Jan 243 min read

A Guide to Choosing the Right Size for Your Child’s Costume

Updated: May 29

Dancers in lyrical costumes — Choosing the Right Size Costume

1. Introduction:

Uncertain about the right size for your child’s competition costume? Whether you're buying online or crafting from a pattern, sizing decisions can be tricky due to variations in measurements and sizing standards across brands. This post aims to simplify this process for you.

2. Choosing the Right Size Tips:

Strive to strike a size balance - optimal for the full season yet not baggy.
Account for growth spurts; measure more than once and at every opportunity.
Opt for a size that allows for adjustments.
Ensure a professional look, especially for competition costumes.

3. Key Measurements:

Four key measurements are used for bodysuits or leotards: bust, waist, hips, and girth. Bust (width) and girth (length) are the most important. Bodysuit fabrics stretch for varied waist and hip sizes.
Custom costumes involve additional measurements for a tailored fit.

4. How to Take Your Measurements:

Refer to my universal guidelines for taking accurate measurements here.

5. Alteration Guideline:

Remember, you can alter a costume that is too large, but not if it’s too small.
A general rule: alterations work within 2 sizes; beyond that, the cost is prohibitive, and the best option is to remake or buy a new costume.

6. Purchasing a Costume Online - Choosing a Size:

Check retailer recommendations and customer feedback.
Compare bust and girth measurements to the size chart; choose a size for the bust (width) within the range or consider the next largest if growth is a factor. Repeat the same for the girth (length).
If these measurements span <= 2 sizes, you might opt for the larger size and allow for time to alter if needed, but there are exceptions to consider.
Example: Your measurements are Bust (Chest) 23.5”, Girth (Torso) 45”.

Size Chart for Costumes — Example of a Size Chart for Costume Purchase

In this size chart, you might select size 6 for Chest (24) and size 8 for Torso (46) because they are the next size up for your growing child, but this would mean that size 6 may be too short and size 8 too wide. A difference of 3 or 4” is too much, but a difference of 1 or 1.5” is not too bad.
Size 7 being in the middle might be the preferred choice, but both 7 and 8 may need alteration.

7. Making Your Own Costume - Choosing a Pattern Size:

Ideally, the bust (width) and girth (length) measurements align closely with one size. If not, pick a size with the next highest girth than your measurement. Repeat for the bust.
For growth stages, consider going up a size, especially with tighter-fitting patterns.
If working with 2 sizes (girth and bust), manual grading is necessary to blend the pattern lines.
Using the same example: Your measurements are Bust (Chest) 23.5”, Girth (Torso) 45”.

Example of Pattern Size Chart for Sewing

In the size chart, you might select size I for Bust (24) and size K for Torso (45) for your growing child, but this would mean that size I may be too short and size K too wide. You could also choose size L (47).
In this case, you could grade size K to have a smaller bust (I or J), or size L to have a torso of 46 and a bust of size I or J.
From my experience, I would likely grade size L for a torso of 46 (rather than 47), and the bust to size J. Then I would use this graded pattern as a starting point to test the fit.