Wear the correct clothing underneath
Measure over the type of jacket, suit, dress, blouse or other clothing normally worn underneath. Thick or unusual clothing changes the result.
Measurement guide · Fit · Comfort
Measure a robe or gown and check the fit
A robe or gown should drape smartly without restricting movement. Measuring yourself can provide an initial indication, but for role-specific bespoke tailoring, a specialist maker’s check remains advisable.
Measuring guideFitWearing comfortMeasurementsMovementMeasuring instructionsBespoke tailoringTaking measurements for a robe or gown
Before you begin
How to prepare for reliable measuring
Use a flexible tape measure
Keep the tape measure flat against the body without pulling it tight. Measure horizontal circumferences level.
Have someone else take the measurements
Measuring yourself changes your posture and makes shoulder, back and sleeve measurements less reliable in particular.
Basic measurements
Which measurements are usually taken?
Not every maker uses the same measurement form. The points below provide practical preparation, not a replacement for the instructions accompanying the commission.
Body height
Measure without shoes or clearly record which shoes are worn during measurement. Body height helps establish an initial proportion for the back, sleeves and hem.
Chest circumference
Measure horizontally around the widest part of the chest and shoulder blades, with arms relaxed and without pulling the tape tight.
Shoulder width
Measure across the back from shoulder point to shoulder point. The position of the sleeve attachment determines how the robe hangs.
Sleeve length
Measure according to the maker’s prescribed method, usually from a defined shoulder point to the wrist or desired sleeve position.
Desired robe or gown length
Measure from the chosen shoulder point to the desired bottom edge. Allow for shoes, stairs and walking.
Neck, waist and hips
These measurements may be needed for the collar, fastening, lining and sufficient room when sitting and moving.
Legal robe
Hem height is not just a style choice
For the legal robe it regulates, the Dutch costume decree specifies a length ending approximately ten centimetres above the ground. This means the wearing height, shoes and final fit must be assessed together.
Measure with representative shoes
A different heel or sole height changes the distance between the hem and the floor.
Check while walking
The robe or gown must not get underfoot, drag on the floor or ride up awkwardly during a normal stride.
Let the model guide the process
Use the statutory description and correct role profile; do not turn a legal robe into an unrestricted fashion design.
Fitting
Do not fit only while standing still
Stand relaxed
Check shoulder balance, collar, pleat drape, fastening and symmetry without correcting the posture.
Sit down and stand up again
Check that the robe or gown does not pull excessively across the back, shoulders, neck or fastening.
Move both arms
Test speaking, holding a case file, writing, clasping the hands and normal arm movements.
Walk and turn
Check hem clearance, pleats, weight and how the robe or gown falls back into place.
Check accessories
Bands, cap, academic hood or stole must fit without disrupting the collar or balance of the robe or gown.
Common mistakes
What often goes wrong when measuring yourself?
The measuring tape is pulled tight, leaving insufficient room for movement.
Measuring in a T-shirt when a jacket will later be worn under the robe or gown.
Shoulder and wrist points are used differently from those on the measurement chart.
The hem is determined without accounting for the actual wearing height.
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