Rhiannon Hendricks
Taking measurements for a wedding dress is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Off-the-rack wedding dresses are often non-returnable and sized differently from everyday clothing, so it's essential to get the right fit. This involves measuring the bust, waist, and hips, and sometimes the hollow-to-hem length, which requires measuring from the center of the collarbone to the bottom of the dress while wearing the intended bridal shoes. It is recommended to have a professional take the measurements or enlist the help of a friend to ensure accuracy. Comparing these measurements to the designer's size chart is the next step, and it's important to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. This guide will ensure that you order a wedding dress with the most flattering fit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to wear while measuring | Undergarments or tight-fitting clothes |
| Who should measure | A professional or a friend/family member |
| How to measure | Use a soft measuring tape, ribbon or shoelace |
| Where to start measuring | Hollow of the neck/collarbone |
| Bust | Measure around the fullest part of the chest to the widest part of the back |
| Waist | Measure the narrowest part of the torso |
| Hips | Measure the fullest part of the hips and butt |
| Dress length | Hollow-to-hem or hollow-to-floor measurement |
| Shoe height | Wear the same shoe height as you will on your wedding day |
| Bra | Wear the bra you will wear on your wedding day |
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What You'll Learn
Wear underwear or tight-fitting clothes
When trying on wedding dresses, it is generally recommended to wear underwear or tight-fitting clothes to get a sense of how the dress will fit on your wedding day. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the fitting process. Here are some tips to consider:
Wear Your Own Underwear
It is advisable to wear your own underwear when trying on wedding dresses, especially if you plan to wear specific underwear on your wedding day. This will help you determine if the underwear is noticeable or comfortable under the dress. It is also a hygienic practice when trying on dresses in bridal boutiques. Opt for neutral-coloured underwear without bulky embellishments to prevent any unwanted lines or snags on the dress.
Bring Your Intended Day-of Undergarments
To ensure your undergarments can be incorporated into any necessary alterations, bring your intended day-of undergarments to your bridal gown fittings. This will allow you to test the undergarments with the dress and make any necessary adjustments.
Consider Shapewear
If you plan to wear shapewear, on your wedding day, consider bringing it to your dress fittings. Shapewear can help smooth specific areas and enhance your confidence. However, ensure that the shapewear is thin and comfortable, as thick or bulky shapewear may affect the fit of the dress.
Wear Similar Heel/Shoe Height
To get an accurate idea of the dress's length and fit, wear shoes with a similar heel or shoe height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you determine the correct length and ensure you feel comfortable walking and standing in the dress.
Understand the Structural Elements of the Dress
Many wedding dresses have structural elements such as boning, padding, corsetry, linings, and interlinings, which may eliminate the need for a bra. Consider the specific dress style and its built-in support before deciding on wearing a bra during fittings.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to feel comfortable and confident during your bridal appointments and to choose undergarments that align with your personal preferences and sense of style.
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Get help from a friend
Measuring yourself for a wedding dress can be tricky, so it's always a good idea to get help from a friend. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
If you're measuring for your wedding dress, it's always helpful to have someone assist you. Ask a friend or family member to help, especially if they have experience with sewing or working in a bridal salon. Their expertise can ensure more precise measurements.
When measuring, it's best to wear only the underwear you plan to wear under your wedding dress or something similar. This ensures that the measurements are accurate and not influenced by the extra volume of clothing. If you don't have the exact underwear, you can opt for a well-fitting non-padded bra and knickers.
Stand straight and relax your body. Drop your shoulders and stand in your usual posture, with your arms freely down along your body. This ensures that your measurements are taken from your natural stance.
Bust Measurement
For the bust measurement, ask your friend to place the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust. The tape should be held gently and not pulled too tight, allowing a finger to fit comfortably underneath. In the back, the tape should lay flat along where your bra strap usually sits, and in the front, it should come around the fullest part of your cup.
Waist Measurement
To find your waist measurement, bend to one side and note where the bend occurs. This is your natural waist. You can also gently shimmy the tape measure to settle into this natural curve. Ask your friend to hold the tape measure at this height while wrapping it around the widest part of your hips. Again, ensure the tape is comfortable and not too tight.
Hip Measurement
The hip is a common wedding dress measurement. Measure eight inches below your natural waist. From this point, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape flat against your body the whole way around.
