How do you determine the right size for latex rubber clothing?

That is a very frequently asked question with us. Unfortunately, it is not easy to answer because determining the right size for latex clothing depends on many factors. And there are many different size tables for latex clothing, but yes, which table is the right one?

A customer indicates to you that she has a nice tight dress in size 36

And she would like to have it copied because 'it is so nice and tight'. And oh yes, she does not know the thickness of the latex used, at least "it felt nice and thick".

Well ... what is tight?

If you have 3 customers who all want to have a tight dress in size 36, chances are there are differences. Because what is tight? Does anyone want to run blue? Does anyone want it to look tight but not fit? Etc.

And ... what is 'size 36'?

Each clothing label / brand uses its own size charts. One size 36 is not a size 36 at the other brand or other producer, maker or fashion designer.

And finally ... what is 'nice and thick latex'?

Some people consider 0.6mm thick latex already, while for another thick latex, latex is 1.0mm thick.

Conclusion .... to measure is to know!

What do you need to determine the correct latex size?

- A tape measure
- Pen and paper
- Patches of latex in different thicknesses (or fitting models)
- The customer in the flesh!

First you have to know what is 'tight' for the customer.

Does she indeed want to turn blue or does it just have to look a little tight? For example, put on a sample model or put a piece of latex around the body and ask when it is comfortable. Repeat this with latex in different thicknesses, so that the customer can feel the difference between thin latex and really thick latex.

General guidelines for latex clothing sizes

We take 10% as the difference between the actual measured circumference and the latex version with a thickness of 0.40 / 0.50 mm.

So if a customer has a circumference of 100 cm (measured with the measuring tape on the bare skin - not too loose and not too tight, just 'cold' on the skin), then you make a garment with a circumference of 90 cm (that includes seams). Because 100 cm - 10% = 90 cm.

The thicker the latex, the less it stretches, so the difference is also smaller.
If you are going to make something out of latex with a thickness of 1 mm, you can copy the size 1: 1 - / - 1 cm per seam. So suppose you have measured a waist of 100 cm for a latex garment with 2 seams, then you make it in latex 100cm-2cm = 98 cm.

Tip!

Make your own size chart based on your own measurements (just let someone else take your measurements). And then translate it into the different thicknesses. The most convenient is to make a number of test models of, for example, a strapless dress (because then you have chest, waist and hip).

Too much work?

In the Netherlands, HEMA is very good at sizing the average woman / man (if there is one, of course). Then use those size charts and reduce everything by 10% for latex with thickness 0.40 / 0.50 mm.

But if you go for customization, then you just really have to see your customer, measure it yourself and have it fitted.
Some designers offer customization for free. That is possible, but commercially not smart of course. Because customization really takes a lot more work (correspondence with the customer via email, app, telephone, personal contact, passing by, measuring measurements, fitting, etc.).

It is up to you!