Layercake Sizing and Customisation
Layercake follows a different sizing system, recognising that the traditional system of "ladies dress- sizes" does not account for body shape and height.
For information about our custom sizes, scroll down.
Other Layercake characteristics relating to sizes are:
- size-inclusive: available in a wide range of sizes and if we do not have your size, we will make it! For more info on bespoke sizes, see HERE
- easy-to-wear and ideal for layering
- meant to be worn loosely, with some positive ease and the emphasis on comfort
- sized according to the body parts they cover (bust: 4 sizes, hips: 2 sizes, body: 2 or 3 lengths)
Please look at the grids below to see which body measurements we believe are best suited to our Layercake sizes.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Once you know which Layercake size you take, choosing new garments becomes easy.
When in doubt, please get in touch - we love to help!
(Smock/Tabard/Mini Tabard/Tail Smock/Dress/Playsuit/Felted Wool Jacket)
4 sizes, with a Petite version for Smocks and Tabards that adjusts proportions for size 3 ladies of 5'4" or less:
|
Layercake size (dresses, smocks) |
Bust measurement (garment) cm/in |
Recommended bust (body) cm/in |
UK standard Size |
US standard Size |
EU standard Size |
| 0 | 95/38 | 85/34 - 90/36 | 8 - 12 | 4 - 8 | 36 - 40 |
| 1 | 112/44 | 90/36 - 107/42 | 12 - 16 | 8 - 12 | 40 - 44 |
| 2 | 127/50 | 107/42 - 122/48 | 16 - 20 | 12 - 16 | 44 - 48 |
| 3 / 3petite | 140/55 | 122/48 - 135/53 | 20 - 26 | 16 - 22 | 48 - 54 |
Apron:
The Apron sizing is close to our Smocks and Tabards (0, 1, 2 and 3) so if you know your Smock/Tabard size then choose the corresponding Apron size. However, the Apron shape is more open around the bust, so there is some more flexibility if you prefer to wear it more or less fitted.
See the most important guides in the grid below.
| Layercake size |
UK dress size |
Maximum recommended bust |
High Hip (measured 10 cm / 4 in below belly button) |
Total length min/max |
| 0 | 8 - 12 | 95 cm / 38 in | 104 cm / 41 in | 105-110 cm / 41-43 in |
| 1 | 12 - 18 | 109 cm / 43 in | 112 cm / 44 in | 112-117 cm / 44-46 in |
| 2 | 16 - 22 | 122 cm / 48 in | 124 cm / 49 in | 118-123 cm / 46.5-48.5 in |
| 3 | 20 - 26 | 138 cm / 54 in | 138 cm / 55 in | 118-123 cm / 46.5-48.5 in |
Length:
(Dress, Playsuit)
2 lengths for dresses and 3 lengths for the Playsuit:
|
Height - |
Dress - Regular | Dress - Long | Playsuit - Petite | Playsuit - Regular | Playsuit - Tall |
| 150/5'0" - 160/5'4" | 113 / 44.5 | 125 / 49 | |||
| 160/5'4" - 175/5'9" | 113 / 44.5 | 127 / 50 | 125 / 49 | 135 / 53 | |
| 170/5'7" - 183/6'0" | 127 / 50 | 135 / 53 | 145 / 57 | ||
| 183/6'0" and above | 127 / 50 | 145 / 57 |
Overalls
These come in 4 sizes - their length is variable by changing the ties at the top of the bib:
| Layercake size |
Garment waist cm/in |
Garment hip cm/in |
Your hip cm/in |
UK size |
US size |
EU size |
| 0 | 98 / 39 | 122 / 48 | Up to 105 / 41 | 8 - 12 | 4 - 8 | 36 - 40 |
|
1 |
110 / 43 | 137 / 54 | Up to 115 / 45 | 12 - 16 | 8 - 12 | 40 - 44 |
| 2 | 128 / 50 | 152 / 60 | Up to 134 / 52 | 16 - 20 | 12 - 16 | 44 - 48 |
| 3 | 144 / 56 | 168 / 66 | Up to 150 / 58 | 20 - 26 | 16 - 22 | 48 - 54 |
Trousers:
(HiLo's/Palazzos/Baggies)
2 sizes (except for HiLo's due to their shape) in 2 lengths:
| Measurement - cm / in | Baggies - Small | Palazzo's - Small | Baggies - Large | Palazzo's - Large | HiLo's - Large |
| Waist relaxed | 65 / 25.5 | 65 / 25.5 | 80 / 32 | 80 / 32 | 80 / 32 |
| Waist fully extended | 120 / 47 | 102/40 | 135 / 53 | 114 / 45* | 120 / 47 |
| Hips | 140 / 55 | 127 / 50 | 155 / 61 | 142 / 56 | 148 / 58 |
| Length - Regular | 95 / 38 | 95 / 38 | 95 / 38 | 95 / 38 | 94 / 37 |
| Length - Long | 105 / 42 | 105 / 42 | 105 / 42 | 105 / 42 | 104 / 41 |
* This waist extension still comfortably scoots over 48" hips!
Skirt:
| Measurement - cm / in | Skirt - Small | Skirt - Large |
| Waist relaxed | 66 / 26** | 80 / 32** |
| (skirt-fold undone) | 72 / 28 | 84 / 33 |
| Waist fully extended | 108 / 43.5** | 120 / 47** |
| (skirt-fold undone) | 120 / 47 | 130 / 51 |
| Hips | 120 / 47** | 134 / 53** |
| (skirt-fold undone) | 132 / 52 | 142 / 56 |
| Length - Regular | 94 / 37 | 94 / 37 |
| Length - Long | 102 / 40 | 102 / 40 |
** With skirt-fold in place.
One size: Duster/Step-top/Synergy Top
These garments are designed to fit a very wide range of sizes and heights, from a UK size 10 to 28.
Check the garment measurements to give you an idea of their dimensions.
| Garment |
Underarm* cm / in |
Armhole depth* cm / in |
Hips* cm / in |
Length front cm / in |
Length back cm / in |
| Duster - short | 74 / 29 | 31 / 12 | 83 / 32.5 | 64 / 25 | 84 / 33 |
| Duster - long | 74 / 29 | 31 / 12 | 83 / 32.5 | 100 / 39.5 | 120 / 47 |
| Step-top | 84/33 | 37 / 14.5 | open | 64 / 25 | 79 / 31 |
| Synergy Top | 84/33 | 37 / 14.5 | open | 64 / 25 | 79 / 31 |
Custom sizes**
We do everything we can to be truly size-inclusive. We can highly individualise your Layercake, by adapting the standard fit and/or choosing a non-standard fabric/colour.
The easiest way to find out whether we can accommodate your wish is to drop linda a line (linda@theslowwardrobe.co.uk).
Please ensure to include the following information in your email:
Subject line: Customisation Request
In the body of the email:
- Layercake garment you wish to personalise
- If known: usual Layercake size
- If unknown: UK dress size or, even better: bust, hip and height measurements
- A description of your wishes (sizing, fabric)
- An indication of timing
Linda will respond to your message as soon as possible.
** Important:
1. there is a customisation charge applicable to this service
(in most cases, it is a standard charge of £30 added to the regular garment price)
2. custom garments cannot be returned.