Bethlehem Trading Post

Merchant of 17th and 18th Century Clothing and Supplies

Measurements for Shifts

Please email us the following 6 measurements:
1.neck opening depth; 2. shift length; 3. sleeve length (measured as explained below) ; 4. shoulder width; 5. bust; 6. waist 

1. Neck Opening Depth

To get this measurement place tape measure at the center of your collar bone and measure down to where you would want the deepest point of your neckline to sit. Then place the tape measure on either side of your neck at the base of your neck and measure down to your collar bone. Add up these two measurements and send us the total.

2. Shift Length

To get this measurement place tape measure of either side of your neck at the base of your neck and measure down to where you want your shift to end.

3. Sleeve length

To get this measurement place tape measure at your shoulder joint and measure down to where you want your sleeve to end. Keep your elbow bent and wrap the tape measure around it. This measurement is hard to get alone, but placing a piece of tape on the tape measure at your shoulder joint might work.

4. Shoulder Width

To get this measurement place the tape measure at one shoulder joint and run it across your back to the other shoulder joint. Keep your back straight and your shoulders down and relaxed.

5. Bust

Place one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust, wrap it around under your armpits, around your shoulder blades, and back to the front. Take this measurement wearing any modern bra that fits comfortably.

6. Waist

Measure your waist at 2" above your navel. To take this measurement wrap the tape measure around your waist similar to belt.