How costume sizing works

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.

General costume size chart, measurements in inches

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.