Getting your measurements right is basically the most important part of ordering new gear, so let's talk about how to measure girth for dance without messing it up. If you've ever ordered a leotard online only to have it arrive and feel like it's trying to cut you in half—or worse, it's sagging so low you're worried about a wardrobe malfunction—you already know that girth is the secret sauce of dancewear sizing. It's the one measurement that actually determines how a one-piece garment sits on your torso, and honestly, it's a lot easier to get right than most people think.
Why girth is the most important measurement
Most of us are used to checking our height, weight, or maybe a waist measurement when we buy clothes. But in the world of dance, those don't tell the whole story. You could have two dancers who are exactly the same height, but one has a long torso and short legs, while the other is all legs with a tiny waist. If they both buy a medium based on height, one of them is going to be very uncomfortable.
Girth is the vertical "loop" of your body. It accounts for the length of your trunk, which is vital because dance fabrics like spandex and lycra are designed to stretch. However, they can only stretch so far before they start pulling down at the shoulders or riding up in ways that no one wants to deal with during a grand jeté. If the girth is wrong, nothing else really matters. You want that leotard or unitard to feel like a second skin, not a straightjacket.
Getting your tools and space ready
Before you start, grab a flexible fabric measuring tape. Please, for the love of all things dance, don't try to use a metal construction tape measure. It won't contour to your body, and you'll end up with a number that's totally off. If you don't have a flexible one, you can use a piece of string or a long ribbon, then lay that string flat against a ruler afterward to get the number.
It's also way easier if you have a friend or a parent help you out. Trying to measure your own girth involves a lot of twisting and bending, which—you guessed it—changes the measurement. Stand in front of a mirror so you can see what's going on, and make sure you're wearing a thin leotard or some tight-fitting athletic wear. Measuring over a bulky sweatshirt or baggy sweatpants is a one-way ticket to getting a size that's way too big.
The step-by-step process
Once you're ready, stand up straight but stay relaxed. Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest; just breathe normally.
- Place the end of the tape measure at the center of one shoulder. It should sit right where a bra strap or a leotard strap would naturally rest.
- Run the tape measure down the front of your body, over the fullest part of the chest.
- Thread the tape between your legs through the crotch area.
- Bring it back up the other side, following the curve of your back.
- Meet the starting point at the same shoulder.
The final number where the tape meets is your girth. It's essentially a giant circle that goes all the way around your torso.
A few pro tips for accuracy
While the process sounds simple, there are a few "gotchas" that can throw the numbers off. First, make sure the tape measure is snug against the body but not digging in. You shouldn't be squeezing your skin, but you also shouldn't have huge gaps where the tape is hanging loose. Think of it like the fit of a good swimsuit.
Another thing to keep in mind is the "crotch curve." When you pull the tape through your legs, make sure it's following the natural contour of your body. If you pull it too tight or hold it too loose, you're going to get a skewed result. I always recommend taking the measurement at least twice. If you get two different numbers, try a third time to see which one is the "winner."
What to do if you're between sizes
This happens to almost everyone. You look at the size chart, and your bust is a small, your waist is a medium, and your girth is somewhere in the middle. Trust the girth.
Most dancewear manufacturers will tell you that if you have to choose between a size based on weight and a size based on girth, go with the girth. If you're a "long-waisted" person, you might need to size up even if you're very thin. On the flip side, if you have a shorter torso, you might actually need a smaller size than your height suggests.
If your measurement falls exactly between a small and a medium, think about how you like your clothes to feel. Do you like a super compressed, tight fit? Go for the smaller one. Do you want a bit of breathing room or do you have a growth spurt coming? Go for the larger one. Also, keep the fabric in mind. Cotton blends tend to shrink a little in the wash, while full synthetics usually stay the same size forever.
Why kids' measurements are different
If you're figuring out how to measure girth for dance for a child, remember that they grow like weeds. While you want a good fit for a performance or a competition, you also don't want to buy a new costume every three months.
When measuring kids, it's sometimes okay to add a tiny bit of "wiggle room" to the girth measurement—maybe half an inch—but don't go overboard. If a leotard is too big in the girth, the straps will constantly fall off their shoulders, which is incredibly distracting during class. For kids who are right on the edge of a size, it's almost always better to size up slightly and maybe put a little stitch in the straps that can be let out later.
Common mistakes to avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people measuring while they are slouching. As a dancer, you're going to be moving, stretching, and standing tall. If you measure while you're slumped over, your torso is shorter, and you'll end up with a measurement that's too small. Stand like you're in first position—tall spine, shoulders down.
Another mistake is forgetting that different brands have different "philosophies" on sizing. A "medium" in one brand might be a "large" in another. This is why you should always look at the specific chart for the brand you're buying. Don't just assume you know your size because you've been a medium since middle school.
Lastly, don't forget to account for what you're wearing underneath. If you're going to be wearing thick dance tights or a padded bra under your costume, you might want to wear those while you measure. It sounds like a small thing, but those extra layers can add a fraction of an inch that makes the difference between "perfect fit" and "uncomfortably tight."
Wrapping it up
Knowing how to measure girth for dance is one of those "boring" skills that saves you a massive amount of time and money in the long run. There's nothing more frustrating than waiting two weeks for a beautiful custom costume only to realize it doesn't fit because of a three-inch error in the girth.
Take your time, get a friend to help, and keep your tape measure handy. Once you have that number, you can shop with way more confidence. You'll be able to focus on your footwork and your expression rather than worrying about whether your leotard is going to stay put. Good luck, and happy dancing!