Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it's important to remember that bridal sizing often differs from regular clothing sizes. Different brands have different size charts, so knowing your measurements is crucial to finding the perfect fit. While standard measurements for a wedding dress typically include bust, waist, and hips, there are several other measurements that may be needed for a custom fit, such as natural height, shoulder to floor, arm length, and more. Taking these measurements accurately involves wearing the appropriate undergarments, standing straight, and breathing normally. Consulting a professional is always recommended for precise measurements and guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bust | Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it's parallel to the ground and comfortably snug. |
| Above Bust | Position the tape above your bust, right under your armpits, keeping it parallel to the ground and snug against your skin. |
| Full Bust | Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it's parallel to the ground and comfortably snug. |
| Under Bust | Measure below the bust, where the bra band would sit. |
| Waist | Measure the narrowest part of your torso. |
| High Hip | Measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom. |
| Low Hip | Measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom. |
| Hip Dips | Measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom. |
| Waist to Skirt | Measure from the waistline to the start of the skirt in the front centre. |
| Hollow to Hem | Measure from the centre of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem). |
| Height | Measure from your shoulder to the floor. |
| Shoulder to Shoulder | Measure the distance between your shoulders. |
| Armhole (Arm Cage) | Measure the length and height of the cup from the inside. |
| Bicep | Measure the circumference of your upper arm. |
| Arm Length | Measure the length of your arm to the desired sleeve length. |
| Wrist Circumference | Measure the circumference of your wrist. |
| Heel Height | Measure the height of your shoes. |
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What You'll Learn
Bust
When taking measurements for a wedding dress, it is important to wear only the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume to your frame. If you plan to forgo a bra, take your measurements without one.
To measure your bust, you may need assistance from a friend or family member. Stand straight with your arms down and relaxed along your body. To measure above the bust, place the measuring tape right under your armpits, keeping it parallel to the ground and snug against your skin. Make sure the tape is not pressing into your skin too tightly or hanging loosely.
For the full bust, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring it is parallel to the ground and comfortably snug. Do not hold your breath, as this may skew the results. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Read the number on the tape measure and round it to the nearest whole number. If the measurement falls at the half-inch mark, round up. For example, if your bust is 34.5 inches (88 cm), round up to 35 inches (89 cm).
Finally, measure under the bust, where the bra band would sit. This measurement is crucial for dresses with empire waists or corseted bodices.
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Waist
To measure the waist, first stand up straight and bend to one side—the crease that is formed is your natural waist. Then, wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your torso, which is your natural waistline. This is usually just above the belly button.
It's important not to make the tape too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist. The tape should be held in a way that reflects how you want the dress to fit. It should be wrapped around your back and up to the front, at the level of the fullest part of your bust.
It's best to wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the wedding dress, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume. It's also important to stand with your usual posture and keep your arms down.
The waist measurement is one of the most important when it comes to wedding dresses. It is one of the three key measurements—along with the bust and hips—that will determine what size dress you should order.
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Hips
To measure the hips for a wedding dress, it is recommended that you wear the undergarments you will be wearing with the dress on your wedding day. Stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. Ensure that the tape is comfortably snug without being too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your hips. This is important for comfort, so you can sit in the dress.
The hip measurement is crucial for ordering a custom dress. When comparing your measurements to the designer's size chart, it is important to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your bust, waist, and hip measurements indicate different sizes, order a size that fits your largest measurement. This will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible.
It is also worth noting that wedding dress sizes differ from regular dress sizes. Different brands have different size charts, so you may be a different size with each designer. Therefore, it is vital to know your measurements and refer to the designer's specific size chart. When in doubt between sizes, it is recommended to order a larger size and have the dress altered for a custom fit.
While you can take your measurements at home, it is recommended to have your measurements taken by a professional to ensure accuracy. This is especially important for custom-made dresses to achieve a flawless fit.
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Height
When it comes to height measurements for a wedding dress, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to measure your natural height, which is done by standing straight without shoes and measuring from the top of your head to the floor. This provides a baseline for the overall length of the dress.
Secondly, the "hollow to hem" measurement is crucial. This is the measurement from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of the dress (the hem). It determines the dress length and should be measured while wearing the bridal shoes or shoes of similar heel height to ensure accuracy. This measurement can be tricky, so it is recommended to consult a professional or seek guidance from a consultant.
Additionally, the "shoulder to floor" measurement is important. For this, you should stand naturally and measure from the tip of your shoulder to the floor, considering the height of the shoes you plan to wear. This measurement helps ensure that the dress has the correct overall length in relation to your shoulder height.
It is worth noting that different designers may have specific standard sizing measurements, so it is essential to refer to their size charts when taking height measurements. Some designers offer custom "hollow to hem" options, allowing for a more precise fit. By taking accurate height measurements and considering shoe height, you can ensure your wedding dress complements your physique and fits flawlessly.
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Sleeve length
The sleeve length measurement is taken with the arm bent. Start by bending your arm and measuring from the outer edge of your shoulder down to your wrist for long sleeves. If you prefer a shorter sleeve length, such as mid-arm or mid-finger length, measure down to your desired sleeve length. This measurement ensures that the sleeve fits comfortably and ends at the intended point.
Wrist Circumference
For long sleeves, it is essential to measure your wrist circumference. Wrap the measuring tape around your wrist at the point where the sleeve would typically end. This measurement ensures that the sleeve is neither too tight nor too loose and allows for comfortable movement.
Armhole (Armscye) and Bicep Measurements
The armhole, also known as the armscye, is another important measurement. Pass the measuring tape around your armpit, keeping it in a straight vertical line. This measurement ensures that the armhole of the dress is comfortable and not too constrictive. Additionally, measure your bicep circumference to ensure the sleeve fits well around the upper arm.
Fabric and Sleeve Design Considerations
Keep in mind that the amount of fabric required for the sleeves will depend on the sleeve design and the fabric chosen. Some fabrics have more drape and flow, which can impact the sleeve length and fit. It is always a good idea to consult a professional or a tailor to guide you through the process and ensure accurate measurements.
Alterations and Customisations
Wedding dress alterations are very common, and it is rare for a dress to fit perfectly off the rack. Most dresses will require some adjustments to ensure a flawless fit. During the alterations process, you can customise your sleeve length or style to achieve your desired look. It is recommended to order the size that accommodates your largest measurement, as it is easier to take a dress in than to work with a snug fit.
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Frequently asked questions
The most important measurements for a wedding dress are the bust, waist, hips, and height. If you are buying a ready-made dress, compare these measurements to the designer's size chart and order the size that fits your largest measurement.
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it is parallel to the ground and comfortably snug.
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 the tape as parallel to the floor as possible.
It is recommended that you get your measurements taken by a professional. You should also consider the shoes you will be wearing and the style of your dress. For example, if your dress has sleeves, you will need to take measurements for these.
