except the WAIST SIZE (See Standard Order Blank) unless you want us to make the garment a Special and are willing to pay for each and every Special ordered. These measurements should all be taken over the corset with the outer garments removed. Never take a customer's measurements without a corset on. The woman should have her corset laced as she intends to wear her new corset, no tighter and no looser. If the corset she is wearing does not fit her well, you should use your best judgment in taking her measurements. If your customer wants a Custom Corset, be especially particular about taking measurements. It might be well to put on her one of your models which fits her best. Do this whenever practicable. When taking measurements, the arms should be always hanging naturally by the side, never raised above the shoulders, as this changes the proportions of the body.
98. SPECIALS.—If your customer requires any changes from the Standard proportions of the corset she is, ordering, and you think that the variation is so pronounced that it cannot be adjusted in lacing the corset, a change can be made in the regular garment by ordering a Special and paying for same. If the bust, hips or any other measurements vary from the proportions given in our illustrated Catalog. and you want us to follow the measurements exactly, you must so state and allow 50 cents extra for each and every change. The proportions of our Standard Corsets are correct for the individual type of figure for which each one is built, and as every woman is anxious to approach as nearly as she may to the ideal figure, it is well to order the Standard Corset whenever it is possible. We can make a corset to fit any figure perfectly, whether it is regular or irregular, if the customer is willing to pay for the extra work and expense necessary in making a Special or Custom Corset. Do not ask us to put the time and expense required to make changes in a garment unless you are willing to allow for the extra expense. The great variety of different models, grouped into series, gives you a large assortment from which to select, and if you understand these models and variations, you will not often order a Special.
When you do order any changes or Specials, always use our "Special and Custom Order Blank." State how many Specials are desired, and mark an "X" opposite each and every measurement you desire to be made Special. Measurements not marked with an "X" will be disregarded unless it is an order for a full Custom Garment. Illustrate the Special or Specials needed as far as possible on figures "A," "E," and "ZZ," on Special and Custom Order Blank. When ordering Specials, give simple, intelligent instructions, and give them in as few words as possible. Make your directions so plain that they cannot be misunderstood, and above all things, be definite. Our SPECIAL AND CUSTOM ORDER BLANK assists you in doing this, and; you should use it for all Custom and Special Orders. We supply these blanks on request.
99. THE WAIST LINE, which lies at the center of the tape in the corset, and at the smallest girth around the figure, is the base from which all measurements for the corset are taken. Never state you want a corset made so many inches longer or shorter than Standard.