George Boyle
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it's important to know your measurements to ensure a perfect fit. While you can take measurements yourself, it's recommended to get them done professionally. This is because wedding dress sizes differ from regular clothing sizes, and different designers have different size charts. When measuring yourself, it's important to wear similar undergarments and shoes to what you plan to wear on your big day. The most important measurements to take are the bust, waist, and hips, but for a fully fitted dress, you should also consider the hollow-to-hem measurement. This measures the length from the center of your collarbone to the bottom of your dress. With these measurements, you can compare them to the designer's size chart and order the size that corresponds to your largest measurement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should take the measurements | It is recommended to get measured by a professional seamstress or at a bridal shop. However, you can also take your measurements at home with a flexible measuring tape. |
| What to wear during measurement | Wear similar undergarments and shoes with heel height similar to what you plan on wearing with your wedding dress. |
| Where to take measurements | Measure the bust, waist, and hips. For A-line or ball gown dresses, the bust and waist measurements are most important. For custom dresses, also measure hollow-to-hem (from the center of the collarbone to the bottom of the dress). |
| How to take measurements | Stand straight with your usual posture, arms down freely along the body. Keep the measuring tape comfortable and not too tight. |
| Selecting a dress size | Compare your measurements to the designer's size chart and order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. Wedding dresses are typically sized differently than retail clothing, so you may need a larger size than usual. |
Explore related products
$7.75
$19.99 $29.99
Getting measured at home
If you want to get measured for your wedding dress at home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to understand your measurements and how they correspond to the designer's size chart. Different brands have different size charts, so your dress size may vary depending on the designer. Therefore, knowing your measurements will help you choose the best possible fit.
Before taking your measurements, strip down to your underwear or the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. Clothing can add extra volume, impacting your measurements. It is also helpful to have a friend or family member assist with taking the measurements while you relax your body and maintain good posture. Stand straight with your arms freely along your body.
When measuring your bust, pass the measuring tape around your back and up to the front at the fullest part of your chest. Keep the tape levelled in a straight line, allowing room to fit a finger between the tape and your body. For the waist measurement, find the smallest part of your torso, ensuring the tape is comfortable and not too tight.
If your wedding dress is entirely fitted, consider taking measurements for your bust, waist, and hips. However, if your dress is A-line or a ball gown, focus on the bust and waist measurements. Additionally, if your dress has a custom length, you'll need to measure from the centre of your collarbone to the bottom of your dress while wearing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day.
While measuring yourself at home is an option, you can also enlist the help of a professional seamstress or utilise online resources such as YouTube videos or apps that provide measurement guidance.
Returning Wedding Dresses: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$48.99
$72.99
Bridal shops
When visiting a bridal shop, it is recommended that you wear the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure the most accurate measurements. You can expect the bridal shop assistant to take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If you are purchasing a custom dress, they may also take a hollow-to-hem measurement, which measures the length of the dress from the centre of your collarbone to the bottom of the dress.
While it is not necessary to make a purchase after getting measured, some bridal shops may expect this or charge a fee for the service. It is worth calling ahead to ask about their policies and whether an appointment is required.
If you are unable to visit a bridal shop or prefer not to, there are other options for getting measured. You can take your measurements at home with the help of a friend or family member. Many online resources provide detailed guides and tips for measuring yourself accurately. Alternatively, you may be able to get measured by a local tailor or seamstress.
Choosing an Outfit for Wedding Dress Shopping
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$79.99
$98.99 $108.99
Online guides
There are a variety of online guides and forums that can help you with getting measured for your wedding dress. Many of these guides emphasise the importance of taking accurate measurements, with some providing step-by-step instructions on how to do so.
For example, one guide recommends measuring your bust, waist, and hips if your dress is entirely fitted. If your dress is A-line or a ball gown, focus on your bust and waist measurements. It also reminds you to consider the volume added by your underwear and bridal shoes, emphasising the need to choose comfortable measurements that allow you to breathe normally and retain mobility.
Other guides provide similar advice, suggesting that you stand straight with your usual posture and arms freely down along your body. They also recommend having someone help you take measurements so your body can remain relaxed during the process.
Forums like Reddit's r/wedding offer additional insights. Users recommend bending to the side to find your "true" waist, which is not always where your jeans sit. They also suggest using YouTube videos or enlisting a bridesmaid to help with measurements.
These online resources provide a wealth of information to help you confidently take your measurements for a wedding dress.
Style Guide: Spaghetti Straps at Weddings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99 $42.99
Professional services
While it is possible to take your measurements at home, getting professionally measured for your wedding dress is recommended for the most accurate results.
Professional bridal shops often offer measurement services to ensure that you order the correct size. These shops will have experienced staff who can expertly measure you and provide advice on sizing and fit. They will also be able to take into account the specific style of dress you are interested in and any unique design features that may impact the fit.
Some shops may also offer custom sizing, where they will create a dress to your exact measurements. This service ensures a perfect fit and can be especially useful if you have a unique body type or specific fit preferences. They will provide you with a detailed measuring form with instructions on how to take your measurements at home or may offer in-person appointments to take your measurements.
Additionally, some shops may offer measurement services for those who have already purchased a dress online and need alterations. These shops can provide guidance on how to achieve the best fit and may even offer alteration services themselves.
When getting professionally measured, it is important to wear the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure the most accurate measurements and help you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.
Bustling High-Low Wedding Gowns: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using an app
There are several apps that can help you get measured for a wedding dress without having to visit a tailor or a bridal shop. These apps typically use photos or other built-in features to take your measurements remotely.
To use these apps, you may need to provide photos or videos of yourself in tight-fitting clothing or your underwear. Some apps may also instruct you to use a measuring tape to take specific measurements, such as your bust, waist, and hips, which are crucial for wedding dress fittings.
Having an assistant to take your measurements can make the process easier and more accurate. If you don't have someone to help you, consider using a mirror to ensure the measuring tape is straight and correctly positioned.
Keep in mind that different bridal brands may have varying size charts. Thus, knowing your precise measurements in inches or centimetres can be more reliable than relying on dress sizes, which may differ significantly between designers.
While using an app for measurements can be convenient, there are also other options for getting measured. You can enlist the help of a local seamstress or a bridal shop, though they may expect you to purchase a dress from them. Alternatively, you can measure yourself at home with a measuring tape and the guidance of online resources, such as video tutorials or blog posts.
Crochet Your Dream Plus-Size Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
