Costume sizing plays by its own rules. A “large” from one costume maker can fit like a medium from another, and most costumes run smaller than the clothes in your closet. The good news: every costume we can size shows a chart right on its product page — and this guide shows you how to read it and measure yourself so you get it right the first time.
The quick version
- Grab a soft tape measure and take your chest/bust, waist, and hips.
- On the costume’s page, tap Size guide and compare your numbers to the chart.
- Between two sizes? Size up — costumes are easier to take in than let out.
- Local? Come try it on in Fort Collins. Trying before you buy beats any chart.
Why costume sizes run small
Costumes are built to a maker’s own pattern, not a national standard — and many are cut close to flatter a silhouette on stage or in a photo. That’s why we don’t rely on the “S/M/L” on the tag alone. Wherever we can, we show the real measurements behind that label so you’re choosing by inches, not by guesswork.
How to measure
Use a soft tape, keep it level, and pull it snug but not tight. Measuring over a light base layer is perfect.
- Chest / bust: around the fullest part, tape level under the arms.
- Waist: around your natural waistline, above the hip bones.
- Hips: around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
- Inseam: from the crotch seam to the ankle on a pair of trousers that fit you well.
Reading the chart on a costume
Tap Size guide on any costume and you’ll get the most exact chart we have for that item:
- Measured from the garment — when we have the actual piece’s measurements, you’ll see them size by size. Compare against something similar you already own.
- Brand sizing — otherwise we show the costume maker’s own chart, so you’re sizing to the people who cut it.
- General guidance — for the occasional item with no maker chart, we show a general costume chart to get you close.
Every chart flips between inches and centimetres, and when a costume is known to run small or large, we’ll tell you right at the top.
A general starting point
No chart on the item? These ranges are a safe place to begin. Measure, then match — and size up if you land between two.
| Measurement | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest / Bust | 34–36″ | 38–40″ | 42–44″ | 46–48″ |
| Waist | 28–30″ | 32–34″ | 36–38″ | 40–42″ |
| Hips | 35–37″ | 39–41″ | 43–45″ | 47–49″ |
Still not sure?
That’s what we’re here for. Come see us and try it on — our shop in Fort Collins has been outfitting the party since 1981, and there’s no substitute for the mirror.
- Visit: 4025 S Mason St, Ste B, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Hours: Tue–Sat 10–6, Sun 12–5, closed Mon (seasonal)
- Call: 970-530-3000
- Email: info@lifeofthepartystore.com
the party starts here.