1. Bust Measurement
The bust measurement is one of the most important for getting the right fit, especially in the bodice area of your wedding dress.
How to Measure:
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Use a soft measuring tape and place it around the fullest part of your bust.
- Make sure the tape is level and snug, but not tight. It should be close enough to your body to fit comfortably without squeezing.
- Take the measurement while keeping your chest relaxed and breathing naturally.
Tip: Keep the measuring tape parallel to the ground to avoid any errors.
2. Waist Measurement
Your waist measurement determines how the dress will fit at the narrowest part of your torso. The waistline can vary depending on the dress style (natural waist, empire waist, etc.), so it’s essential to be specific.
How to Measure:
- Stand straight and relax your stomach muscles.
- Find the natural waistline by bending to one side – the crease that forms is your natural waist.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, ensuring it’s comfortable but not tight.
- Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and lies flat against your body.
Tip: Don’t suck in your stomach; let your body be natural to get an accurate measurement.
3. Hips Measurement
For dresses with a fitted skirt or for A-line styles, the hip measurement ensures the dress fits perfectly around your hips.
How to Measure:
- Stand with your feet together.
- Measure around the fullest part of your hips, which is usually around 8 inches below your natural waist.
- Make sure the tape is even all the way around and not twisted.
Tip: If you’re unsure about the fullest part of your hips, you can try to locate the widest part of your bottom area.
4. Arm Length
For dresses with sleeves or if your designer will add custom sleeve designs, measuring your arm length is essential for the perfect fit.
How to Measure:
- Relax your arm at your side and keep it slightly bent.
- Starting at the top of your shoulder (where the shoulder seam of a typical shirt would rest), measure down to the wrist or wherever the sleeve of your wedding dress will end.
- Make sure the measuring tape follows the curve of your arm.
Tip: Measure both arms to ensure that both sleeve lengths are the same if they are asymmetrical or have different designs.
5. Bicep Measurement
This measurement is important if your wedding dress has sleeves or a fitted bodice. The bicep size helps ensure your sleeves will fit comfortably around your upper arms.
How to Measure:
- Relax your arm at your side.
- Use a soft measuring tape and measure around the fullest part of your upper arm (usually around the middle of the bicep).
- Keep the tape firm but not tight, and make sure it’s level.
Tip: It’s often a good idea to measure both arms in case one arm is slightly larger than the other.
6. Waist-Down Height Measurement
For dresses with skirts or trains, the waist-down height (sometimes called the "from waist to floor" measurement) is crucial to ensure the length is just right.
How to Measure:
- Stand with your feet together, keeping your posture straight.
- Measure from the natural waistline (where your waist measurement was taken) down to the floor, or to where you would like the dress to end.
- For a train, make sure to add any extra length you’d like for that dramatic effect.
- If you’re wearing heels on the wedding day, measure while wearing the shoes you'll be using to help get the most accurate length.
Tip: Have someone assist you for more accuracy. If you’re measuring alone, you can stand in front of a mirror to ensure the tape is straight.
Final Tips for Accurate Measurements:
- Wear fitted clothing: To avoid measuring over bulky clothes, try to wear something form-fitting, such as a tank top and leggings, so that your measurements are accurate.
- Take your measurements twice: It’s always good to take your measurements at least twice, just to be sure.
- Ask for help: Having someone else take your measurements will ensure they’re taken in the right place and at the right angle.
- Keep the measuring tape snug but comfortable: The tape should be close to your body without pressing into the skin.
- Write it down: It’s easy to forget numbers, so make sure you have a notebook or a phone to record the measurements as you go.
Conclusion
Providing accurate measurements is the first step toward creating the wedding dress of your dreams. Whether you are customizing a design or having it tailored, these measurements ensure your gown fits you perfectly. Taking your time with each step will give you the best result and help your designer bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started on your custom wedding dress? Follow these tips, and you'll be one step closer to wearing the dress you've always dreamed of on your special day!
Need Assistance?
If you need any help with taking your measurements or have questions about the process, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to ensure you feel confident and ready for your big day!
