The Atelier
Made for you, and only you.
The Measuring Guide
Where each measurement is taken.
Measure over light clothing, standing relaxed. Keep the tape snug but never pulled tight — a tape drawn in gives a garment that does not close. If someone can help you with the back and sleeve, the numbers will be better.
Walk me through it The guided version takes you one measurement at a time, shows you where the tape goes — and where it should not — and checks each answer before you move on. What follows is the same guidance as a single reference page.
Hover or tap to magnify
The two we need
Height
Standing against a wall, shoes off, heels together, looking straight ahead.
The four that decide most pieces
Bust
Around the fullest part, wearing the bra you would wear with the piece. Keep the tape level across your back — it slips down easily.
Underbust
Directly beneath the bust, snug against the ribs. This is the one most size charts skip, and the one that decides how a bodice actually sits.
Waist
At the natural waist — the narrowest point, usually an inch above the navel. Bend to one side; where you crease is the place.
Hip
Around the fullest part of the seat, feet together, tape level.
For anything fitted through the shoulder
Shoulder
Across the back, from one shoulder point to the other — the bony corner where the arm begins.
Across back
Across the back between the armhole creases, about four inches below the nape.
Nape to waist
Down the spine, from the bone at the base of the neck to the natural waist. This is what decides where a waist seam lands on you.
For sleeves
Armhole
Around the top of the arm and through the armpit, close to the body but not pressing in. Easiest with a helper, and worth asking for on a coat.
Upper arm
Around the fullest part of the upper arm, relaxed at your side.
Sleeve length
From the shoulder point, over a slightly bent elbow, to the wrist bone.
For trousers and skirts
High hip
About four inches below the natural waist, over the hip bones. It decides whether a skirt or trouser sits smoothly.
Waist to hip
Straight down the side, from the natural waist to the fullest part of the hip.
Inseam
From the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the ankle bone. Easiest taken from trousers that already fit you.
Thigh
Around the fullest part of the thigh, right up under the seat, standing with your weight even on both feet. Keep the tape level — it wants to run downhill.
Rise
Sitting on a firm chair, from the natural waist at the front, under you, and up to the natural waist at the back. This one is genuinely easier with a second pair of hands, and of the six it is the one most worth the trouble.
Knee
Around the knee with the leg straight, tape across the middle of the kneecap.
Ankle
Around the narrowest part of the ankle, just above the bone.
Waist, where you wear it
Put on the trousers or skirt you reach for most and measure around the top of the waistband. If that is the same as your natural waist, leave this blank and we will use that.
For hats, gloves, collars and lingerie
Head
Around the head, just above the ears and across the middle of the forehead. Snug, the way a hat sits — not tight.
Wrist
Around the wrist bone, with the hand relaxed. Close but not pulled in.
Neck
Around the base of the neck, where a collar would sit. One finger under the tape.
High bust
Around the upper chest, above the bust and high under the arms, angled up slightly at the back. This is the frame the band sits on — with the full bust it tells us the cup, and it is what separates a broad ribcage from a full bust.
Bust point to bust point
Straight across from one bust point to the other, wearing the bra you usually wear. It decides where the cups sit, not how big they are.
Shoulder to bust point
From the middle of your shoulder — halfway between neck and arm — straight down to the bust point. It sets the strap length and how high the cup sits.
Inches or centimetres, pounds or kilograms — enter whichever you used and the engine will work out which is which.
Walk me through itNo photographs, ever. Your measurements stay in your browser until you place an order.
Bespoke & Fittings
Commission a piece, or book a private fitting.
The bespoke experience — consultations, custom sizing, fabric selection, and timelines. Fittings are held at the New York studio or virtually.
every body, every story, every piece — one of one
Thank you — your request has been received.