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How to Take Measurements for a Dress

By A Mystery Man Writer

Looking to take your measurements at home? Check out this ultimate guide on how to take measurements for a dress! Got questions? Feel free to reach out to us and we’d be happy to help!
Shop the largest MN bridal shop in St. Paul with 40+ years experience! The Wedding Shoppe offers hundreds of options for designer wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, suit & tuxedo rentals, and more.
How to Take Your Measurements Need to take your measurements at home? While we recommend getting professionally measured, here's everything you need to know to take your measurements yourself! To get started, grab a flexible measuring tape & follow the steps below! 1. Measure Your Bust: Make sure to wear the undergarments you will wear with your wedding/bridesmaid dress. Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. 1. Measure Your Bust: Make sure to wear the undergarments you'll wear with your wedding dress. Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. 2. Measure Your Waist: Stand up straight and bend to one side - the crease created is your natural waist. Wrap your measuring tape around the narrowest part of your natural waist. 3. Measure Your Hips: To measure you hips, start by standing with your feet together. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt. 2. Measure Your Waist: Stand up straight and bend to one side - the crease created is your natural waist. Wrap your measuring tape around the narrowest part of your natural waist. 3. Measure Your Hips: To measure you hips, start by standing with your feet together. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt. GET PROFESSIONALLY MEASURED > How To Find Your Dress Size On each product page, you’ll find a bridesmaid or wedding dress size chart for the designer of the product you are viewing. The designer's size chart outlines their specific standard sizing measurements. Every designer is different; therefore, every size chart is different. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the designer’s size chart. It’s important that you order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your measurements are as follows: Your bust fits a size 12 Your waist fits a size 10 Your hips fits a size 8 We would advise that you order a size 12, and get the dress altered to custom fit your body. Ordering the size that fits your largest measurement will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible. Keep in mind, wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing, so it’s not uncommon to find yourself requiring wedding apparel one or more sizes larger than your normal dress size. If you have any questions, we'd love to help! Please reach out to info@ or chat with us. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the designer’s size chart. It’s important that you order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your measurements are as follows: Your bust fits a size 12 Your waist fits a size 10 Your hips fits a size 8 We would advise that you order a size 12, and get the dress altered to custom fit your body. Ordering the size that fits your largest measurement will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible. Keep in mind, wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing, so it’s not uncommon to find yourself requiring wedding apparel one or more sizes larger than your normal dress size. If you have any questions, we'd love to help! Please reach out to info@ or chat with us. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT > SHOP WEDDING DRESSES > BOOK AN APPOINTMENT > SHOP WEDDING DRESSES > What's Hollow-to-Hem? Hollow-to-hem describes dress length. Most dresses come with a standard length measurement, but some designers offer a custom hollow-to-hem. Find your hollow-to-hem measurement by measuring from the center of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem) of your dress. We recommend having a professional take this measurement for the most accuracy. *Tip: Wear a similar heel/shoe height to what you will be wearing with your dress.