1. Neck Girth
For qipaos, we will be needing the circumference of the lower part of your neck. Wrap the tape around the base of your neck to form a small V shape. The looser the measurement, the looser the mandarin collar will be.
2. Shoulder Width
From the back, stand straight with arms to the side and measure the distance between the two shoulder bones.
3. Armpit to Armpit (Front & Back)
Start from your left armpit, measure across your chest to your right. No need to go under the armpit. Do the same from the back.
4. Bust
Stand up tall with your arms relaxed to your sides, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of the bust and add two fingers to allow some room to breathe. Please wear the bra you are planning to wear with the qipao. Do not wear a sports bra.
5. Bust Point Height
Start from the shoulder, over your bust to the breast point (highest part of your breasts).
6. Bust Point Width
Measure the distance between the two bust points.
7. Waist
Wrap the tape around your natural waistline (where the ribbon is), which is typically one inch above your belly button. Don't forget to put two fingers in between to allow room to breathe.
8. Front Waist Length
Start from the shoulder, over your bust to where the ribbon is (i.e. your natural waistline).
9. Back Waist Length
Turn around, measure from the back. Start at the shoulder to where the ribbon is.
10. Back V Length
For qipaos with an open back, we will need to know how low you want your open back to be. Again, turn around. Start from the shoulder, and measure down to where you want the open back to end.
11. Hips
Stand up tall, measure the broadest part of your hips, which is typically seven inches below your belly button. Go around the buttocks and do not forget to add the two fingers in between.
12. Sleeve Length
Measure from the shoulder bone to where you want the sleeves to end.
13. Arm Hole
Wrap the tape around your arm hole and add two fingers to allow space for easier movement.
14. Arm Girth
Relax your arms, wrap the tape around the widest part of your arm / biceps, and take the measurements from there.
15. Dress Length
Stand up straight. Measure from your shoulder over your bust to where you want the qipao to end. If you plan on wearing a floor length qipao, please take measurements from shoulder to the floor and additionally let us know your heel height.
16. Slit Height
Similar to the above, stand up tall. Start from the shoulder, go over your bust and measure to where you want the slit to start. The general rule of thumb is to use your second finger as a guidance.