Detailed
Measuring Guide
This is a detailed measuring guide to help you pick sizes from the size chart or to take your custom outfit to the next level :)You can use this for both cats🐱 and dogs🐶 or feel free to just send photos like the ones in this section, too!For other pets like rabbits🐰, or small animals🐹, please send me a message!
Essential Measurements
NECK - CHEST - BODY LENGTH are the measurements needed to make an outfit. Please use these to choose a size from the size chart.Allowance:
I always add allowance on the neck and chest for ease of movement :)
1.5 inches for XS-M size
2-2.5 for L-2XL size
3 inches for 3XL-4XL size.
Feel free to check the allowance with your measuring tape and if you would like a tighter/looser fit, do let me know!
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck
Please keep in mind that I add allowance for ease of movement. Feel free to check with the measuring tape where the actual measurement + allowance will be on your pet, then adjust as you like.
Chest
Measure around the largest part of the chest/midsection (rib cage area).
Please keep in mind that I add allowance for ease of movement. Feel free to check with the measuring tape where the actual measurement + allowance will be on your pet, then adjust as you like.
Body Length
Measure from the base of the neck to the tail or where you'd like the outfit to end.Notes on Body Length:
Pawtelier de Melon's size chart uses the Full Body Length measurement as a standardShirts and jackets are NOT full length garments and will typically end at the 2/3 Body Length. If you'd like a different length, do let me know!
For Dresses: Measure your preferred Top Length starting from the base of the neck, then measure your preferred Skirt Length from where your top ends to where the Full Body Length ends or until wherever you like for a long gown!
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For reference, Melon is a pom mix and her measurements are:
9" neck (10.5" with allowance)
15" chest (16.5" with allowance)
12" length. (5" top, 8" skirt, 30" gown skirt)
Extra Measurements
The following are optional measurements. There are standards already for each size, but feel free to provide these as well :)
Arm Hole
Measure the loop around your pet's shoulder and armpit where the arm hole of your pet's outfit will be. (leg hole, actually!) Imagine taking this measurement for the arm hole of your own shirt :)This measurement is most useful for:
pets with thicker shoulders and/or legs
Leg Circumference
Measure around your pet's leg. Put 2 fingers under the measuring tape so the fit is not tight OR measure over your pet's fur. Do not squish your pet's leg while measuring so they will be comfortable with the sleeve.This measurement is most useful for:
sleeve cuffs, elastic sleeves, very fluffy pets
Leg Length
Measure your pet's leg length starting from the shoulder OR the armpit. Please stop at least 2 inches from the floor so you pet's leg won't slip out of the sleeve.Also, do let me know if you used the shoulder or armpit as a basis so we're on the same page!This measurement is most useful for:
pets with long legs (whippet, borzoi, etc.) or pets with short legs (corgi, dachshund, rabbit, etc.)
Back/ Shoulder Width
Measure the area between your pet's shoulders. This measurement will be the width of the back piece for sleeveless outfits, or where the sleeves will start for sleeved outfits.This measurement is most useful for:
wider pets (English bulldog, corgi, etc.)
Front Width
Measure the small area between your pet's front legs.This measurement is most useful for:
wider pets (English bulldog, corgi, etc.), barrel-chested pets (dachshund, pug, labrador, etc.)
Outfit Opening for Harness
Need an opening on your pet's outfit so they can wear it over a harness?
Place the harness on your pet and measure your preferred size for opening. Use the measurement of the leash attachment from the base of the neck.*Best to send me a photo reference for this or I can send you the outfit first then you can mark where we'll put a holeThis measurement is most useful for:
larger pets (XL size+)
Measuring an Existing Outfit
Already have an outfit you love? Feel free to measure it instead! Below is a sample of some photos you can provide for us to reference the measurements of your custom outfit from. :)Please make sure the material of the outfit you're measuring is NOT stretchy. (NO t-shirt fabric, hoodie fabric, and the like) Stretchy materials have different considerations. The example below is a non-stretch denim : )
Still need assistance?
Book a free video call or in-person meetup with me after settling commission reservation fee or your first downpayment. I'll be happy to help!