Classic Alison — Members' Guide
How to Find Your Fit
Every Classic Alison piece is cut for curves from the start, not scaled up from a smaller pattern. This guide shows you how to measure, which measurement matters most for each kind of piece, and what to do if you are between sizes.
1. Before you measure
- Use a soft tape measure and wear a well-fitting bra or the underwear you would wear with the piece.
- Stand straight and relaxed, and breathe normally. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Ask someone to help if you can. It makes the back and shoulder measurements far more accurate.
- Write your measurements down in centimetres, so you have them to hand whenever you shop.
2. The five measurements that matter
Bust: around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level across your back.
Waist: around your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button.
Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check in a mirror that the tape is level.
Shoulders: across your back from the edge of one shoulder to the other. This is the measurement that decides how a jacket sits.
Upper arm: around the fullest part of your upper arm. Useful for tailored jackets and fitted sleeves.
3. Which measurement to choose by
| Piece | Choose your size by |
|---|---|
| Tailored jackets and coats | Bust and shoulders. A jacket that fits at the shoulder can be taken in at the waist; shoulders can't easily be altered. |
| Trousers and skirts | Hips first, then waist. A waist can be taken in; a hip that is too tight cannot be let out far. |
| Silk blouses and shirts | Bust. Buttons should close flat with no pulling across the bust. |
| Fitted dresses | Your largest measurement of bust, waist and hip. |
| House of Alia jersey and wrap styles | Bust. Jersey and wrap shapes are more forgiving through the waist and hip. |
4. If you are between sizes
- Size up for a relaxed, easy silhouette; size down for a closer, tailored fit.
- For suits, it is fine to choose a different size for the jacket and the trousers. Where a suit is sold as separates, that is exactly why.
- If you usually alter trousers for length or waist, choose by your hip and have the rest adjusted by a local tailor.
5. Signs of a good fit
- Jacket: the shoulder seam sits at the edge of your shoulder, and the jacket closes without the button pulling into an X.
- Trousers: no pulling across the front at the hip, and the fabric falls straight from the seat.
- Blouse: no gaping between buttons, and you can lift your arms comfortably.
- Dress: the waist sits at your natural waist, and you can sit down without the fabric straining.
6. Ask us
Still unsure? Email your bust, waist, hip and shoulder measurements, and the piece you love, to info@classicalison.com. We'll reply with the size we recommend.
For our measurement chart, see the Size Guide.
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