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How to take Measurements for Wedding Dress Sizing
Proper Measurements = The Most Flattering Fit
We recommend having a professional take all of your measurements. All of our consultants at Wedding Shoppe Inc. have been trained on taking proper measurements to ensure you look your best in your dress.

On each product page, you will find size charts for the designer of the product you are viewing. The designer's size chart outlines their specific standard sizing measurements. Your measurements are taken to determine the closest size, based on your dress designer's standards.

Note: Some designers do not allow us to place their sizing information on our website. For sizing information from these designers, please send us a Size Chart Request.

Important Note: The dress you order will not be custom-made to your exact measurements. Therefore, alterations will be necessary to custom-fit your dress. When looking at a size chart to determine the proper size, it is of utmost importance that you select the size that fits the largest part of your body.

If you are between sizes, the designer recommends ordering the larger size, and having the dress altered down. (We know that ordering a size labeled with a larger number than you are used to is not exactly fun. But for the most flattering look, try to remember: it's just a number.)

How to take measurements for wedding dress sizing How To Measure
It is very important that you do not measure over your clothing. For the most accurate measurements, measure yourself while wearing undergarments that are similar to those you will wear with your dress. The measuring tape should be placed around your bust, waist, and hips, and should not be pulled too tight, or have too much slack.

How to Measure Bust Size
Measure around your body, at the fullest point of the bust (not under the bust), keeping the measuring tape parallel with the floor.

How to Measure Your Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist.
(Tip: While standing up straight, bend at the waist, to one side. The crease that forms is where your natural waist is located.)

How to Measure Hip Measurement
Standing with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of the hips.

How to Properly Calculate Your Hollow-to-Hem Measurement (Length)
Designers make their dresses with a standard hollow-to-hem measurement, based on the size of the dress (See each product's size chart for details). This standard measurement varies between designers.

Most designers recommend considering extra length, if you are taller than 5'8", including heel height. Extra length is typically 1" to several inches longer and will vary between designers. Availability and fees are dependent on each designer.

Choosing the Correct Size
On each product's page, there is a link to the designer's size chart. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the size chart listed with your desired product.

It is extremely important that you order the largest size that corresponds with your measurement. For example, if your bust fits a size 12, your waist is a size 10, and your hips are a size 8, we advise that you order a size 12, and get the dress altered down to fit the rest of your body. Ordering the size that fits your largest measurement will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible. (Please refer to the example size chart below for further explanation.)

If you are between sizes, the designer recommends ordering the larger size, and having the dress altered down. Your measurements are taken to determine the closest size, and alterations will be necessary to custom-fit your dress.

* Non-standard size options are listed on each product page, along with any corresponding additional charges.

Examples of non-standard options include:
  • Extra Length, for customers 5'8" or taller (including heel height)
  • Petite (P) lengths
  • Women's (W) sizes
  • Special hollow-to-hem measurements
Please note that some designers charge an additional fee for sizes 18+. Please review the applicable product page for details.

Example Size Chart
The following example shows a woman with a 38.5 bust, 29" waist, and 38" hips. According to the size chart shown, this woman's bust measurement corresponds with her largest size. Thus, the designer recommends that she orders a size 12 for the most flattering fit.

*Remember: This is only an example, using a fictitious size chart. To find the proper size for you, please view the specific size chart listed with each product.

Wedding Dress Size Chart

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