Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress sizes can vary depending on the designer, country, and silhouette, so it's important to take accurate measurements to ensure the perfect fit for your big day. When measuring for a wedding dress, it's recommended to wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even a bra can add volume and affect the measurements. It's also advisable to have someone help you take the measurements so you can relax your body and maintain good posture. This guide will help you understand the key areas to measure and how to take those measurements effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear | Underwear |
| Measuring tape | Soft, flexible, not too tight or loose |
| Who should take the measurements | Someone else |
| Posture | Stand straight, arms down, normal breathing |
| Bust | Measure around the back, under the arms, and through the fullest part of the bust |
| Waist | Bend to the side to find the crease, measure around the narrowest part of the waist |
| Hips | Stand with feet together, measure around the widest part of the hips and bottom |
| Hollow to hem | Measure from the center of the collarbone to the hem |
| Shoes | Wear bridal shoes or shoes of the same height |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing to measure: underwear, help and posture
Before you begin to take your measurements, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure accurate results. Firstly, it is important to wear only your underwear, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume and affect the measurements. If possible, wear the same underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure the most precise measurements for your dress.
It is also recommended to have someone help you with the measurements. This person can ensure that the measuring tape is held comfortably and securely around your body, allowing you to relax your body and maintain good posture.
When taking the measurements, stand straight with your usual posture. Keep your arms down, freely along your body. Make sure your head is not lowered, and try to maintain a relaxed stance.
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape that is parallel to the floor. It should fit comfortably around your body, neither too tight nor too loose. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body for the most comfortable fit.
By following these preparation steps, you will ensure that your measurements are accurate and that your wedding dress will fit you perfectly on your special day.
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Measuring the bust
To measure the bust, use a flexible dressmaker's measuring tape that is at least 36" long. The tape should be snug but not too tight, and you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body. Position the tape so that it covers the widest part of your back and the fullest part of your bust, wrapping under your armpits. Stand straight with your usual posture and keep your arms down freely along your body.
If measuring alone, ensure your arms are fully relaxed by your side. First, measure above your bust, with the tape in your armpits. Then, measure at the fullest part of your bust, taking care to keep the tape flat and straight across your back. Finally, measure below your bust. Take each measurement twice to ensure accuracy.
It is important to note that your bust measurement is not the same as your bra size. Additionally, bridal sizes differ from regular clothing sizes and are typically larger, so be sure to refer to the designer's size chart when ordering your wedding dress.
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Measuring the waist
To measure your waist for a wedding dress, it is best to have someone measure for you. Stand up straight and bend to one side, creating a crease. Your waist is the smallest part of your torso, so measure around the crease through the narrowest part of your natural waist. Ensure the measuring tape is fit comfortably to your body, not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist. Stand straight and pull the tape across the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. This is especially important if you are ordering a custom dress.
It is important to wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even your bra or nylon tights can add volume. You should also wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, or shoes of the same height.
Make sure the measuring tape is soft, flexible, and parallel to the floor. Do not pull the tape too tight or too loose—it should be taut, not cutting. Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
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Measuring the hips
To measure your hips for a wedding dress, it is recommended that you wear only your underwear, or whatever you plan to wear under the dress, as even your bra or nylon tights can add volume. Stand with your feet together and your usual posture, without lowering your head. You may find it easier to have someone help you take the measurements.
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape that is comfortable and not too tight. Pull the tape across the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. The measuring tape should be taut, but you should still be able to fit a finger between the tape and your hips to ensure you can sit comfortably in the dress.
If you are ordering a custom dress, it is important to take hip measurements. However, if you are ordering an A-line or ball gown dress, you may only need to take measurements of your bust and waist.
Remember that wedding dress size charts vary based on country and designer, so be sure to consult the specific size chart for the dress you are interested in. It is rare to find an exact fit, so alterations are often recommended.
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Comparing measurements to size charts
Once you have your measurements, the next step is to compare them to the size charts of the wedding dress brands you're considering. It's important to note that wedding dress sizes can vary significantly between brands, countries, and designers, and may not align with your usual dress size. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to the size chart of the specific brand or designer you're interested in.
When comparing your measurements to size charts, look for the bust, waist, and hip measurements. These are typically the key measurements used to determine your size. For example, Kennedy Blue's size chart recommends ordering based on your largest measurement if you fall between sizes. However, it is uncommon to find an exact match, so alterations may be necessary.
The bust measurement refers to the fullest part of your bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your back, under your arms, and across the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is taut but not too tight, and note the measurement where the tape overlaps.
The waist measurement is taken at the narrowest part of your torso, which may not necessarily be at your belly button or across your hip bones. Stand up straight and bend to one side to create a crease, then measure around this narrowest part. Again, ensure the tape is comfortable and not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of your lower body, including the curve of your bottom or thighs. Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part. Similar to the other measurements, the tape should be comfortably taut, allowing you to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Remember that the hollow-to-hem measurement is also important, especially when ordering a custom dress. This is measured from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of the dress (the hem). Don't forget to wear your bridal shoes or shoes of similar height during this measurement to ensure accuracy.
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Frequently asked questions
You should wear only your underwear or the clothing you plan to wear under your dress. Even your bra can add volume, so it is best to wear a thin bralette or go without.
The measuring tape should be held taut and parallel to the floor, but not pulled too tight. It should fit comfortably to the body, and you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Measure around your back and under your arms through the fullest part of your bust. Where the measuring tape overlaps is the measurement you should use.
Stand up straight and bend to one side, creating a crease. Your waist is the smallest part of your torso, so measure around the crease or natural waist.
Stand with your feet together and measure across the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom.
