Taking Measurements for Custom Spandex Costuming Important: Have someone else take your measurements. Measuring yourself will likely result in inaccurate numbers! Also, be sure to give us the actual measurements. DO NOT give us larger/smaller measurements because you want something bigger/to fit over something / tighter / because you're dieting. If you want your costume built to be any of these things, give us your actual current measurements and tell us about your special requests. Chest: "Chest" refers to the measurement around the fullest part of the bust, usually at the nipple line. Hold your arms out to the side, have the person who's measuring make sure that the measuring tape goes straight across the back, not scooping down under your shoulderblades. For girl/ women's synchro swimwear: wear a well fitting, supportive, and unpadded bra when taking chest measurement. (If applicable) For other girl/women's costumes: Wear the bra you intend to wear under the costume, when being measured. This is especially important if you plan to use a padded bra. Underbust: Measure around the torso, right beneath the breasts. (Hint: Where your bra band would sit!) Waist: "Waist" refers to the smallest part of your torso. If you do not have an obvious waistline, bend to one side. The point at which you bend over is your waistline. Hips: "Hips" refers to the fullest measurement around your butt - NOT at your hipbone line! Again, measure straight around the body, ensuring the measuring tape doesn't dip or scoop down at any point. Backwaist: To measure backwaist: stand with your back to whomever is measuring you, and bend your head forward (while standing up straight, and not leaning your body forward!). They should measure from the prominent vertebra in your neck (the bone that sticks out when you bend your head forward), down to the level of the waistline you measured earlier. Inseam: To measure the inseam, stand with your legs straight. Hold the starting end (0") of the measuring tape so that the measurement begins right under the bottom of your crotch. While you hold it there, the person helping you with measurements will straighten the measuring tape out if needed, and measure straight down the inside of your leg, ending right at your ankle bone. For shorts, measure from crotch down to where you would like the shorts to end. Underarm: Extend your arm straight out to the side, palm facing the floor. Measure from armpit to wrist, along the underside of your arm. Measurements Needed for Specific Items Synchro Swimwear: Chest, waist, hips, backwaist. Trunks / Mens Posing Suits: Waist and hips. Tights: Waist, hips, inseam. Figure Skating Dresses: Chest, waist, hips, backwaist. If you want sleeves, underarm measurement as well. Singlets: Chest, waist, hips, backwaist, inseam. If you want sleeves, underarm measurement as well. Sports Bra: Chest, underbust. Fitness Bikinis, Basic: Chest, waist, hips, backwaist. Fitness Bikinis, Underwire Cups: Chest, underbust, waist, hips, backwaist. (Additionally let us know what bra size you typically wear, and what bra size you would like it built/ padded to, if applicable)