1. Assisting
It is recommended to have someone take your measurements; ideally, a professional tailor or seamstress should assist you in taking measurements of your bust, waist, and hips.
How to Properly Measure & Find Your Formal Dress Size
2. Undergarments
Proper undergarments should be worn to ensure the best fit in your formal gown.
3. Measuring tape
It is best to use a soft, flexible measuring tape; in place of one, you could use a string and then a ruler or a metal tape measure.
4.Size charts
Note: All size charts are designer specific. Those size charts apply to the styles in that particular manufacturer’s lineup, and the fit could vary based on fabric and style.
5. Size cahrt
The measurements listed in the size charts are body (NOT dress) measurements.
6.Alterations
Most customers need some level of alterations for their formal gown. A local tailor or seamstress can help you customize the fit to your preference.
7.Between sizes
If you are between sizes, we recommend you go up a size and alter the dress for the perfect fit. Letting a dress out is NOT a typical practice since there tends to be not enough fabric in the seams to allow for it.
8. Accurate measerments
It’s imperative to keep the measuring tape snug yet comfortable to your body (not too tight or too loose) to record the most accurate measurements.
9. Taking measerments
Now you are ready to take the following three measurements:
- Bust - This is NOT your bra size. Measure over the fullest part of your bust. While measuring, your arms should be at your side and relaxed.
- Waist - Measure around the narrowest part of your stomach, known as the natural waist.
- Hips - Measure around the fullest part of your hips, ensuring you wrap around the buttocks and that the measuring tape is flat, not twisted.
How to Take Measurements for Tuxedo and Suit Rentals
Here’s an instruction sheet showing you how to acquire the necessary measurements for a tuxedo or suit rental.
IMPORTANT! For accurate results, two people are needed. To acquire measurements for yourself, you’ll need to ask someone to do the measuring. Follow the sample photographs and directions carefully. The accuracy of your measurements will ensure a properly fitted ensemble.
The steps below require a tailor’s measuring tape. Ready? Let’s get started...
Chest measurement
Have the gentleman move his arms outward. Place the tape under his arms and around the broadest part of his chest. Lower the arms to the side and relax
Stand to the side to ensure the tape is level on both sides. Pull the tape until you feel tension and then record your measurement. Do not take loose tape measurements. Do not place any fingers between the tape and the chest.
Overarm measurement
With the gentleman’s arms at his side, place the tape around the broadest part of his chest and arms. Stand to the side to ensure the tape is level on both sides
Pull the tape until you feel tension and then record your measurement. Do not take loose tape measurements. Do not place any fingers between the tape and the chest.
Waist measurement
Place the tape around the gentleman’s waist an inch below his navel and pull the tape until you feel tension and record your measurement. Do not take loose tape measurements.
Hip measurement
Stand to the side and place the tape around the broadest part of the gentleman’s hip. Pull the tape until you feel tension and record your measurement. Do not record loose tape measurements.
Neck measurement
Have the gentleman remove his shoes and look straight ahead during the measurement process. Start the tape measure level with the waistband at the back of his pant and stretch the tape to the floor. Record this measurement.
Outseam measurement
Have the gentleman remove his shoes and look straight ahead during the measurement process. Start the tape measure level with the waistband at the back of his pant and stretch the tape to the floor. Record this measurement.
Sleeve measurement
Start the tape at the base of the neck centered with the spine. Make sure the tape measure goes over the top of the gentleman’s shoulder. Take the tape down the arm to the point of their elbow and then measure an inch past the wrist bone. It is always better to measure long versus short because a sleeve that is too short will likely be unacceptable.
Do you have any questions about acquiring measurements?
If so, please contact at our Customer Service Team at:
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