Size Guide - How To Calculate Your Measurements

Shopping online for clothing can be challenging and stressful, often leaving you anxious about getting the perfect fit—worried it might be too long, too wide, too short, too tight, or too baggy when it arrives.

At Clara & Leila, we understand your concerns, that’s why we’ve created a detailed page with clear instructions, allowing you to easily measure your own size using just a ruler or measuring tape and a garment you already own.

How To Measure - Dress/Coat/Blazer/Blouse

For the perfect custom fit in your dress, coat, blazer, or blouse, we recommend using a similar, well-fitting garment you already own as a reference. Simply lay it flat on a smooth surface, and take key measurements like shoulder width, waist, length, or any other dimensions you wish to customize. This method allows you to tailor the garment exactly to your preferences—customization on length, width, and other measurements is fully possible and entirely up to your desire. Whatever measurements you provide, we’ll follow them precisely to craft your piece, resulting in the exact dimensions you receive (with a slight margin of error possible due to fabric and sewing variations).

1. Shoulders

This measures the width across the shoulders, ensuring the coat or dress fits comfortably at the top.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat on its back (the side without buttons or designs facing up, if applicable).
Step 2: Find the shoulder seams—these are the stitched lines where the sleeves attach to the body.
Step 3: Place one end of the tape at the edge of one shoulder seam (where the sleeve meets the body).
Step 4: Stretch the tape straight across the back to the edge of the opposite shoulder seam.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm (keep it straight, not curved).
Tip: For structured coats or dresses with padding, measure at the seam edges.

2. Chest (Armpit to Armpit)

This measures the width across the chest area, ensuring the garment fits well around your bust without being too tight or loose.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat on its front (the side with buttons or designs facing up, if applicable).
Step 2: Smooth out any wrinkles, but don’t pull the fabric.
Step 3: Find the armpit seams—these are the stitched lines under the arms where the sleeves meet the body.
Step 4: Place one end of the tape at the bottom edge of one armpit seam.
Step 5: Measure straight across the front to the bottom edge of the opposite armpit seam.
Step 6: Read the measurement in cm (this is the flat chest width; double for full circumference if needed).
Tip: Measure about 2-3 cm below the armpit for accuracy if seams are curved.

3. Hips (Widest Point)

This measures the widest part across the hips, ensuring the coat or dress fits comfortably over your lower body.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat on its front.
Step 2: Identify the widest point of the hips—typically 18-23 cm below the waist or around the fullest part of the skirt/coat base.
Step 3: Place one end of the tape at one side seam (or edge) at that widest point.
Step 4: Measure straight across to the opposite side seam.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm.

4. Outfit Length (Top to Bottom)

This measures the full length from the highest shoulder point to the bottom hem, showing where the coat or dress will fall on your body.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat on its back.
Step 2: Identify the highest point of the shoulder—usually near the neck seam, at the top of the shoulder line (not the collar).
Step 3: Place one end of the tape at that highest shoulder point.
Step 4: Run the tape straight down the center of the back (or front, if symmetric) to the bottom hem.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm (if the hem is uneven, measure to the longest point).
Tip: For long coats or dresses, this can be 90-120 cm or more. Measure the back if the front is shorter due to design.

5. Sleeve Length

This measures the length of the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the cuff, ensuring proper arm coverage.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat with the sleeve extended straight out (not folded).
Step 2: Find the shoulder seam (where the sleeve attaches to the body).
Step 3: Place one end of the tape at the top edge of the shoulder seam (right at the stitching).
Step 4: Run the tape along the outer edge of the sleeve (the top side, following any curve) down to the end of the cuff or hem.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm (include the cuff if part of the sleeve).
Tip: For coats with wide cuffs, unroll fully before measuring.

6. Waist

Select a similar garment: Choose a well-fitting dress, coat, blazer, or blouse from your wardrobe that’s similar in style and fabric to the one you’re ordering. Avoid stretchy or oversized items for accuracy.
Lay it flat: Place the garment on a flat surface, like a table or floor, with the front side facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to ensure it’s completely flat.
Locate the waist area: Identify the narrowest part of the garment’s torso section, typically between the side seams or where the waistband is located.
Measure across the waist: Using a flexible measuring tape (or a ruler if you don’t have one), start from one side edge (e.g., the side seam) at the waist level and measure straight across to the opposite side edge. Keep the tape flat and level.
Record the measurement: Note the distance in centimeters. Double-check by measuring again to confirm accuracy.
Provide the details: When placing your order, share this measurement along with the type of garment you used (e.g., “Waist: 38 centimeters”)

Keep Exploring our Coats & Dresses

Transform your wardrobe with Clara & Leila's stunning, high-quality coats and dresses—tailored with rich fabrics and impeccable stitching.

Shop our Finest Coats

Shop our Classy Dresses