Hollow-to-Hem Measurement
The hollow-to-hem measurement, also known as the dress length or hollow-to-floor measurement, is the distance from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of your dress. This measurement can be tricky to take by yourself, so it's helpful to have a friend's assistance. Wear shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure an accurate measurement.
Remember, it's important to compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the designer's size chart. Different designers have different size charts, so ordering the largest size that corresponds to your measurements is often recommended. You can always get the dress altered for a custom fit.
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Use a soft measuring tape
When preparing to measure yourself for a wedding dress, it is best to use a soft measuring tape. This is available in 60 inches and 150 cm. If you do not have access to a soft measuring tape, you can use a ribbon or a shoelace to get an idea of the measurement and then use a hard measuring tape to get the exact number.
To measure your bust, wrap the soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, passing it along your back and under your arms. The tape should lie flat along where your bra strap usually sits. In the front, it should come around the fullest part of your cup. The tape should be comfortable and not too tight or too loose.
To measure your waist, stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease that is formed is your natural waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. The tape should be loose enough that you can fit a finger between it 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 butt. Hold the measuring tape at the height of your natural waist and find the point directly 8 inches below that. The tape should be flat against your body the whole way around.
It is best to take these measurements without any clothes on, so you can best see the points you need to measure and ensure there is no bulky fabric in the way. However, if you plan to wear shapewear or particular underwear with your wedding dress, be sure to wear this while taking your measurements.
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Measure bust, waist, hips
When measuring for a wedding dress, it's important to remember that bridal sizes differ from standard clothing sizes and are typically larger. It's also important to measure yourself in the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, as this can affect the fit.
When measuring your bust, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest and under your armpits. This is not the same as your bra size but measures the width from the fullest part of your chest to the widest part of your back.
For your waist measurement, it's important to breathe normally and comfortably. Sucking in your stomach will result in inaccurate measurements.
Finally, take measurements of the widest part of your hips.
If your bust, waist, and hip measurements correspond to different sizes, it's recommended to size up to the largest measurement. You can then get the dress altered to fit your body.
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Compare to the designer's size chart
When shopping for a wedding dress, it's important to remember that bridal sizing differs from your regular clothing size. Bridal sizing is often based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, and sizes can vary significantly between designers. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to the designer's unique size chart when choosing your wedding dress. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Know Your Measurements
First, you need to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. It is recommended to take these measurements at home or at a bridal salon while wearing only your underwear. Ensure that the measuring tape is levelled and comfortable, not too tight, and that you can fit a finger between the tape and your body. Stand straight with your usual posture and breathe normally. Remember that the waist is the smallest part of your torso, not across your hipbones or at your belly button.
Once you have your measurements, you can refer to the designer's unique size chart for the specific dress you are interested in. Each designer will have a unique size chart, which can be found on the product page or provided by the bridal salon. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the chart. If your measurements span multiple sizes, it is generally recommended to order the size that fits your largest measurement to ensure a flattering fit. For example, if your bust measurement corresponds to a size 12, but your waist and hips are between sizes 6 and 8, ordering a size 12 and having it tailored to your waist and hips will ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
Consider the Silhouette and Fabric
Keep in mind that the sizing of your wedding dress may also depend on the silhouette and fabric of the gown. For example, a sheath dress in stretch satin may have more flexibility than a structured lace mermaid dress. Your bridal consultant or stylist will be able to guide you in choosing the proper size and silhouette for your body and making any necessary alterations.
Don't Focus on the Number
Finally, remember that the size on the tag is just a number. The most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Bridal sizing is not standardised, and it should not define your worth or how you feel on your wedding day. Embrace your unique measurements, and trust that your bridal stylist and tailor will work their magic to ensure your gown fits flawlessly.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a soft measuring tape. If you don't have a measuring tape, you can use a ribbon or shoelace and a hard measuring tape.
You should wear the undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day. Clothing can affect your measurements, so it's important to wear as little as possible. You should also wear the shoes you plan to wear, or shoes of a similar heel height.
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust and under your armpits. This is not the same as your bra size.
Tie a piece of elastic string around the narrowest part of your torso, which is usually above the belly button and hip bones. Then, wrap the measuring tape around your torso along the string. Make sure the measuring tape is not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
Hold the tape measure at your natural waist height and find the point that is 8 inches below that. Then, wrap the tape measure around your hips at that point, making sure the tape is flat against your body.
