The key to well-fitted historical attire is taking the most precise measurements possible, whether the client is male or female. For that reason, we have carefully constructed instructions, tips and hints that will assist clients in taking their best measurements. Remember that by giving us your best measurements, you are helping us deliver the best product we can. We strongly urge clients not to measure themselves but to ask another person for assistance. Having another person do it will give more accurate results because the person being measured won't be bending over and contorting to read the measuring tape. While you are being measured, stand up straight.

Ladies, if you have corsets and underpinnings already, please wear them during the measuring process. Dresses and things must be fitted to the proper 1860s silhouette and that silhouette can only be achieved through corsetry. The clothing will not fit properly if the measurements are the client's natural body shape rather than the corseted shape. Also, the clothing will not fit properly if the client attempts to go without a corset after ordering a dress fitted to the corset shape. Simply put - it is not advisable to order historical clothing without first ordering the proper foundational undergarments.

A Basic Size Chart

Many of our patterns come from Abraham's Lady, which is a shop in Gettysburg for Civil War reenactors. In most cases, we use those patterns as a base and adapt them per client specifications. We have also created custom patterns from scratch when it's necessary to fit our clients' needs. Since we use the patterns from Abraham's Lady in most cases, we have put their size chart here for potential clients to use in getting a basic idea of how their patterns fit. Most of the time, people's bodies are so unique that we end up creating custom sizes down to the smallest detail to ensure the best fit.

How to be Measured

We have devised a measurement system that is very specific to our approach in assembling historical attire. Below, you will find the diagram we created for both men and women. After that, you will find written instructions that correspond with the numbers on the diagram. Remember that ladies are strongly advised to wear their corsets during the measuring process, as your new clothing will be worn over your corset.

Gentlemen 1. Around the neck (for the collar). 2. Across the widest part of the shoulders. 3. Around the widest part of the chest. 4. Around the natural waistline. 5. Around the hips. 6. Length from shoulder to wrist cuff. 7. Length from armpit to wrist cuff. 8. Around the wrist (for the cuff). 9. Around the bicep. 10. Around the shoulder seam. 11. Length from natural waistline to ankle cuff. 12. Inseam. 13. Length of the body from collar to ankle cuff.

Ladies 1. Around the neck (for the collar). 2. Across the widest part of the shoulders. 3. Around the widest part of the bust. 4. Around the ribs under the bust. 5. Around the natural waistline. 6. Around the hips. 7. Around the shoulder seam. 8. Around the wrist (for the cuff). 9. Length from natural waistline to floor. 10. Length of the body from collar to floor.

When you wish to order any attire on this website (unless you're purchasing a ready-made item), you MUST submit all of these measurements to jessicajones9828@gmail.com before we begin your order. Our seamstress cannot begin your order without your measurements. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at that address as well.