Franklin Dean
The length of a wedding dress is a matter of personal preference, but traditionally, most bridal gowns are floor-length. The hollow to hem measurement is used to determine the overall length of a wedding dress. This involves measuring from the centre of the collarbone down to the floor. When standing still, the perfect hem should just graze the floor, but when walking, the bride's toes may peek out from underneath the dress. The bride's shoe choice will also impact the length of the dress, and it is important to consider the venue when deciding on the length of the dress to avoid tripping or dragging the dress on the ground.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Determining factors | Type and style of wedding dress, height of wearer, type of shoe worn, number of layers, venue |
| Hollow to hem | Measurement from the centre of the collar bone (the hollow) down to the floor |
| Hemming process | Work from the inside layers out, with each layer getting slightly longer |
| Ideal length | Grazing the floor, toes slightly showing, hovering 1-2 cm above the floor |
| Considerations | Avoid fabric rolling under the foot, tripping, dress getting dirty, ease of walking |
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What You'll Learn
- The 'hollow to hem' method is used to determine the overall length of a wedding dress
- The perfect hem should just graze the floor when standing still
- If you're wearing heels, bring them to your fitting so the tailor can measure the height of your hem
- If you're wearing a big ball gown, your feet will likely be covered even when walking
- If you're wearing a fitted dress, your toes will likely be visible when walking
The 'hollow to hem' method is used to determine the overall length of a wedding dress
The "hollow to hem" method is used to determine the overall length of a wedding dress. It is the distance from the hollow point between your collarbones down to the hemline of your dress. This measurement is crucial when ordering custom or floor-length gowns to ensure the dress is the right length.
For custom-made wedding dresses, having this number is especially important because it determines the overall length of your dress. It is also helpful to ensure you have a dress that is long enough for your body. For instance, tall people tend to have dresses that are too short, while a gown might be too long for a petite person.
To take this measurement, stand straight with your feet together and shoulders relaxed. Wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day or ones with the same heel height. If you are unsure about shoes, add in a heel height that is the highest you'd go and possibly a little extra. Locate the small dip at the base of your neck between your collarbones. With your helper standing beside you, place the tape measure at the hollow and run it straight down the front of your body to the floor or your desired hemline. Ensure the tape is flat against your body and not curved or angled.
It is important to note that the length of the dress varies depending on your height, the length of your torso, and your heel choice. The perfect hem should just graze the floor when you are standing still. However, your toes will touch the front of your dress as you step forward, and it is normal to have a little bit of a front "kick" with a floor-length gown.
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The perfect hem should just graze the floor when standing still
The perfect hem for a floor-length wedding dress should just graze the floor when standing still. This is true for any bridal dress with just one layer of fabric and no underlayers such as a lining or crinoline layers. For dresses with multiple layers, the innermost layer should be hemmed above the foot, with each subsequent layer slightly longer until you reach the outermost top layer, which should just graze the floor.
The "hollow to hem" measurement is essential to ensure that your wedding dress is long enough for your body. This measurement is taken from the hollow of your neck to the floor, plus the anticipated heel height of your wedding shoes. It is crucial to take this measurement with bare feet and then add the height of your chosen footwear. If you are unsure about your shoes, it is recommended to add the height of the highest heel you would consider and possibly a little extra to avoid the risk of the dress being too short.
When deciding on the hem length, consider the following questions:
- Will the hem allow the dress to hang gracefully as designed?
- Will the hem hang evenly in a smooth line just above the floor?
- Will the hem be inconspicuous unless decorative stitching is intended?
- Is the hem even and smooth without lumps or excess fabric?
Additionally, it is important to consider the venue of your wedding. If you are getting married outdoors, be mindful that walking on uneven ground can affect the hem of your dress. You may need to adjust the length to ensure a smooth walk down the aisle.
Ultimately, the decision on how long to hem your wedding dress depends on your personal preference and comfort. Some brides prefer their toes to peek out a bit when walking, while others opt for their feet to be completely covered. Remember to consider the style of your wedding dress, as this will also impact the ideal hem length.
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If you're wearing heels, bring them to your fitting so the tailor can measure the height of your hem
When it comes to wedding dress alterations, one of the most important considerations is the height of your hem. If you plan on wearing heels on your big day, it is crucial to bring them to your fitting so that the tailor can ensure your dress is the perfect length.
The "hollow to hem" measurement is used to determine the overall length of a wedding dress, and it is crucial to ensure that your dress is long enough, especially if you are tall. When taking this measurement, you should stand with your feet bare and add the height of your wedding shoes to the final number. This will ensure that your dress is the correct length when worn with heels.
