Taking Measurements

How to take your measurements for a perfect fit

Getting a dress that fits beautifully starts long before the fabric is cut. Taking accurate body measurements is the most important step in ordering a custom or handmade piece, and it's simpler than it sounds. Here's everything you need to know.

What you'll need

A soft dressmaker's tape measure, a full-length mirror, a pen and paper, and ideally a friend. That's it!

Get a friend to help if you can

It's always easier and more accurate to have someone else take your measurements. When you measure yourself, it's easy to twist, look down, or shift your posture without realising, all of which can throw off the numbers. Ask a friend or family member to take the tape around you while you stand naturally and look straight ahead. That said, it's absolutely possible to do it yourself with the help of a mirror, just take your time.

Wear the right undergarments

Before you measure, put on the bra and underwear you'd plan to wear with the dress. This makes a real difference, especially for your bust measurement. A padded bra adds volume; a sports bra flattens the chest. Neither gives you an accurate picture of what your body actually measures. Wear what you'd wear on the day, and measure over that.

The golden rule: keep the tape parallel to the floor

For every measurement, the tape should run in a straight horizontal line all the way around your body, parallel to the floor. It's easy for it to dip at the back or angle upward over the bust without noticing. If you're measuring yourself, use a mirror to check the tape is level. If someone is helping you, ask them to check the back.

The tape should be snug against your skin, not digging in, but with no gaps or slack. Breathe normally; don't hold your breath in!

Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape straight across your back. This is usually across the nipple line. Make sure the tape isn't pulled too tight or sitting loosely, it should feel like a gentle hug.

Waist

Find your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso, which sits above your belly button and below your ribs. A good trick: bend gently to the side and the crease that forms is your natural waist. Measure around this point with the tape comfortably snug.

Hip — and why you should sit down

Find your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso, which sits above your belly button and below your ribs. A good trick: bend gently to the side and the crease that forms is your natural waist. Measure around this point with the tape comfortably snug.

Hip and why you should sit down

For the hip measurement, stand with your feet together and find the widest part of your hips and bottom, usually around 8 to 9 inches below your natural waist. Wrap the tape around this point, then while keeping the tape at the same level, gently sit down on a flat chair (not a sofa!). Let the tape slide a little as you sit. The measurement you take seated gives you a much better idea of whether the dress will have enough room for movement and comfort when you're actually wearing it. Write down both the standing and seated measurements if they differ, it's really useful information.

A few extra tips

Stand naturally throughout, don't suck in, puff out, or change your posture. Measure on your skin or over very thin, close-fitting clothing, never over jeans or chunky layers. Re-take your measurements at the start of each new order, as our bodies shift over time. And if you fall between sizes, always go with the larger measurement, it's much easier to take a garment in than to let it out.

Not sure which size to choose?

Once you have your measurements, head to the size guide to find your size. And if you're between sizes or have any questions, feel free to get in touch, I'm always happy to help find the best fit for you.