To size a lawyer’s wig, wrap a soft tape measure around your head level, about one inch above your eyebrows and ears, with your hair styled the way you’ll wear it in court. Compare that number with the seller’s size chart. For the gown, sellers usually ask for your height and build, so check what yours needs. Measure twice before you order, because a wrong size is slow and annoying to exchange. edeandravenscroft

A wig that slips or pinches, or a gown that’s too short or too tight, shows in court and is uncomfortable all day. Ten minutes with a tape measure avoids that.

What You’ll Need

• A soft tape measure (the kind tailors use). If you only have a ruler, use a piece of string, then measure the string against the ruler.
• A mirror, or a friend to help.
• A notebook or your phone to write the numbers down in both centimetres and inches.

How to Measure Your Head for a Wig

1. Style your hair first. The volume and thickness of your hair add to your head’s circumference and can affect how the wig sits, so measure with your hair done the way you’ll wear it under the wig. Keep it flat, for example in cornrows or slicked back. A high bun or ponytail adds bulk and throws the number off. evess
2. Place the tape correctly. Run it around your head horizontally, as the supplier above advises, about an inch above your eyebrows and ears, and level at the back.
3. Keep it snug, not tight. The tape should touch your head all the way round without pressing into the skin.
4. Read and record the number. Write it down in centimetres and inches.
5. Measure again. If the two readings differ, take the third and use the number that appears twice.

Choosing a Size When You’re in Between

Sizes are often given in ranges. One legal supplier advises that if your measurement falls between two wig sizes, you should choose the larger size. Other suppliers may say otherwise, so ask your seller before ordering. evess

How to Tell Whether a Wig Fits

Once your wig arrives:

• It should sit level and stay in place when you move your head.
• It shouldn’t press into your forehead or give you a headache. That means it’s too tight.
• If it slides about, it may be too big.
• If it still doesn’t sit right, you may need to remeasure or try the next size up. evess

Wearing a wig cap underneath is a matter of choice, and it uses the same head measurement. If you plan to wear one, put it on when you measure. evess

How to Measure for a Gown

Gown sizing differs from seller to seller, so there’s no single rule. Here is what to prepare:

• Your height. Measure yourself without shoes.
• Your build. Note your chest or bust, shoulders and waist, and how you like your clothes to fit.
• Your preferred length. Hold the tape at the base of your neck and measure down to where you’d like the gown to end. Compare it with the seller’s length options.
• Your neck size, if you’re buying bands or a collar. One legal outfitter sizes shirts by neck size, so use the size you ordinarily buy. edeandravenscroft

Ask the seller what they need and send their size chart your measurements, not a guess.

Choose Fabric for Our Climate

Fit isn’t only about size. One supplier recommends a lightweight gown for warmer climates. That’s worth thinking about in Nigerian courts, where long hours in heat make a heavy gown tiring. edeandravenscroft

Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring over styled hair you won’t wear, such as a big puff, then wearing it flat.
• Pulling the tape too tight or letting it slope.
• Guessing your gown length instead of measuring.
• Ordering the day before you need it. Leave time for delivery and an exchange.
• Forgetting to re-measure if your hairstyle or weight changes much between ordering and Call to Bar.

Questions to Ask the Seller

• Do you have a size chart, and which measurements do you need?
• What’s your policy if the size is wrong?
• How long does an exchange take, and who pays for delivery?
• What fabric and weight is the gown?

Princess Legal World can help with sizing. [Add PLW's contact or order link.]

FAQ

Can I order a wig without measuring first?
You can, but you risk the wrong size. Measuring takes a few minutes and saves a lot of trouble.

Does my hairstyle affect my wig size?
Yes. Thick or voluminous hair can add to your head’s circumference, so measure with your hair styled as you’ll wear it.

Do I need a wig cap?
It’s optional. If you plan to wear one, wear it when you measure.

What if I’m between two sizes?
Some suppliers recommend the larger size. Ask your seller what they advise.

Should I measure for Call to Bar early?
Yes. Measure and order early so you have time to exchange if needed.