Fursuit guide
How to measure yourself for a fursuit
A fursuit is built around your body, so good measurements are the difference between a suit that moves with you and one that pulls, sags or overheats. Here is what a fursuit maker needs, how to measure yourself accurately at home, and the mistakes to avoid.
November 8, 2026 · 6 min read
What you need
- A soft tape measure (not a metal one)
- A helper, if possible, for back and shoulder measurements
- Close-fitting clothes, the kind you would wear under your suit
- Your phone, to take reference photos of yourself standing straight
Head measurements
The head is the most important fit. Too tight and it presses on your face; too loose and it slips and blocks your vision.
- Head circumferenceMeasure around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears.
- Forehead to chinMeasure from your hairline down to the bottom of your chin.
- Over the topMeasure from the top of one ear, over the crown, to the top of the other ear.
- GlassesIf you wear glasses, tell your maker. The head needs extra room inside.
Body measurements for a fullsuit
- HeightStand barefoot against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
- Chest, waist and hipsMeasure around the fullest part of your chest, your natural waist and the widest part of your hips. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
- Shoulder widthMeasure across your back from the tip of one shoulder to the other.
- Arm lengthWith your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder tip, over the elbow, to the wrist bone.
- InseamMeasure from the crotch down the inside of your leg to the floor.
- Torso loopMeasure from the top of one shoulder, down the front, between your legs and up the back to the same shoulder. This one is easy to forget and very important.
Hands and feet
For hand paws, trace around your open hand on paper and measure around your palm at the knuckles. For feet paws, trace your foot in the shoes you plan to wear inside them and note your shoe size.
Feet paws are usually built to go over a shoe, so measure the shoe as well as your foot.
Duct-tape dummies
For the best bodysuit fit, many makers work from a duct-tape dummy (DTD): a cast of your body made by wrapping you in plastic wrap and tape, then cutting it off and sealing it. It captures your exact shape in a way numbers cannot.
If your commission needs one, we explain how to make and ship it when we send your quote.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring over thick clothes or pulling the tape tight
- Guessing instead of measuring, especially the torso loop
- Forgetting to mention glasses, hair length or a cooling vest
- Measuring months before the build if your size is likely to change
