To be shocked my arse is nearly 3.5 feet circumference? Help measure me for a frock

[SurprisinglyHugeArse]

I need to take my measurements and send off for a dress being made. After consulting online guides, seems I have to measure over the bust (so not the bra band measurement?) and the waist at the narrowest point, plus then hips which are actually over the widest arse point.

My 'hips' are 41 or 42 inches, which seems enormous! My overcast is about 38 depending on how closely I hold the tape to my actual breasts?

Surprisingly, bra band area measured at 32 but I always wear 34 inch bras as more comfortable. When professionally measured for a bra before she insisted it was 32 but I couldn't handle how close fitting they were so assumed she was wrong.

The waist is 29 and that seems relatively straightforward although I'm wondering what happens if the waist of the dress isn't in the right place for me, because I start to widen as I go down?

I'm assuming that leaving a bit of room is more comfortable with a dress so should I give my hip measurement as 43? Or will the dressmaker build in a slight amount of space in a non-skintight dress anyway? Should I just add an inch to everything I measure?

I've majorly confused myself and scared of it being too tight and uncomfortable or looking ridiculous somehow, so can anyone give me pointers on measuring for a dress like this?

You are almost exactly the same shape as me, how funny.

Give her your actual measurements. But don't pull the tape tight! The tape should not compress your flesh at all.

It's not one of the dress makers in China is it? Check trust pilot if so, the majority of them get exceptionally poor reviews - which website are you ordering of?

No, not pulling the tape tight, but close fitting snug to the skin - I'd never wear clothes that close fitting unless a t-shirt or top or something that has stretch in it. But then allowing the tape to slack off is probably a bit useless for getting accurate measurements I suppose?!

A dress with no stretch at all, that was as close fitting makes me slightly anxious and claustrophobic

Am aware how silly that sounds.

No it's not a Chinese site.

You have a lovely, womanly figure by the sounds of it

I'd give the exact measurements if that's what's been asked for.

I dress-make and I hold the tape measure taut but slip 2 fingers in

Personally I’d add an inch or two all over, very close fitting in a fabric with little to no give would be uncomfortable, and I’d never be able to wear it to go out to eat!

My Mums a dress maker give them the exact measurements and wear a bra similar to the one you'll wear with the dress when measuring your bust (don't measure braless) hold the tape so its not digging in but not loose. Give the half inch measurements don't round up or down. If the dressmaker knows their stuff they won't make it skin tight, don't second guess them and give bigger measurements. Xxx