Rhiannon Hendricks
Getting a wedding dress that fits you perfectly is a crucial part of wedding planning. While it is recommended to get professionally measured, you can also take your measurements at home. This involves wearing the undergarments you plan to wear with your wedding dress and using a flexible measuring tape to measure your bust, waist, and hips. It is important to note that wedding dress sizes vary between designers, so you should refer to the designer's size chart and order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. Additionally, consider the shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day, as this can impact the length of your dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear | Undergarments or underwear that will be worn with the wedding dress |
| Measuring tools | A flexible measuring tape |
| Who should take the measurements | A professional or a friend/family member |
| Where to take measurements | At home or in a bridal store |
| How to take measurements | The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor, not too tight or too loose, and aligned with the body's natural curves |
| Body parts to measure | Bust, waist, hips, natural height, shoulder to floor, shoulder to shoulder, armhole, bicep, arm length, wrist circumference, and hollow to hem |
| Tips | Compare measurements to the designer's size chart and order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. Order based on the bust measurement |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get measured
While it is recommended to get your measurements taken by a professional, there are several options for where to get measured for a wedding dress.
Bridal stores
Some bridal stores will only measure you if you are buying a dress from them. For example, David's Bridal requires that you buy a dress from them to get measured.
Local seamstresses
You could try finding a local seamstress to measure you. They will probably charge a fee for this service.
Department stores
Department stores that offer alterations, such as Macy's, may be able to help with measurements.
At home
If you are unable to visit a professional or would prefer to take your measurements at home, you can measure yourself or enlist the help of a friend or family member. You can find guides online that explain how to take your measurements, and you can purchase a tailor's tape measure from craft stores.
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DIY measuring
If you want to measure yourself for a wedding dress, it's best to use a soft, flexible measuring tape. If you don't have a measuring tape, you can use a ribbon or shoelace to get a rough idea of the length, and then measure that with a hard measuring tape. It's also useful to have someone assist you, such as a friend or family member. However, if you don't have anyone to help, you can take measurements yourself.
Firstly, make sure you are only wearing the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is because even a bra or nylon tights can add volume. Stand up straight, with your arms down and your usual posture. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and fits comfortably—not too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
To measure your bust, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. At the back, the tape should lie flat along where your bra strap usually sits, and at the front, it should come around the fullest part of your cup.
To measure your waist, bend to one side—the crease that is formed is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist.
To measure your hips, stand with your feet together. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, making sure the tape is flat to your body the whole way around.
If you are ordering a custom dress, you will also need to take a hollow-to-hem measurement. Wear a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. Measure from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of your dress (the hem).
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What to wear for measurements
When preparing for your wedding dress measurements, it is important to wear the appropriate attire to ensure accurate results. Here are some key considerations:
Underwear
It is recommended to wear only your underwear during the measurement process. This provides a more accurate base for measurements and allows for a comfortable fit. If you plan to wear shapewear or specific underwear with your wedding dress, it is advisable to wear those items during the measurement to ensure a true-to-life representation of your body.
Footwear
The choice of footwear is also crucial. It is recommended to wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is especially important if you are measuring the length of your dress, as it ensures the hollow-to-hem measurement is precise. If you are taking measurements at home, stand straight against a wall, mark the level of your collarbones, and then measure from that point down to the floor. This will give you an accurate idea of the dress length you require.
Hair and posture
When being measured, ensure your hair is not adding any bulk to your body. Keep your usual posture, with your arms down and relaxed along your body. Stand straight, without lowering your head, to ensure the measurements are taken against your natural body frame.
Measuring tape
When using the measuring tape, it should be parallel to the floor and fit comfortably around your body. It should not be too tight or too loose. This ensures the measurements are accurate and allows room for movement and comfort on your wedding day.
Remember, it is always a good idea to double-check your measurements to ensure they are correct. These measurements will help you order the most flattering dress for your special day.
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Taking bust, waist, hip measurements
Taking bust, waist, and hip measurements is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding dress fits you flawlessly. While professional measurements are recommended, you can certainly take these measurements yourself at home with a flexible measuring tape. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Bust Measurement
Start by wearing the undergarments you plan to wear with your wedding dress. Position the measuring tape across your back, ensuring it is flat, straight, and parallel to the floor. Bring the tape under your arms, wrapping it around to the front at the fullest part of your bust. The tape should be snug but not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Waist Measurement
Stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around this narrowest part of your waist, keeping the tape flat and snug but not too tight. As with the bust measurement, ensure there is enough space to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
Hip Measurement
Stand with your feet together and pull the tape across the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. Keep the tape straight and parallel to the floor, maintaining a comfortable snugness that allows for a finger's width of space.
It is essential to compare these measurements to the designer's size chart when ordering your dress. Wedding apparel sizing can vary significantly from retail clothing, so ordering the largest size corresponding to your measurements is often advised.
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Custom sizing
When ordering a custom-sized wedding dress, it is important to provide the designer with accurate measurements. This includes measurements for the bust, waist, and hips. It is recommended that you wear the same undergarments and shoes that you will be wearing on your wedding day when taking these measurements, as this can affect the fit of the dress. You should also ensure that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and comfortably snug without being too tight. If possible, it is a good idea to have a professional take your measurements or to consult a professional for guidance.
To measure your bust, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your chest. For your waist measurement, stand up straight and bend to one side to find the crease or natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. When measuring your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Again, make sure the tape is not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body to ensure comfort when sitting.
In addition to the bust, waist, and hip measurements, there are a few other measurements that may be important for a custom-sized wedding dress. This includes the hollow-to-hem measurement, which is the length from the centre of your collarbone to the bottom of the dress. It is important to wear the same shoe height that you will be wearing on your wedding day when taking this measurement. Other potentially important measurements include your natural height, shoulder-to-floor measurement, shoulder-to-shoulder width, armhole, bicep, and arm length (if you are planning to wear a long-sleeved dress).
Overall, custom sizing for a wedding dress can be a great option for those who want a perfect fit. Just be sure to provide accurate measurements and consider seeking professional guidance to ensure the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get measured by a professional or do it yourself at home. If you want to get measured by a professional, you can try a local seamstress or a store that offers alterations. Some bridal stores will also measure you, but they may require that you buy a dress from them.
First, put on the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress. Grab a flexible measuring tape and ensure it's parallel to the floor and not too tight or too loose. Stand up straight and bend to one side to find your natural waist. Then, take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. Compare these measurements to the designer's size chart to determine your size.
Wedding dress sizes vary between designers, so your size may be different from your regular clothing size. It's important to get measured or take your own measurements to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
A hollow-to-hem measurement is taken from the center of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of your dress (the hem). While some designers offer this measurement, it's not recommended for wedding dresses as it may not provide an accurate picture of your size. Instead, focus on your waist, hip, and bust measurements.
It's recommended to get measured or take your measurements before browsing for dresses. This will help you understand your size and what silhouettes will work best for your body type. Keep in mind that bodies change over time, so it's best to get measured closer to your wedding date.
