Accurate measurements help you find your dress size faster, reduce returns, and get a better fit for everyday, bridesmaid, and wedding dresses. Follow the steps below to measure yourself for a dress and match results to any size chart. Once you have your numbers, use our Australian dress size guide and conversions to translate your measurements into the right AU size.
The essential measurements you need
Before you start, use a soft measuring tape and wear well fitting underwear or the bra you plan to wear with the dress. Stand tall, look ahead, and keep the tape level and snug, not tight. If possible, ask a friend to help for the most accurate results.
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and do not pull it tight. Relax your arms at your sides and breathe normally. This is your bust measurement for a dress. If your bra changes your shape, measure while wearing the bra you will use with the dress. This step answers how to measure bust size for a dress and is the most important number for fitted bodices. For a focused walkthrough of these upper-body points, see How to measure bust, waist and shoulders.
Waist
Find your natural waist by bending to one side. The crease you see is your true waist, usually above the navel and below the ribcage. Wrap the tape around this point, level all the way around. Keep it snug but allow one finger under the tape. This is how to measure waist for a dress. Avoid measuring over bulky clothing and do not suck in your stomach, or the dress may feel tight.
Hips
Stand with feet together. Measure the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually 18 to 23 cm below your waist. Keep the tape horizontal and go around the widest part of your bottom. If your hip curve is prominent, measure twice and use the larger reading. This is how to measure hips for a dress and helps with skirts and fitted styles.
Dress length and hollow to hem
Dress length is measured from the high shoulder point down to the desired hem. For formal gowns and many bridesmaid sizing charts, you will be asked for hollow to hem. Place the tape at the hollow of your neck between the collarbones and run it straight down the body to the hem point. Wear the shoes you plan to wear, stand straight, and keep the tape vertical. This is how to measure dress length and how to measure hollow to hem for a wedding dress or bridesmaid dress. If you’re unsure how midi length should look, see What is a midi dress? for where it typically falls. After measuring, align your length with current options.
Measurement tips that improve accuracy
Use a flexible tape that reads inches and centimeters and record both. Take each measurement twice and use the average. Round to the nearest quarter inch or half centimeter so you can match brand charts. Measure over the undergarments and shapewear you plan to wear on the day. Keep the tape level and avoid measuring on an angle. Note the fabric type of your target dress. Woven fabrics with little stretch need extra breathing room, while knits and stretch dresses can fit closer to the body. Take quick photos of how the tape sits for future reference. Store your numbers with the date so you can recheck before ordering.
Choosing a size when you are in between sizes
If your measurements fall between sizes, focus on the area that is hardest to alter. For fitted bodices choose the size that matches your bust, then tailor the waist if needed. For straight or bodycon skirts choose based on hips and nip in the waist. Review the brand’s finished garment measurements if available. Positive ease means the garment is bigger than your body, negative ease means it will stretch to fit. For woven dresses allow a few centimeters of ease at bust, waist, and hips. For stretchy dresses a closer match to your body numbers is fine. If you are between sizes, size up for woven fabrics and plan simple alterations like taking in the side seams or shortening the hem. If your top and bottom are different, mix sizes where allowed or choose the larger and tailor the other area. For bridesmaid and wedding dresses, order by your largest key measurement and schedule alterations with time to spare. If the fit isn’t perfect, review our exchanges and returns policy.
Compare with a dress you already own
Lay a similar dress flat and smooth it out. Measure across the bust, waist, and hips at the same vertical points you measured on your body, then double those half measurements. Measure from shoulder to hem or from the hollow to the hem for long gowns. Compare these garment numbers to the retailer’s size chart or product measurements. This quick check helps you find your dress size with confidence.
FAQs
Can I use my phone as a tape measure?
Phone measuring apps are fine for rough estimates but vary by camera and setup. For reliable results use a soft tape. If you do not have one, wrap a string around the body point, mark it, then measure the string with a ruler.
How do you measure your height for a dress?
Height alone does not determine dress size, but it helps with length. For long gowns provide both your total height and hollow to hem. Stand straight in your event shoes, place the tape at the hollow of your neck, and run it to the floor or desired hem. For floor-grazing lengths based on your height and hem measurement, Shop maxi dresses.
How to measure for a bridesmaid or wedding dress?
Use the same steps for bust, waist, hips, and hollow to hem. Measure in the bra and shapewear you plan to wear on the day. Choose a size using your largest measurement and allow time for alterations so the final fit is perfect.
Use these steps whenever you need to measure yourself for a dress, whether you are figuring out how to take measurements for a dress, how to find your dress size for a special event, or simply how to find my dress size for everyday styles.
Ready to find a style you love? Shop women’s dresses.