Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to finding the right size. Wedding dresses are often sized differently from regular clothing, so it's not uncommon to require a wedding dress that is one or more sizes larger than your normal dress size. To ensure the perfect fit, it's important to take accurate measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. While getting professionally measured is recommended, it is possible to take your measurements at home with the help of a flexible measuring tape and a guide. This typically involves measuring the bust, waist, and hips, and ordering the size that fits the largest of these three measurements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear | Underwear and any undergarments you plan to wear with your wedding dress |
| Measuring tape position | Parallel to the floor, not too tight or loose, with enough room to fit a finger between the tape and your body |
| Posture | Stand straight, with your head up, adopting your usual posture with arms down |
| Bust | Measure around the body at the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape straight |
| Waist | Measure around the narrowest part of the torso, bending to one side to find the natural waist |
| Hips | Measure around the body at the fullest part of the hips and bottom, likely lower than the top of the hip bone |
| Armhole | Measure the full circle from the top of the shoulder under the arm |
| Upper arm | Measure around the bicep or fullest part of the upper arm |
| Front bodice | Measure from the clavicle to the waist down the centre front of the body, avoiding the bust |
| Waist to floor | Measure from the natural waist to the floor |
| Sleeve length | Measure the full length of the arm from the top edge of the shoulder to the wrist |
| Shoulder | Measure from the top edge of the shoulder to the other shoulder across the back in a straight line |
| Over bust | Measure around the body just under the armpits |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring the bust
Firstly, it is recommended that you wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume and affect the measurement. If you do not feel comfortable in your undergarments, you can wear a tight-fitting athleisure set, such as leggings and a tank top.
Next, grab a flexible measuring tape and stand up straight, maintaining your usual posture with your arms freely down along your body. It is best if someone can help you with the measurements so you can relax your body. Wrap the measuring tape around your back, passing it up to your front at the level of the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is levelled in a straight line, comfortably snug against your body, but not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
It is important to note that your bust measurement is not the same as your bra size. The bust measurement refers to the width around the fullest part of your chest to the widest part of your back.
Remember to breathe normally and relax during the process. Taking accurate measurements will ensure that your wedding dress fits you flawlessly and flatteringly.
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Measuring the waist
To measure your waist for a wedding dress, it is recommended that you wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is because even your bra or nylon tights can add volume, which may impact the accuracy of your measurements. If you can, it is also helpful to have someone assist you when taking the measurements so that your body can be relaxed.
Stand up straight and bend to one side—the crease that is formed is your natural waist. This is the point at which you should measure your waist, which is the smallest part of your torso. It is important to note that this is not across your hipbones or around your belly button.
When measuring your waist, the measuring tape should be wrapped around your waist, with your arms freely by your side. Ensure that the tape is not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist. It is also important that the tape is parallel to the floor and is straight, rather than dipping at the back.
It is recommended that you double-check your waist measurement to ensure accuracy.
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Measuring the hips
To measure your hips for a wedding dress, it is best to enlist the help of a friend or family member, or, for the most accurate results, a professional seamstress or tailor. If you are taking your measurements at home, grab a flexible measuring tape. Stand with your feet together and your heels touching, keeping your arms down at your sides. Keep your usual posture and stand up straight, without lowering your head.
The measuring tape should be wrapped around the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. The tape should be held in a straight line and kept level. It should be comfortable and not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body. It is important to wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear with your wedding dress, as even your bra or nylon tights can add volume.
When ordering your dress, refer to the designer's size chart and compare your measurements. It is recommended to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements to ensure the most flattering fit. Keep in mind that wedding apparel is typically sized differently from retail clothing, so you may need to order a larger size than usual.
If you are ordering a custom dress, it is also important to know how to take your "hollow to hem" measurement. This is the measurement from the base of your neck to the bottom of the hem.
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Comparing measurements to the designer's size chart
When it comes to wedding dresses, sizing can differ from designer to designer. Each designer will have their own size chart, so it's important to refer to their specific bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing. This can be confusing for brides, but it's a necessary step to ensure the best fit.
To ensure the most accurate measurements, it's recommended to wear only your underwear, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume. It's also helpful to have someone assist you when taking the measurements so you can relax your body. Stand up straight with your usual posture, and keep your arms down.
- Bust: Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level in a straight line and ensure it's comfortable, not too tight.
- Waist: Your waist is the smallest part of your torso, not across your hipbones or at your belly button. Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waist, again ensuring it's not too tight.
- Hips: Stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt. Once again, make sure the tape is not pulled too tight.
After taking these measurements, you can compare them to the designer's size chart. It's important to order the size that corresponds to your largest measurement. For example, if your hip measurement is the largest, order a size that accommodates your hips, and the bust and waist can be taken in during alterations if needed. This is because it's much easier to take in a dress than to try to expand it.
Keep in mind that wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing, so you may find yourself requiring a larger size than your normal dress size.
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Getting the right fit
Prepare for Measurement:
- Wear the undergarments you plan to wear under your wedding dress. This is important as even your bra or nylon tights can add volume, impacting the accuracy of your measurements.
- Stand up straight with your usual posture. Keep your arms down, freely along your body, and your head held high.
- Ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and fits comfortably around your body, not too tight or too loose.
Measure Bust, Waist, and Hips:
- Wrap the measuring tape around your back, under your arms, and across the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape levelled in a straight line, allowing room to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
- To find your natural waist, stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease created is your waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, just above your hip bones. Again, ensure the tape is not too tight, allowing room for a finger.
- Stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. This is likely lower than you think and not around the top of your hip bone. As with the bust and waist, don't make it too tight, allowing room for a finger.
Compare Measurements to the Designer's Size Chart:
Every designer is different, so it's essential to refer to the specific designer's size chart. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the chart. Order the size that corresponds to your largest measurement to ensure a flattering fit. Remember, wedding apparel sizing may differ from retail clothing, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size than usual.
Consider Additional Measurements:
Depending on the style of your dress, you may need to take additional measurements, such as the front bodice, sleeve length, shoulder width, and armhole. If you plan to have sleeves, measure from the top edge of your shoulder to your wrist for sleeve and cuff adjustments. For an off-the-shoulder or strapless dress, consider measuring your shoulder width from edge to edge across your back. The armhole measurement is taken from the top of your shoulder, under your arm, and back up to the starting point.
Order and Alter:
After taking your measurements, refer to the designer's size chart to determine the best size for you. It is generally recommended to order the size that accommodates your largest measurement. Wedding dresses often require alterations to achieve a perfect fit, so don't be discouraged if your dress doesn't fit perfectly right off the rack. Finally, work with a tailor or the bridal shop to make any necessary adjustments to ensure your dress flatters your unique body shape.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. Ordering a dress based on your largest measurement will ensure that the dress will fit you all over. It is also important to wear the same undergarments you plan to wear with your wedding dress.
To measure your bust, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. For your waist, stand up straight and bend to one side - the crease created is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. To measure your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt.
Hollow-to-hem describes the length of a dress, from the centre of the collarbone to the hem. While it is not recommended for wedding dresses, as it does not give an accurate picture of your size, it is useful to know when ordering a custom dress.
It is recommended to get professionally measured. However, if you are measuring yourself, make sure the measuring tape is not too tight or too loose and that it is parallel to the floor. It is also important to stand straight and keep your usual posture, with your arms down.