If you are unsure about the height of your wedding shoes, it is generally recommended to add the height of the highest heel you would consider wearing, and perhaps a little extra. This is because it is easier to hem a dress that is too long than to lengthen a dress that is too short. However, you don't want your dress to be so long that you are constantly kicking it out of the way as you walk.
When deciding whether to tailor your dress to the height of your heels or flats, it is worth considering how you will feel wearing each type of shoe. If you have the hem measured with heels, it may be too long when you switch to flats. On the other hand, if you have it measured with flats, it may be too short when worn with heels. A good compromise may be to have the hem measured with a lower heel and to plan to bustle your dress when you switch to flats, so it doesn't drag on the floor.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to tailor your wedding dress to your heels or flats is a personal preference. However, by bringing your heels to your fitting, the tailor can help you make an informed decision and ensure your dress is the perfect length for your special day.
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If you're wearing a big ball gown, your feet will likely be covered even when walking
However, it is important to note that the dress should not be so long that it gets in the way when walking. While it is normal to have a "front kick" when walking in a floor-length gown, you should still be able to walk relatively naturally. If you feel like you have to kick the dress out of the way with each step, it is too long.
The ideal hem length for a wedding dress is one that just grazes the floor when you are standing still. This is true for any bridal dress with just one layer of fabric and no underlayers. For wedding dresses with multiple layers, the lining should be hemmed to the top of the foot, with the outermost layers being slightly longer, but still above the foot. This will ensure that the dress is not too long and that you can walk comfortably.
When trying on wedding dresses, keep in mind that the samples you try on will likely be too long, as they will need to be hemmed to your height before the wedding. Additionally, consider the type of shoes you plan to wear on your big day. Taking your measurements with bare feet and then adding the height of your wedding shoes will help ensure that your dress is the correct length.
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If you're wearing a fitted dress, your toes will likely be visible when walking
When it comes to wedding dress hemlines, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the style of the dress is important. Fitted dresses with a sheath or column style and only one layer should be hemmed so they graze the floor. This is also true for dresses with no underlayers such as lining or crinoline layers. For dresses with multiple layers, the lining should be hemmed to the top of the foot, with each subsequent layer a little longer, but still above the foot. This is to ensure that the fabric doesn't roll under your foot and cause tripping.
Now, if you're wearing a fitted dress, your toes will likely be visible when walking. This is because fitted dresses tend to hug the body and fall straight, without the added width and volume of layers or a ball gown silhouette. When you take a step, the fabric will move with you, and your toes may peek out from under the hem. This is a normal part of wearing a fitted dress and can be quite flattering, showing off your shoes and adding movement to the dress.
To ensure your dress is hemmed correctly, it's important to consider the shoes you'll be wearing. The height of your heels will affect the length of the dress, so be sure to bring your shoes to fittings and hemming appointments. You may also want to practice walking in your dress and shoes to get a sense of how the hem moves and make any necessary adjustments.
Additionally, consider the surface you'll be walking on. If you're walking on a smooth surface, your dress may skim the floor without causing issues. However, if you're outdoors or on uneven ground, you may need to adjust the hem to avoid stepping on it. It's a good idea to test out your dress and shoes in a similar environment to your wedding venue to ensure comfort and ease of movement.
Lastly, don't be afraid to show off your shoes! While some brides prefer their shoes to be hidden, others embrace the peek of a stylish heel or a pop of colour from their footwear. Ultimately, the decision of how much toe to show is a personal preference, and you can work with your bridal boutique or tailor to achieve the look you desire.
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Frequently asked questions
The hollow to hem is the measurement that a dressmaker will use to determine the length of a dress. It involves measuring from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) down to the floor. You should take this measurement with bare feet and then add the height of your wedding shoes.
A floor-length wedding dress should be hemmed to just graze the floor when you are standing still. When you walk, your toes will touch the front of your dress, but you shouldn't have to kick it out of the way. If you have layers of crinoline or tulle, the inner layers can be hemmed shorter so that only the top layer is long.
This is a matter of personal preference. Some seamstresses believe that the dress should touch the floor, while others think it should be about an inch above it. If you are wearing heels, the dress should be hemmed to hit the floor in those shoes. If you are wearing flats, you may want the dress to be slightly shorter to avoid tripping over it.
If your dress is hemmed to accommodate heels, it will be too long when you change into flats. One option is to get a second, knee-length wedding dress to change into for the reception.
