George Boyle
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing and vary from designer to designer. Bridal sizing is not the same as typical street wear sizing, and even your bra or nylon tights can add volume. It is recommended that you take your measurements at home or at a bridal salon and then compare them to the designer's wedding dress size chart. When measuring, it is important to wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and fit comfortably around your body, with enough room to fit a finger between the tape and your body. You should measure your bust, waist, and hips, and the dress will be ordered according to your largest measurement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear while taking measurements | Only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day |
| How to measure | The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and comfortable, not too tight or too loose |
| What to measure | Bust, waist, and hips |
| Determining the size | The dress is ordered to the largest of the three measurements |
| Size variations across brands | Different brands have different size charts, so it is important to refer to the brand's size chart and not rely on your usual size |
| Alterations | A wedding dress can be altered up to two sizes down, but can only be let out by one size. |
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What You'll Learn
Take your measurements at home
Taking your measurements at home is a great way to understand your body and ensure you get the perfect fit for your wedding dress. While it is recommended to get professionally measured, you can certainly take your measurements at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, gather your tools. You will need a flexible measuring tape. It is also recommended to have a notepad and pen to jot down your measurements as you go. Wear the undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear under your wedding dress. This is important as it can affect your measurements.
Now, let's start measuring! Stand up straight, with your arms relaxed by your sides. Begin with the bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your back, under your arms, and measure at the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is levelled in a straight line and is comfortable, not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Next, we'll measure your waist. Bend to one side, and the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around this narrowest part of your waist. Again, ensure the tape is not too tight.
For your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Don't pull the tape too tight, as you need to be able to sit comfortably in your dress.
Finally, you can measure the length from the centre of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem). This is especially important if you are ordering a custom dress. It is recommended to wear your bridal shoes or shoes of the same height for accurate measurements.
Now that you have your measurements, you can compare them to the designer's size chart. It is important to remember that wedding dress sizes are typically larger than your regular clothing sizes, so don't be surprised if you need a bigger size than usual. Order the size that corresponds to your largest measurement, and you can always get it altered for a custom fit.
Congratulations on taking the initiative to measure yourself at home! This will help ensure your wedding dress fits like a dream.
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Compare your measurements to the designer's size chart
Wedding dress sizes differ from designer to designer, so it's important to consult their unique bridal gown sizing chart. This is the most accurate way to determine your size. Bridal salons usually only carry a few sample sizes for try-on appointments, so you should reference the designer's chart before purchasing.
When taking your measurements, ensure you're only wearing the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. It's best to have someone help you measure, and you should stand straight with your usual posture and arms down. The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and fit comfortably—not too tight or too loose.
Your bust measurement should be taken at the fullest part of your chest, with the tape held straight and not pulled too tight. The waist is the smallest part of your torso, and the tape should be passed around your waist, with a finger's width of space between the tape and your body. The hip measurement should be taken at the widest part of your hip, with the tape following the fullest part of your bust down to just above your ankle bone.
Once you have your measurements, compare them to the designer's size chart. If your measurements fall between sizes, it's usually best to size up. However, if you're ordering a ballgown, you may choose the smaller size if your hip measurement is the only one matching the largest size.
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Wear only your underwear when measuring
When measuring for a wedding dress, it is important to wear only your underwear. This is because even a bra or nylon tights can add volume, so you want to ensure the most accurate measurements. It is recommended to wear the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, or something similar. If you don't have these, you can measure yourself in a well-fitting, non-padded t-shirt bra and knickers.
To measure your bust, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. The tape should be held gently and not pulled tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
To measure your waist, bend to one side and find the crease or natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. Again, the tape should not be too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
To measure your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. This is mostly needed when you order a custom dress. As with the other measurements, the tape should not be too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body to ensure comfort when sitting in the dress.
It is also important to take your hollow-to-hem measurement, which is the length of the dress. To do this, measure from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom (the hem). It is recommended to have a professional take this measurement for the most accuracy. You should also wear a similar heel or shoe height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
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Your dress will be ordered to your largest measurement
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and they are often very different from your "street" size. This is because different brands have different size charts, and there is no standard sizing. So, it is important to know your measurements when shopping for a wedding dress.
Your wedding dress will likely be ordered to your largest measurement to ensure that it fits you well on your big day. This means that if your bust, waist, and hips are all different sizes, the dress will be ordered to accommodate the largest of these three measurements. For example, if your bust and hips are a size 8, but your waist measurement puts you in the size 10 category, the dress will be ordered as a size 10. This is because it is easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out, and you want to ensure that the dress fits your largest measurement comfortably.
When you go for your bridal appointment, your stylist will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and determine the size of your dress based on these measurements. They will then order the dress in the correct size from the designer. Don't worry if the sample gowns you try on during your appointment don't fit perfectly—this is very common, and your stylist will work with you to ensure that your dress is ordered in the correct size for your body.
It is important to keep in mind that even your bra or underwear can add volume, so make sure to only wear the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day when taking your measurements. It is also helpful to have someone assist you when taking your measurements to ensure that the measuring tape is straight and comfortable, not too tight, and that you are standing in your usual posture with your arms down.
Remember, your wedding dress will likely require some alterations to fit you perfectly, so don't stress too much about the size. Trust your stylist's recommendations, and if you have any concerns about the fit, be sure to discuss them with your stylist and seamstress.
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Bridal sizing is different from street sizing
Another factor to consider is that wedding dresses are often altered to ensure a perfect fit, whereas everyday clothing is rarely altered. Bridal shops will usually order a wedding dress in multiple sizes for brides to try on during their appointments. Don't be surprised if the sample gowns don't fit perfectly; your stylist will help you determine the correct size to order. They may even recommend a larger size to allow for alterations. It's easier to make a dress smaller than larger, so ordering a size up is generally recommended.
Additionally, there is no universal size chart for wedding dresses. Each designer or brand may have its own sizing chart, so a size 10 in one designer could be a size 14 in another. This is why knowing your measurements is crucial. Your bridal size will be determined by the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, and you should typically order based on your largest measurement. It's always a good idea to have someone assist you with taking your measurements to ensure accuracy.
While it can be helpful to refer to size charts, don't rely solely on your usual street size when choosing a bridal gown. Instead, focus on your measurements and work with your stylist to determine the best size for your dream wedding dress. They will guide you through the process and ensure your dress is ordered correctly. Remember, it's not about the number but about finding a gown that makes you feel amazing on your special day!
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Frequently asked questions
Take your measurements at home or at a bridal salon and compare them to the designer's wedding dress size chart.
Measure your bust, waist, and hips. Your dress will be ordered to match your largest measurement.
Wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. Use a measuring tape that is parallel to the floor, wrapping it around your bust, waist, and hips. Ensure the tape is not too tight or too loose.
Wedding dress sizes vary by designer, so check the designer's size chart. Your wedding dress size will likely be larger than your regular clothing size.
Wedding dresses are often ordered in a standard size and altered to fit your exact specifications.
