Tailoring Your Dream Wedding Dress: A Step-By-Step Guide

how do I measure myself for a wedding dress

Wedding dress sizes are not the same as regular clothing sizes, so it's important to know your measurements when shopping for a wedding dress. This is especially true if you're ordering a dress online or having a custom dress made. To measure yourself for a wedding dress, you'll need a soft and flexible body measuring tape and someone to help you. Make sure to wear the same undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on your wedding day, as these can affect your measurements. Take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, following the specific instructions provided by the designer or retailer. It's a good idea to double-check your measurements for accuracy and compare them to the size chart provided by the designer. Keep in mind that alterations are common for wedding dresses, so don't worry too much about getting the measurements perfectly right.

Characteristics Values
What to wear while measuring Undergarments that will be worn with the wedding dress
Who should measure A professional or a friend/relative
Body posture Stand up straight with arms down and feet together
Hollow-to-hem Measurement from the center of the collarbone to the bottom of the dress
Bust Wrap the measuring tape around the back and under the arms at the fullest part of the bust
Waist Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of the natural waist
Hips Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of the hips and butt
Sleeve Raise the arm parallel to the floor and wrap the measuring tape around the armpit across the outside edge of the shoulder
Wrist Measure at the protruding points of the wrist joint
Back width Measure horizontally across the shoulder blades, between the back armpit angles
Bra or nylon tights Even these can add volume, so it is recommended to wear nothing but the underwear
Double-checking measurements Cross-check your measurements against each brand's size chart

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Wear the right undergarments

To ensure you get the right measurements for your wedding dress, it is important to wear the right undergarments when taking your measurements. This is because even your bra or nylon tights can add volume to your frame, so it is recommended that you wear nothing but the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you have chosen a dress with an open back and do not plan to wear a bra, it is best to take your measurements without one.

It is also important to wear the right shoes when taking your measurements. Wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you will be wearing on your wedding day. This is because the hollow-to-hem measurement, which is the length of your dress, is determined by measuring from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom (hem) of your dress.

If you are ordering a custom dress, it is especially important to take accurate measurements. You will need to take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. To find your natural waist, stand up straight and bend to one side—the crease that is formed is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, making sure it is not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.

For your bust, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, passing it along your back and up to the front. Again, ensure that the tape is not too tight and that you are breathing normally.

To measure your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. As with the waist and bust measurements, make sure the tape is comfortable and not too tight.

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Measure bust, waist and hips

To measure your bust, waist, and hips for a wedding dress, you will need a measuring tape and an elastic band. It is important to wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day, as clothing can make a difference in determining your size. If you are not wearing a bra with your wedding dress, take your measurements without one.

For the bust, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits, and across your back. The tape should be positioned horizontally, just above your breasts.

The waist should be measured at the narrowest point, with the tape placed loosely across the waist. It is important to breathe normally and comfortably while measuring your waist to ensure an accurate measurement.

For the hips, the tape should be wrapped horizontally around the fullest part of your buttocks.

It is recommended to order a wedding dress based on your largest measurement, as dresses can usually be taken in but not always let out. If your bust, waist, and hip measurements correspond to different sizes, consider sizing up to the largest measurement.

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Hollow-to-hem

To measure your hollow-to-hem, start by standing up straight with your usual posture and with your arms down at your sides. It is recommended to have someone help you take the measurements so you can relax your body. Wear the shoes you plan to wear with your wedding dress, as this will impact the length. Put on the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even your bra or nylons can add volume and impact the measurement.

Using a flexible measuring tape, start at the centre of your collarbone and measure down to the very bottom of the dress. Make sure the tape is fitted comfortably to your body, not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.

While it is recommended to have a professional take this measurement, it is possible to do it yourself at home.

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Compare to designer's size chart

It is important to remember that bridal dress sizes differ from designer to designer. So, while taking your measurements, always refer to a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart.

The first step is to take your measurements accurately. The bust is measured by wrapping the measuring tape around the back and under the arms at the fullest part of the bust. The waist is the smallest part of your torso, and you should measure it by wrapping the measuring tape around the narrowest part. To measure the hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.

The next step is to compare your measurements to the designer's size chart. It is important to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your bust is 34 inches, your waist is 26 inches, and your hips are 36 inches, you should order a size 12 and get the dress altered to custom fit your body.

Additionally, keep in mind that wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing. So, it is not uncommon to require wedding apparel one or more sizes larger than your normal dress size.

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Seek professional help

Taking measurements for a wedding dress is a crucial step in ensuring that your gown fits you like a dream on your special day. While it is possible to take these measurements yourself, seeking professional help is highly recommended for accurate results. Here are some reasons why entrusting this task to a skilled seamstress or designer is beneficial:

Expertise and Accuracy

Professional seamstresses or designers possess the expertise to take precise measurements, ensuring your wedding dress fits flawlessly. They have extensive experience in measuring different body types and can provide valuable insights into achieving the desired silhouette. Their precision helps avoid the need for multiple alterations, saving you time and hassle.

Custom Measurement Sheets

Some bridal boutiques and designers offer custom measurement sheets that guide you through the process. These sheets are designed to capture all the necessary measurements for a custom bridal gown. By taking these sheets to a local tailor or seamstress, you benefit from their expertise in interpreting the measurements accurately.

Guidance and Support

Professionals can offer guidance on choosing the right style and fit for your body type. They can address any concerns you may have about comfort or specific areas you want to highlight or downplay. Open communication with your seamstress ensures that your vision is accurately reflected in the final gown.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Measuring for a wedding dress can be challenging to do on your own. By seeking professional help, you can relax and trust that your measurements are in capable hands. They will ensure that the process is efficient and accurate, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.

Holistic Approach

Professional seamstresses consider not only your measurements but also the style and fabric of the dress, as well as the shoes and undergarments you'll be wearing on your big day. This holistic approach ensures that your gown will not only fit beautifully but also complement your overall look, making you feel confident and radiant.

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