To get a great fit, we need accurate measurements, so please pay close attention to the following instructions. Most of the fitting problems that come up when Jackets, Dresses, Shirts or Skirts arrive are because the order was placed on "old" measurements. Please take the time to take "fresh" measurements. Do not guess, especially when ordering a garment as a surprise gift.

Write your measurements down and have them ready when ordering or calling.  Some measurements are needed for custom made garments, such as floor clearance.  When ordering ready made garments from our website, floor clearances are already factored into the sizing charts.

Download and print our instructions

Height Measurement

Fasten a measuring chart or tape to the wall and have the person being measured stand up straight against the wall chart, with their "Sunday" shoes on, and heels against the wall. The back of the head should touch the chart.

Place a ruler on top of the head, parallel to the floor. Record this measurement in inches  for the purposes of ordering on our website.  Round up to the nearest full inch, do not round down.

Chest Measurement

Take this measurement over the garments that will be worn under the item being ordered. With arms relaxed, measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades in the back. The tape should be snug but not too tight. Keep tape parallel to the floor.  Round up to the nearest full inch, do not round down.

Sleeve Length

Shirt sleeve lengths are required for all pulpit robes, clergy jackets, and clergy cassocks. If you know your exact shirt sleeve length, you may use this size, however today many shirts are tailored to a 34"-35" length, which is not adequate for custom tailoring.

To measure sleeve length, bend the arm at the elbow and hold arm out in front, parallel to the floor as if looking at a watch. Then, measure from the center back of the neck at the base of the neck, over the top of the shoulder, around the extended elbow, and down to the wristbone. Record this sleeve size rounded up to the nearest full inch. Do not round down.

Floor Clearance

The Floor Clearance is the distance from the bottom of a robe to the floor. When measuring for a choir, the same measurement should be used for the entire choir to enhance the group's appearance. We recommend a floor clearance of no less than 4" to avoid tripping when climbing steps.

Use a ruler or tape measure and measure up from the floor to where you want the robes to end.  

Neck Measurement

Robes or accessories with high necklines or standing collars require neck measurements for the best possible fit.

Take this measurement over the garments that will be worn under the item being ordered. Wrap a tape measure around the base of the neck allowing enough room for comfortable singing, preaching, or normal head and neck movement.

This measurement should correspond to a shirt collar size, (for example 15, or 16). Round this measurement up to the nearest full inch. Do not round down.

Band Cinctures

Band Cinctures are worn frequently over street clothing, including pants and a belt, as well as over a clergy cassock. To measure for a Band Cincture, wrap a tape measure around the stomach where the cincture will be worn, over street clothing. Our band cinctures are Velcro® adjustable for comfort.

Shoulder Width

Measure across the top of the shoulders at the back from the tip of your shoulder to the opposite tip. Use this measurement when comparing your size to a Custom Cassock Sizing Chart. If your shoulder width does not conform to a size on these charts, (i.e. your shoulders are too wide or too narrow), you may wish to have your cassock specially tailored. There will be an additional charge for this service. Ask a Robe Experts expert for a cost estimate.

Hip Measurement

Please provide hip measurement when ordering a clergy cassock or choir or pulpit robe when the hip measurement is significantly larger than the chest.

Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of the hips or thighs, whichever are fullest, approximately 8"-11" below the waist. Record this measurement in inches.

Measure Women's Waist

If you are ordering a custom tailored clergy cassock, please check the size chart associated with the style you have selected. If your waist measurement exceeds the maximum shown for your cassock size, you will require special tailoring. Please use this guideline for measuring your waist.

To find your natural waistline, bend slightly to one side. Your body will "crease" at the point of your waist. Wrap a tape measure around your waist over the clothing which will be worn under the cassock, and record this measurement in inches.

Cap or Head Measurement

Measure around the head at a point about one inch above the ears. Pull the tape snug, but not too tight for comfort.

Round this measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch; do not round down. A hat size may be substituted, if known.