George Boyle
Getting a wedding dress that fits you perfectly can be challenging, especially when you're pregnant. It is a good idea to get professionally measured, but if you want to take your measurements at home, you will need a flexible measuring tape. First, put on the undergarments you plan to wear under your dress. Then, measure your bust, waist, and hips, keeping the tape snug but not tight. Compare your measurements to the designer's size chart and order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. If you are more than 5-6 months pregnant, it is recommended to choose a maternity style to allow more room for your belly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to measure | If you are up to 4 months pregnant, a standard dress can be ordered in a larger size. If you plan on being more than 5-6 months pregnant, maternity styles are recommended. |
| Who should take the measurements | It is recommended to get measured by a professional at an authorized retailer or by a professional tailor. |
| What to wear during measurement | Wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the dress. |
| Tools | Use a soft, flexible measuring tape. |
| How to use the measuring tape | Keep the tape snug but not tight. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor. |
| Where to measure | Measure the bust, waist, and hips. For A-line or ball gown styles, the bust and waist are most important. |
| Ordering | Compare your measurements to the designer's size chart. Order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring your bust
Firstly, it is recommended to wear an unpadded bra, as padded bras can alter the measurements. If you plan to go braless on your wedding day, it is best to take the measurements without a bra. It is also important to wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your special day, as different undergarments can affect the measurements.
Now, stand up straight, keeping your arms relaxed by your sides. If you have a friend or family member to assist you, they can handle the measuring tape while you maintain your posture. Begin by placing the measuring tape across your back, ensuring it sits right under your armpits. Then, bring the tape forward, positioning it at the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level and ensure it is not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Take the measurement at the fullest part of your bust, wrapping the tape comfortably around your body. It is essential to breathe normally and avoid sucking in your stomach, as this can impact the accuracy of the measurement. Remember, the bust measurement is not the same as your bra size; it is the width around the fullest part of your chest to the widest part of your back.
If you are having trouble reaching or maintaining the correct posture, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. By following these steps and enlisting help when needed, you can ensure you obtain an accurate bust measurement for your maternity wedding dress.
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Waist measurements
To measure your waist for a maternity wedding dress, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional tailor or an authorised retailer. However, if you are unable to get professionally measured, you can follow these general guidelines:
First, wear the undergarments that you plan to wear with your wedding dress. It is important to wear the right undergarments because even your bra or nylon tights can add volume to your waist. Next, grab a flexible measuring tape and stand up straight. Bend to one side and identify the crease that forms—this is your natural waist. Now, wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, which is not around your belly button or across your hipbones. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist. Keep the tape levelled in a straight line and breathe normally.
It is worth noting that different brands have different size charts, so it is vital to refer to the specific size chart provided by the designer of your dress. Compare your waist measurement to the designer's size chart and order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. This will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible.
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Measuring your hips
Firstly, put on the undergarments you plan to wear with your wedding dress. It is important to wear the appropriate undergarments as they can affect the measurements, especially around the hip area. Then, stand up straight with your feet together. Ensure your posture is relaxed and natural, with your arms freely down along your body.
Next, take a soft, flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. The tape should be snug but not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body. This will ensure you can sit comfortably in your dress.
When measuring, keep the tape parallel to the floor. It is best to have someone help you take the measurements so that the tape remains level and straight. If measuring yourself, try to keep the tape at the same height all around your hips.
Finally, compare your hip measurements to the designer's size chart. Each designer's size chart is different, so refer to the specific chart for the dress you are considering. Remember to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements to ensure a flattering fit.
While the above steps can help you measure your hips accurately, it is recommended to get professionally measured if possible.
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Hollow-to-hem
It is best to have someone help you with this measurement. Stand tall and still on a flat, hard surface with bare feet and wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day or ones with the same heel height. If you don't know your wedding shoes yet, use a heel height you're likely to wear (typically 2-3 inches). If you're in a pinch, you can measure alone in front of a full-length mirror, but it's more challenging to keep the tape straight without assistance.
Place the tape measure at the hollow of your neck, ensuring it lies flat against your body and isn't curved or angled. Let it drop straight down the front of your body to the floor or your desired hemline. Record the number in inches or centimetres, following your dressmaker's instructions.
If you're unsure about your shoe choice, add a heel height that's the highest you'd consider, and perhaps a little extra. It's easier to shorten a dress than to lengthen it, so when in doubt, measure longer. You can always hem your dress later if it's too long.
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Ordering the right size
When ordering a maternity wedding dress, it is important to consider the stage of your pregnancy. If you are up to four months pregnant, a standard dress ordered in a larger size may be suitable. However, if you plan on being more than five to six months pregnant, a maternity style dress is recommended to accommodate your growing belly.
To ensure the best fit, it is advisable to have your measurements taken by a professional at an authorised retailer or a tailor. If you prefer to take your measurements at home, follow these guidelines:
- Wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you intend to wear shapewear or a particular bra, put that on as well.
- Using a soft, flexible measuring tape, start by measuring your bust. Wrap the tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is snug but not too tight, and you should be able 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 natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, keeping it comfortable and not too tight.
- Stand with your feet together and measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Again, ensure the tape is not too tight, allowing room for comfort and ease of movement.
- For a custom dress, you may also need to determine your hollow-to-hem measurement. Measure from the centre of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem) of your dress. It is recommended to wear shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
After taking your measurements, compare them to the designer's size chart. It is important to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. Wedding apparel is typically sized differently from retail clothing, so you may need a larger size than your usual dress size. If in doubt, consider seeking assistance from the designer or a professional to ensure you order the correct size.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear the undergarments you plan to wear with your dress.
The measuring tape should be snug but not too tight—make sure you can fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Measure from the centre of the collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of the dress (the hem).
It depends on the style of the dress. For an entirely fitted dress, all three measurements (bust, waist, and hips) are important. For an A-line or ball gown, the bust and waist are the most important.
Compare your measurements to the designer's size chart. It is recommended to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements.
