How to Measure for Dancewear and Dance Shoes
Accurate measurements can help you compare sizes, but they do not guarantee the fit of a particular item. Sizing and fit can vary by brand, style, material and the dancer’s individual proportions.
Use a flexible measuring tape for body measurements. For foot measurements, use a ruler or measuring tape, paper and a pen or pencil.
Measure while wearing the undergarments, tights or socks that will normally be worn with the item.
How to Measure the Body
For the most accurate results:
- Stand naturally with feet together.
- Keep the measuring tape level and comfortably snug.
- Do not pull the tape tightly or leave extra space.
- Have another person take the measurements whenever possible.
- Record measurements in inches.
Height
Stand barefoot with the back against a wall. Keep the feet flat and look straight ahead.
Measure from the floor to the top of the head.
Chest or Bust
Measure around the fullest part of the chest or bust.
Keep the tape level across the back and under the arms.
Waist
Measure around the natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
Do not measure where pants normally sit unless that is also the natural waist.
Hips
Stand with the feet together.
Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat, keeping the tape level.
Girth or Torso
Start the measuring tape at the top of one shoulder.
Bring the tape down the front of the body, through the legs and back up to the same shoulder.
The tape should follow the body without being pulled tightly.
Girth is often one of the most important measurements when choosing leotards, unitards and body tights.
Inseam
Measure from the top of the inner thigh to the ankle bone.
Stand straight and avoid bending the knee.
Arm Length
Measure from the top of the shoulder to the wrist with the arm relaxed and slightly bent.
How to Measure the Feet
Measure both feet. It is common for one foot to be slightly longer or wider than the other.
Use the measurements from the larger foot when comparing them with a manufacturer’s size guide.
For the best results:
- Measure while standing.
- Place equal weight on both feet.
- Measure later in the day when feet may be slightly fuller.
- Wear the tights, socks or foot coverings normally worn with the shoes.
- Measure on a hard, flat surface instead of carpet.
Foot Length
- Place a sheet of paper against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with the heel gently touching the wall.
- Keep the foot flat and the weight evenly distributed.
- Mark the end of the longest toe. The longest toe may not be the big toe.
- Step off the paper.
- Measure from the edge of the paper to the toe mark.
- Repeat with the other foot.
Record the measurement in both inches and centimeters when possible.
Foot Width
- Stand with the foot flat and the weight evenly distributed.
- Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of the foot, generally across the ball of the foot.
- Keep the tape snug without squeezing the foot.
- Record the circumference.
- Repeat with the other foot.
If a manufacturer asks for a straight width measurement instead of a circumference, measure across the widest part of the foot from one side to the other.
Foot Tracing
A tracing can be helpful when additional fitting assistance is needed.
- Stand naturally on a sheet of paper.
- Keep the pencil upright instead of angling it underneath the foot.
- Trace completely around the foot.
- Mark the widest points across the ball of the foot.
- Label the tracing left or right.
- Repeat with the other foot.
Make sure the tracing has not been enlarged or reduced if it is scanned, copied or photographed.
Printable Foot Measurement Guide
When printing a foot measurement guide:
- Print at 100% or actual size.
- Do not select “Fit to page” or “Scale to fit.”
- Check the printed calibration box with a ruler before using the guide.
- Place the guide on a hard, flat surface.
- Follow the instructions printed on the guide.
- Measure both feet.
If the calibration box does not measure correctly, do not use the printed guide.
Important Dance-Shoe Fit Information
Street-shoe size is only a starting point. Dance shoes may use different sizing systems depending on the brand and style.
Foot length alone does not determine the correct fit. Width, toe shape, arch placement, heel shape and the intended use of the shoe can also affect sizing.
Ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, character and ballroom shoes may each require a different fit.
Pointe shoes should be professionally fitted. A printable foot guide or online conversion chart should not replace an in-person pointe-shoe fitting.
Need Help?
Send us the following information:
- The product name or link
- The dancer’s normal street-shoe size
- Both foot-length measurements
- Both foot-width measurements
- The dancer’s body measurements when applicable
- A foot tracing or photographs when requested
- Whether the dancer has worn the style before
Our team can provide a sizing recommendation based on the information available, but recommendations cannot guarantee fit.
