Taking Body Measurements for a Stage Play or a Sewing Project
Preparing for a stage play can be a lot of fun. Costuming can be one of the most expressive parts of the production. Costumes bring the show to life and help the actors find their character. In order to find that perfect costume for each actor, accurate measurements are a necessity. Whether you're renting costumes from a costume shop, building them in your sewing shop or creating costumes from found items at thrift or retail stores, all great costumes start with careful measurements.
Fortunately, these directions can apply to most other sewing projects as well.
photo by tinyapartmentcrafts
Fortunately, these directions can apply to most other sewing projects as well.
photo by tinyapartmentcrafts
Contents at a Glance
Introduce Yourself to Your Subject
Taking measurements is a personal interaction. Take each actor one by one to a spot off to an area with space to move freely while measuring. Explain what measurement you are taking, how they need to move or stand, and where and how you plan to place the tape against them prior to taking each measurement.Tip: have a helper write down the measurements for you on the form. It will keep you from needing to juggle your pen and your measuring tape. It also is good risk management to take measurements in pairs, so no one can misinterperet your explainations or your actions.
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Take a Hat Measurement
Run the measuring tape around the head to get the hat measurement. The tape should be approximately 1 inch above the ears and level. Be as consistent as possible from actor to actor; hats almost always need to be tried on for size as each style sits differently on the head. Sewing Tote Bags
Take a Neck Measurement
Place the measuring tape around the base of the neck with one to two fingers placed gently between the neck and tape to add enough room for comfort. Take a neck measurement for all males, and for females who may be playing male roles. This is the only measurement that should be taken in half-inch increments. Round all other measurements up to the nearest full inch. Costumer Gift Ideas
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Take a Chest Measurement or Bust Measurement
Measure the chest area for all males. Ask the actor to lift his arms, then wrap the tape around his chest and then have him lower his arms at rest over the tape. Take a bust measurement for all females in the same manner around the fullest part of the bust.Tip: You really must have the actor or actress lower their arms BEFORE reading the measurement. Having your arms straight up in the air can take 1-2 inches off your chest measurement, and that would be inacurate.
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Take a Sleeve Measurement
Take men's sleeve measurements with the arm held out to the front, slightly bent. Measure from the base of the back neck to the shoulder, down around the elbow, and to the wrist. A male who is 6 feet tall should have a sleeve measurement close to 32 to 34 inches, so re-measure if your measurements come out significantly high or low compared to this standard.Tip: Read this section carefully! This is the most commonly mis-measured measurement. Sleeve measurements are taken from the nape of the neck, NOT from the top of the shoulder.
Great Beginner's Costuming Books
Whether you're just starting out or have costumed a few shows, here are some books to help you out.
Take a Waist Measurement
Wrap the tape measure around the waist at the narrowest point of each female. This should be at or above the navel. Leave two fingers under the measuring tape for comfort. Measure a high waist (at navel level) and a low waist (at the pants waistband) for men in the same manner.Tip: Please measure at the natural waistline. If you measure females around their pants waistband, you could be off by six to twelve inches. This will make a huge difference when the costume is made or rented.
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Take a Hip Measurement
Wrap the tape around the body at the widest part of the hips for each female. Compare this measurement to the waist measurement; be sure you are seeing an average of 8 to 12 inches difference between the two. If the amounts are closer, you've been measuring too low on the waist measurements and will need to review those. Tell me what you think...
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Take an Inseam Measurement
Measure each man's inseam from the upper inside leg down to the location of the desired hem. Ask your designer where this should fall based on the era of the play. Instruct the actor to hold the end of the measuring tape in place on his upper inner thigh and hold the tape at the hem to read the measurement.Tip: If your actor wears low-inseam pants (like the baggy pants that are popular in some fashion trends) make sure they put the end of the measuring tape at their actual upper inner thigh and not at the pants seams. Measuring inseams too low will result in short pants!
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Ask for Extra Clothing Size Information
Ask the actor for their height and shoe size. Height is a necessary measurement for cross-checking the measurements at the rental shop or sewing room. Designers will use the height measurement to determine if the sleeve length and inseam were all measured correctly...
Tips and Tricks
Remember that anyone of any shape or size could have a negative body image. Always be respectful and kind; taking measurements is a very personal interaction.If you notice a change in the actor's breathing and suspect a change from natural posture such as a "puffing out" or "sucking in", remind them to relax and stand as normally as possible. This will ensure their comfort in the finished costume.
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Feedback welcome! Questions or comments...
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wordstock Aug 10, 2011 @ 7:24 pm | delete
- As a brand new homeschooling parent who is going to sign the drama king up for drama classes, I might need to know this stuff. Thanks Angel blessed.
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poutine
May 18, 2011 @ 6:16 pm | delete
- Good explanation
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