Layercake Sizing and Customisation

Layercake Sizes

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!

Bust:
(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
(approx.)

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 -
cm / in

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.