Made to measure

Every piece on this site is cut after you order it. That means we can cut it to you instead of to a chart, and it costs nothing extra.

How it works

Choose Custom in the size list at checkout, then put your measurements in the order note. We chalk the pattern to those numbers, cut it, and sew it. If anything looks unusual against the rest of your measurements we write to you before we cut, rather than guess.

The four numbers we need

Measure over your underwear, not over clothes. Keep the tape level and snug, and do not pull it tight. If you can, have someone else hold the tape.

• Bust. Around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
• Waist. The narrowest part of your middle, usually just above the navel. Bend to one side and it creases where your waist is.
• Hips. Around the fullest part, usually about 20cm below the waist.
• Height. Without shoes. This is what sets the hem, so it matters more than people expect.

Send them in centimetres or inches. Say which.

How the clothes are cut

Most of what we make hangs away from the body rather than following it. Kaftans, shifts and smocks are cut wide on purpose and are meant to skim. Wrap dresses and tie-belt pieces close with a tie, so you set the waist yourself. Shirt dresses and jumpsuits sit closest to the measurements you send, so those are the ones worth measuring carefully.

If you like a garment looser than we cut it, say so in the note. We would rather read that sentence than remake the dress.

Changes to the garment

Length, sleeve and neckline can all be changed, and there is no charge for that either. Tell us what you want in the order note.

We keep your measurements

Once we have cut for you, your measurements stay on file against your name. Order again and you only need to say so, and we will cut to the same pattern. If something has changed, send the new numbers and we will replace them.

One thing to know before you order

A piece cut to your own measurements is made for one person and cannot be sold to anyone else, so we cannot take it back unless it arrives faulty or we cut it wrong. Read the size guide first, and write to us if you are unsure. We answer size questions all day and we would rather do that.