How to check measurements before choosing a dress or skirt
Understand body and garment measurements, check length and ask Revai for help choosing the fit of your handmade clothing.
Jump to the illustrated measuring guide ↓
Start with the listing
Check whether measurements describe the garment or the body it is intended to fit. These are different: clothing usually needs room for movement, and the amount depends on its design. Do not assume that a garment measurement should equal your body measurement.
If a measurement is missing or its meaning is unclear, ask Revai before ordering.
Aura Afriq · Your fit, made personal
Measure with confidence
Six clear starting points. Revai will confirm which measurements your chosen garment needs.
Keep the tape close without squeezing. Record your body measurement without adding extra room — Revai allows for movement in the garment. Measure twice; ask if you are unsure.
Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust and around your back. Keep it level, with your arms relaxed.
Wear the bra you intend to wear with the garment.
Natural waist
Find your natural waist by bending gently to one side, then stand normally. Measure around this level without holding your breath.
A soft ribbon tied here helps with length measurements.
Full hips
With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check the tape stays level all the way around.
Use the fullest point, not a fixed distance below your waist.
Skirt length
Measure from your natural waist down to the hem position you want. Ask someone to help so you can stand upright.
For a dress, ask Revai to confirm the starting point before measuring its length.
Height
Stand upright without shoes and record your full height. Separately tell Revai the height of any heels planned for the outfit.
Your height and your garment length are different measurements.
Sleeve length
If sleeves are needed, measure from the shoulder point down the outside of a slightly bent arm to your preferred sleeve end.
Confirm the shoulder point and sleeve style with Revai first.
Extra measurements Revai may request
These depend on the design. Ask Revai to confirm the exact points before taking them, especially torso and shoulder measurements.
- Over-bust and under-bust
- Over-bust runs around the upper chest, above the fullest bust. Under-bust runs around the ribcage immediately below the bust.
- Front and back waist lengths
- Revai will specify whether to start at the shoulder/neck point or the centre neck. A front length passing over the bust is different from a centre-front length.
- Chest, back and shoulder widths
- These are widths between agreed points, not full circles around your body. Ask for the endpoints appropriate to your garment.
- Bicep, elbow and wrist
- Measure around the requested part of the arm. Keep it relaxed and confirm with Revai whether the elbow should be bent for the chosen sleeve.
- Waist to hip and shoulder to floor
- Measure waist-to-hip down to the level of your fullest hips. For shoulder-to-floor, confirm the shoulder starting point and wear the planned shoes; tell Revai their heel height.
Diagrams show tape positions only. Body shapes vary. These are body measurements, not a size chart or finished-garment measurements.
Need a hand? Ask RevaiCheck the length as well as the size
Find out where the listed length starts and ends. A skirt length and a shoulder-to-hem dress length are not interchangeable. Tell Revai about your height, preferred hem position and planned footwear when discussing a made-to-order piece.
Use a garment you already like
A similar garment that fits comfortably can help you explain your preferences. Compare like-for-like measurements only: a flat width is not a full circumference, and a stretchy garment will behave differently from woven cotton.
Agree the final fit before making
For Made for You, your measurements and garment details form part of the written specification. If you are uncertain about a measurement, say so rather than guessing. Revai will help clarify what is needed for the chosen design.