of string and then lay it flat against the ruler. Measure over light clothing or underwear, and keep the tape snug but not tight.

• Height: stand against a wall in socks, feet flat, looking straight ahead. Mark the top of the head and measure from the floor.
• Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level all the way round.
• Waist: measure around the narrowest part of the middle, usually just above the belly button. Do not pull in your stomach.
• Inseam: measure from the top of the inner thigh down to the ankle bone. It is easier if a second person does this, or if you measure a pair of trousers that fit well along the inside leg seam.

Write the numbers down. It helps to have them next to you when you open the chart.

Measuring children

Children move about, so keep it quick. Ask them to stand straight and breathe out normally. Measure height first, then chest, waist and inseam.

Children grow, so measure again if it has been a few months since you last did. Do not rely on a number from last year.

Do not buy a costume to grow into. A hem that trails on the floor or sleeves that cover the hands can be a trip risk at a school event or a party. A little extra room is fine. A lot is not.

Measuring adults

The steps are the same. Height, chest and waist matter most for tops, dresses and robes. Add inseam for trousers and jumpsuits.

Adult charts often give a range for each size, such as a chest range. Find where your number falls. If different measurements point to different sizes, go by the one that matters most for that garment. For a fitted top, that is usually the chest. For trousers, it is the waist and inseam.

Sizing up for layers

Think about what will be worn underneath. A costume worn over a jumper, thermal top or leggings needs more room than one worn over a t-shirt.

If the event is outdoors or in a cold hall, plan for the layers you will actually wear. Padding, petticoats and extra sleeves for a character costume also take up space.

The simplest way to check is to measure with the layers on. Then compare those numbers to the chart.

Between sizes, and age or measurement

If you fall between two sizes, size up in most cases. A costume that is a little large can be pinned, belted or tucked. One that is too small cannot be fixed. Check the return details before you order, so you know what happens if it does not fit.

Look at how the listing sizes its costumes. Some go by age, such as 5 to 7 years. Others go by measurements. Age sizes are a guess based on an average child. Your child may be taller, shorter or broader than average.

When a listing shows both, trust the measurements. If it only shows age, look for a chart lower down the page, or check the label or description for height. If you cannot find any measurements, choose carefully and contact the seller with your questions before you buy.

A last tip: keep the size chart you used, or a screenshot of it, with your notes. It will make the next costume much quicker.