How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Cosplay Costume
CakycosStart with this guide to measure your body, then choose a standard costume size or prepare the measurements for your custom cosplay commission.
Standard size or custom commission? For standard-size costumes, compare your measurements with our costume size charts. For a custom commission, follow our custom measurement guide. When we email your quote, we’ll let you know which measurements are needed.
Before You Take Your Measurements
Use a flexible tape
Have a soft measuring tape, a mirror and somewhere to record your measurements. If possible, ask someone to help and check each measurement.
Wear thin, fitted clothing
Wear thin, fitted clothing and the undergarments you plan to wear with the costume. Let us know about padding, underlayers and your preferred fit; do not add an allowance to your body measurements.
Stand naturally, breathe normally and keep the tape level. It should touch your body without pulling tight. Use either centimeters (cm) or inches (in) consistently, and label every measurement.
How to Measure Chest, Waist and Hips
Chest / Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest, with the tape passing under your arms and across your back. Wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the costume.
Natural Waist
Measure around your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of your torso. Keep your abdomen relaxed; do not use your jeans’ waistband as the measuring point.
Hips
With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check in a mirror that the tape stays level all the way around.
Shoulder, Sleeve and Leg Measurements
Check the start and end points in your project diagram before measuring. Arm length, sleeve length and finished garment length may use different start and end points.
Shoulder Width
When an across-back shoulder width is requested, have a helper measure between the two shoulder points where your shoulders meet your arms. Keep your shoulders relaxed and follow the project diagram.
Arm / Sleeve Length
Follow the requested shoulder-to-wrist or sleeve-length diagram. Confirm whether your elbow should be bent and where the tape should end. Avoid guessing from a shirt you own.
Inseam
Measure along the inside of the leg from the upper crotch point to the endpoint specified for your project. Confirm whether that endpoint is the ankle, floor or intended hem. Each gives a different length.
Keep the Landmarks Consistent
Use the illustrated custom measurement guide to check where the tape starts and ends. Unsure about a measurement? Let us know when you submit it, and we’ll make a note of your concerns.
Extra Measurements Your Costume May Need
The measurements needed depend on the costume pieces and construction. Depending on the pieces you need, you may not need to provide the full list in our illustrated guide.
Height
Without shoes, measure from the top of your head to the floor while standing naturally. A helper makes this easier.
If your costume includes a floor-length hem, tell us your planned footwear or heel height separately.
Arms, Legs and Neck
You may be asked for upper-arm, wrist, thigh, calf or neck circumference. Measure at the location shown in the project instructions. Do not substitute a nearby measurement.
Foot Length and Width
If requested, measure both feet while standing. Length runs from the back of the heel to the longest toe; width is across the widest part of the forefoot. Record each foot separately and specify the unit.
Foot width is not foot circumference. Foot length and width are helpful alongside your shoe size; specify the sizing system (US, UK or EU) and note any planned socks or insoles.
Send character references to show the shape you want the costume to have. Keep your body measurements as measured. The maker will account for movement, layers and the design when planning the fit.
Check Your Costume Measurements
- Measure twice. If the results differ, check posture and tape placement, then measure again.
- Label every result. Include the measurement name and cm or in. Avoid mixing units.
- Send current body measurements. Do not copy your usual clothing size or an old garment’s dimensions.
- Check the requested list. Include the details needed for your specific costume.
- Flag uncertainty. Tell us which measurement or landmark you are unsure about before the sizing is confirmed.
Choosing a listed size instead? Compare your measurements with the Cakycos size chart and the product’s sizing information. For a custom commission, send your actual measurements. They do not need to fit into one size label.
Custom Cosplay Costume Measurement FAQ
Can I measure myself without a helper?
You can take chest, waist and hip measurements with a mirror, but reaching or twisting can move the tape. A helper is particularly useful for shoulder width, height, sleeve length and inseam. Recheck any measurement taken in an awkward position.
Should I add extra room for comfort?
Send your actual body measurements without adding an allowance. If you have specific requirements or notes about padding, underlayers or your preferred fit, please let us know! We will take them into consideration when creating your commission.
What if my measurements fall into different sizes?
For a standard-size costume, choose the larger size that accommodates your bust or chest, waist and hip measurements. If you’re still unsure, contact us with the product link and your measurements before ordering. For a custom commission, provide your actual measurements; they do not need to match one size label.
Do I need every measurement on the size-chart page?
Not always. The measurements needed depend on the pieces and construction. When we email your quote, we’ll let you know which measurements to take. Follow our measurement instructions carefully.
Does made to order include custom sizing?
Made to order means the items are not pre-made. It may not automatically include custom sizing. Check the product description and selected options, or discuss sizing through a custom costume commission.
What will you use my measurements for?
We use the measurements you provide only for your custom commission, including sizing and fit. We do not use them for any other purpose.
Can I use this guide for a wig commission?
These costume size charts are separate from wig sizing. The head-circumference illustration can help you place the tape. For more accurate measurements, check our Wig Quote Request page for instructions.
Plan Your Custom Costume
Keep your measurements with your character references and notes about footwear or underlayers. Use the size guide while you measure, or see the costume commission page for how to order.
Guide updated October 24, 2026.