First Communion is a special celebration that requires a lot of preparation from parents. One of the tasks is buying an outfit for the child. It’s not worth waiting until the last minute, as you may find that your options are limited. Having a First Communion outfit tailored can sometimes take as long as 5–6 weeks. Besides, by placing your order early enough, you’ll cross one major task off your list and have more time for other matters, such as completing the formalities at the church or organizing a reception for loved ones. Before placing an order for a First Communion outfit, you’ll need to provide all the necessary measurements, which can sometimes be tricky. However, all you need to do is follow a few basic rules. In this article, we’ll show you how to measure your child for a First Communion outfit.
First Communion Albs for Girls and Boys
The First Communion alb is one of the most popular outfits for the First Communion ceremony. More and more parishes are moving away from dresses and suits, emphasizing that children should dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion on this special day. The alb itself is a white robe that reaches to the ankles and has long sleeves. The outfit draws on Christian tradition. At MK Maryla, you can purchase a variety of First Communion albs for girls and boys. With such a vast selection, every parent and child is sure to find something that perfectly suits their taste. It’s also worth noting that First Communion albs can easily be resold after the ceremony.
Some models feature unique accents, yet remain modest. First Communion albs for girls are available in various styles. Each combines elegance with simplicity, which is very important on this special day.
Communion albs for boys will meet the expectations of every parent—and every child. The selection includes both classic outfits and slightly more original designs. A First Communion alb for boys can feature a stand-up collar, a turtleneck, a regular collar, or a hood. The versatile cut ensures the outfit will fit perfectly on any body type. The selection includes both longer and shorter styles. First Communion albs for boys have long been very popular. Such an outfit for the First Communion ceremony emphasizes the solemnity of the occasion, and besides, it’s readily available and doesn’t cost a fortune. An additional element for boys’ outfits is the cingulum, a liturgical cord tied at the waist.
Both girls’ and boys’ albs are extremely comfortable, which is especially important during the ceremony.
Albs for Girls and Boys—How to Choose the Right Size?
Buying clothes online is common today. This also applies to First Communion outfits. In this case, it’s essential to take precise measurements. This ensures that the First Communion alb will fit the child perfectly.
Measuring your child for a First Communion outfit isn’t difficult and takes just 2–3 minutes. Before we get started, let’s gather a tape measure, a piece of paper, a pen, and a string or rubber band to tie around the child’s waist (this will help us quickly mark the waistline). Your child should be wearing a T-shirt during the measurement—this ensures accuracy (thicker clothing can lead to overestimated measurements).
Remember not to add extra centimeters to the measurements in case the child grows. We’ll account for enough extra fabric so that the First Communion dresses fit properly.
How to measure a child for a First Communion alb, step by step?
1) Tie a string around the waist (do not tighten it; it should fit loosely around the body). This step is especially important when ordering First Communion pants and albs that are cut at the waist.
2) Holding a tape measure snugly against the body, measure the chest and waist circumferences. The tape measure should not constrict the body but allow for free breathing and movement. It is important to note the actual measurement and not to add any extra centimeters. Our company includes the appropriate allowance.
3) Measure the so-called total length, that is, from the seventh cervical vertebra to the ground. The child should stand upright and barefoot. The seventh, or last, cervical vertebra protrudes, so it can be easily felt.
The remaining measurements depend on those described above—they provide a complete picture of the child’s figure and allow us to sew an alb that will fit properly. We have extensive experience in sewing First Communion outfits and know exactly how to measure an alb for both boys and girls. Sleeve length depends on the child’s height, while shoulder width depends on chest circumference. If you’d like to verify this, simply compare these measurements with our size charts.
· Measuring a child for First Communion outfits and accessories
- First Communion dress – the length is measured the same way as for albs
- cape – this accessory is sized to match the alb
- short alb – the length is measured the same way as for a long alb (from the nape of the neck to the floor);
- pants and vest – measured the same way as the alb, but the waist circumference is also provided
MK Maryla Size Charts
On our website, you’ll find detailed measurement charts based on circumference, height, and body type—so you can be sure you’re ordering the right size. Children’s body types vary greatly, which is why our size chart is so precise (for albs, the chest measurement grid is in 4-cm increments).
Both boys’ and girls’ albs are ordered as follows:
· First, specify the child’s height in the order;
· next, after measuring the chest circumference, look up the value closest to the child’s size in the chart;
· after measuring the waist circumference, compare it to the chest circumference—this helps determine the child’s body type (slender/normal/curvy);
· Measure the total back length (from the 7th vertebra to the ground)—it should be about 20–24 cm shorter than the child’s height.
If the child’s measurements do not match our size charts, simply contact us by email.
