| Whether you're attending a Renaissance or medieval | | | | belly button) to the desired trouser length (with shoes |
| faire, a Renaissance costume party, or participating in | | | | on). The neck measurement is the full circumference |
| a reenactment or chivalry sports event from a certain | | | | at the base of the neck. |
| period in history, it's important to buy a costume that | | | | Critical Measurements for Women's Renaissance |
| fits comfortably. Wearing Renaissance costumes is | | | | Costumes |
| fun and exciting, but only if the costume allows you to | | | | For women, the critical measurements are the bust, |
| move and breathe freely. These tips on fitting and | | | | waist, hips, height, and skirt length. Sizes usually range |
| sizing will help you find just the right costume for the | | | | from small to 3X. For leather bodices, the bust and |
| occasion. | | | | waist measurements are needed, but the waist |
| Fitting for Online Purchases | | | | measurement is the most important. Girl sizes usually |
| Many people buy Renaissance costumes or medieval | | | | come in small, medium, and large and are often |
| garb online, so proper fitting is extremely important. | | | | comparable to store sizes. |
| Order far in advance of your event in case it doesn't | | | | Fitting for Men's Renaissance Costumes |
| fit properly and you need to make an exchange or get | | | | For men, critical measurements are the waist, chest, |
| alterations. Also, pay attention to the sizing instructions | | | | hips, neck, and height. Men's sizes usually range from |
| provided by the online costume retailer. Sizing varies | | | | small to 3X, and boy's sizes usually come in small, |
| from one store or brand to the next. Some medieval | | | | medium, and large based on store size ranges. |
| or Renaissance costume pieces may be designed to | | | | Minnetonka hat measurements should be taken around |
| fit loosely while others may have a snug fit. Look for | | | | the circumference of the head just above the ears, |
| words like "tight or close fit" or "generous fit" and take | | | | where the hat will rest. Women should consider the |
| into consideration your body shape, height, if you are | | | | type of wig they will wear and measure accordingly |
| short waisted, have long or short legs, etc. Ask a close | | | | with a little room to spare. Hat sizes typically come in |
| friend or relative to help you with measurements so | | | | small, medium, large, or extra large. |
| your sizing will be as accurate as possible. | | | | Look for a detailed sizing chart when ordering online. |
| How to Take Accurate Measurements | | | | The company should provide measurement |
| All measurements should be taken in "inches." Using a | | | | instructions and/or customer assistance to ensure that |
| tape measure, the bust area should be measured | | | | your Renaissance costume and accompanying gear fit |
| under your arms and around the fullest part of your | | | | properly. Also, shop where you can buy all your |
| chest, with your arms at your sides. The waist should | | | | costume items and accessories together to save on |
| be measured around the natural waistline, with the | | | | shipping. Items offered can include medieval swords or |
| measuring tape a bit loose. For hips, measure the | | | | other weapons, SCA (Society for Creative |
| fullest part of the hips. For skirt length, measure from | | | | Anachronism, Inc.) armor, SCA garb, medieval wedding |
| the back part of your waist to the floor. | | | | accessories for weddings, pirate costumes, medieval |
| Trouser measurements for the inseam should be | | | | jewelry, games, costume patterns, tights, boots, or |
| taken from the crotch to the desired length of the | | | | shoes. |
| trousers (with shoes on). The outseam measurement | | | | With the right fit, you'll be able to enjoy the |
| should be taken from the natural waistline (below the | | | | Renaissance costume event to the fullest! |