Virtual showroom
Book an appointment
Stores
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Sabrina Fields
As a bridesmaid, one of the first fun things you’ll do with the bridal party is shop for bridesmaid dresses. And if you plan to order your dress online rather than in person, the first step is to take accurate body measurements so that you order the right size dress.
Taking measurements at home may seem tricky, but with the help of a trusted friend (or fellow bridesmaid) and a measuring tape, it’s super easy to do!
Here’s how to measure for bridesmaid dresses so that you can order the right size and show up on the big day looking and feeling absolutely gorgeous:
Accurate Measurements Are a Must!
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Columbia | Jessica Roberts
Most bridesmaid dress designers don’t stock bridesmaid dresses. They’re made to order, which means they can’t be returned or exchanged for a different bridesmaid dress size.
That’s why it’s so important to take accurate measurements before you place your dress order.
And don’t assume that just because you typically wear a size 6 means you’ll wear a size 6 in every bridesmaid dress.
Each dress manufacturer uses a different size chart to scale their clothing. So you’re not comparing apples to apples when considering the size you wear in one brand vs. another. Having accurate measurements for your bust, waist, and hips is essential.
Stylists at your local Bella Bridesmaids can assist you with these measurements in-store. We can also have you try on a variety of styles and sizes from the designer you need to order from to help inform your size selection.
If you don’t live near one of our locations, here’s the DIY guide to taking your own measurements.
Searching for the perfect dress? Check out all of the beautiful Bella Bridesmaids dresses!
#1 First Things First – Grab a Tape Measure
Don’t use an old, coiled-up measuring tape from your kitchen junk drawer. Start with a smooth, new tape to ensure accurate results.
It should be flexible — not the auto-retract hardware kind. You’ll need a soft tape measure that you can easily wrap around your body to accommodate your curves.
Before taking your measurements, ensure you know how to read your measuring tape accurately. Some read from edge to edge, while some have a space at the end. Be sure to start at the right point, where the zero begins!
#2 Recruit Someone to Help
Grab your bestie, your sister, your mom, or — better yet — the bride-to-be. It’s always good to have a second set of eyes to help you out.
#3 Measure Yourself In Your Undies
To get the most accurate measurements, measure yourself while wearing your underwear. If you know which bra you want to wear with your bridesmaid dress, wear it while taking measurements.
Accuracy is key, so your personal preferences regarding undergarments matter!
Keep in mind that many dresses have built-in bra pads and cups. Depending on your size and shape, a bra may not be necessary.
#4 Take the Three Main Measurements (Twice)
Most designers provide online size charts with bust, waist, and hip measurements. These are the most important measurements to get right.
Unless you’re a professional seamstress or fashion designer, we highly recommend taking each measurement twice. (This is even more important if you and your girls are sipping on rosé while you measure.)
1. Bust Measurement
Use the tape to measure straight across and around your body. Make sure you measure around the fullest part of your bust.
Leave enough room so you can breathe comfortably – you want to be able to eat and dance at the wedding!
If you don’t plan on wearing a padded bra to the reception, don’t wear one when you take your measurements. It’ll add a few centimeters to your bust, and you’ll end up with a dress that’s too big on top.
2. Waist Measurement
Start by finding the narrowest part of your waist (your natural waistline). This is typically about two inches above the belly button, where you bend naturally at your sides.
Measure your natural waist. Relax, breathe comfortably, and don’t hold your breath.
If you want your dress to fit looser, add a little bit to this measurement.
If the bride wants you to wear a fitted dress, don’t add too much extra to your waist measurement. Having a dress that fits too loosely can significantly alter the look and fit of the design, requiring more extensive alterations.
3. Hip Measurement
To get an accurate hip measurement, stand with your feet and legs together and measure across the widest part of your hips and backside.
Leave a little room so you can sit and move around comfortably in your gown.
#5 Take Additional Dress Measurements
Some size charts also include “hollow to floor” or “hollow to hem” measurements. These measurements refer to body length and dress length.
If you’re on the short side, hollow measurements aren’t that important, as you’ll probably need to have the hem shortened anyway. But if you’re tall, it’s important to buy a dress long enough to hit where it needs to hit, especially if it’s a full-length gown.
Hollow to Floor
To measure hollow to floor, hold the tape vertically and keep it flat against your body.
Find the center of your collarbone (the hollow of the neck) and measure straight down to the ground. Make sure you’re barefoot and keep your feet together.
Hollow to Hem
To measure hollow to hem, find the hollow of your neck. Use the tape to measure down to the point where you want the hem to hit.
Planning to wear heels with your dress?
To guarantee your dress is the right length with heels, wear your wedding heels (or another pair of similar height) while taking your measurement.
The Art & Science of Size Selection
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Miami | Tiffany Maysonet
You’ve taken accurate measurements, compared them to the designer’s size chart, and now you’re at the moment of truth.
It’s time to select your dress size!
A few things to remember…
You’ll Most Likely Need Alterations
If you’re not quite sure which size to order, order the size that accommodates your largest measurement. If you’re in between sizes, order the larger size.
A professional tailor can always take it in to give you the perfect fit!
Consider Dress Style
When using the designer’s size chart, consider the style of the dress you are ordering and how that can affect size selection. For example, if the dress is a ball gown, you may be able to disregard the hip measurement and order it for your bust and waist instead.
Share Your Preferences With the Tailor
Stylists are experts at taking measurements, but they aren’t experts on the way you like your clothes to fit. So if you prefer a little wiggle room or would like your dress to fit more snugly, let the tailor know when doing your alterations.
Learn all about the dress alteration process in our Bridesmaid's Guide to Dress Alterations.
It doesn’t matter if the bride chooses your dress for you or lets you shop for your own dress. Either way, it has to fit.
Online dress shopping is not like ordering a sweater or a pair of jeans. In most cases, you won’t be able to return it, so taking accurate measurements is crucial!
Take your bust, waist, and hip measurements first. If you’re tall, measure from your neck down to ensure you order the right length.
Once you have accurate measurements, look at the designer’s size chart before placing your online order. Remember, most dresses will require some sort of alterations.
If you can’t find someone to help you or don’t think you can accurately measure yourself on your own, don’t worry. Just head to a local Bella bridal boutique and let a pro handle it for you!
Keep up with us on social media for even more wedding day tips!
