S, M and L mean different things from one maker to the next. The fix is simple: a soft tape measure, five minutes and, ideally, a friend. Here's how to measure yourself, how to read the size charts on our product pages, and how much room to leave.
In short
- Measure your body with a soft tape, over the layers you'll wear underneath.
- Our size charts give the garment's measurements, not body measurements.
- Choose a garment a little bigger than you: more room for loose tunics, less for laced dresses.
- Between two sizes, or wearing layers? Choose the larger size.
What you need
A soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler), a mirror or a friend, and the clothes you'll wear underneath. Stand straight, breathe normally and keep the tape snug but not tight. Write the numbers down. Every chart on our site gives centimetres and inches.
Your body measurements
- Chest or bust: around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your body, usually just above the belly button. For trousers and skirts, measure where the waistband will sit.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with your feet together.
- Shoulders: across your back, from one shoulder point to the other. This is where a friend helps.
- Sleeve: from the shoulder point, down the outside of a slightly bent arm, to the wrist bone.
- Length: from the top of the shoulder, next to the neck, down to where you want the garment to end. For a long dress, measure to the floor in the shoes you'll wear.
- Height: without shoes, standing against a wall. Some dresses suggest a height for each size.
How to read our size charts
Most of our charts come from the maker and give the garment's own measurements. A tunic with a 112 cm chest measures 112 cm around the tunic, not around the person wearing it. To fit, the garment has to be bigger than you. That extra room is called ease.
How much room to leave:
- Loose tunics, shirts and robes: about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) more than your chest.
- Coats and overcoats: enough room for everything you'll wear underneath. Measure over those layers.
- Laced dresses and vests: close to your own measurement, or a little more. The lacing adjusts a few centimetres either way.
A real example: the Cotton Viking Tunic measures 104 cm around the chest in S and 112 cm in M. With a 98 cm (38.6 in) chest, M leaves 14 cm (5.5 in) of room, a relaxed fit over a shirt. S leaves only 6 cm (2.4 in): fine on its own, tight with a layer underneath.
Two more things to look for:
- Laid flat: some measurements are taken across the garment laid flat. Double them to get the full measurement around. The waist of our Laced Trousers with Ankle Ties is given flat: 43 cm flat is 86 cm (33.9 in) around.
- Body charts: a few products are sized by body measurement instead. The Viking Satin Gown with Laced Bodice lists your height, bust, waist and hips for each size, so match your own numbers directly.
Armour, bracers and accessories
- Forearm, for bracers: around the widest part of your forearm, below the elbow, and again at the wrist. Measure over the sleeve if you'll wear one. Compare it with the bracer's width laid flat: the edges should meet, or leave a small gap for the laces.
- Head, for circlets and helms: around your head, just above the eyebrows and ears.
- Waist, for belts: where you'll wear the belt, over your clothes. A medieval-style belt looks best with a tail of 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 in) hanging down, so allow for that.
- Calf, for gaiters: around the widest part of your calf, over your trousers. Our Lace-Up Studded Gaiters fit calves of 31 to 45 cm (12.2 to 17.7 in).
- Armour: always measure over the clothes you'll wear underneath, such as a tunic or a padded coat.
Feet, for boots
Stand on a sheet of paper in the socks you'll wear, mark the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe, and measure between the marks. Do it later in the day, when feet are at their largest. Our boots are sized by foot length: pick the size with the same foot length or the next one up.
Measuring children
Choose by chest measurement and height rather than age, since children of the same age vary a lot. Between two sizes, go up: there's room to grow. Our kids' shirts lace at the neck with a cord, so they are not suitable for toddlers.
A shortcut: measure a shirt you love
Lay your best-fitting shirt or tunic flat. Measure straight across the chest, just below the armholes, and double it. Then measure the length from the top of the shoulder to the hem. Compare both with the size chart and pick the closest size.
Pieces with full size charts
Questions people ask
Should I measure over my clothes?
For armour, bracers, belts and coats, yes: measure over what you'll wear underneath. For shirts and dresses, measure over a thin layer.
What if I'm between two sizes?
Choose the larger size, especially if you'll wear layers underneath. Not sure? Email support@larplay.com with your measurements and we'll help.
Do your charts use inches?
Yes. Every chart gives centimetres with inches below. One inch is 2.54 cm.
