How to Measure Bust, Waist and Hips for an Evening Dress

An evening dress size should be chosen from measurements, not from the label you usually buy. Different brands and silhouettes can fit differently. To measure your bust, waist and hips for a dress, use a flexible tape, wear the undergarments you expect to use and ask someone to help keep the tape level.

Before you start

• Measure over your intended underwear or a thin, close-fitting layer, rather than bulky clothing.
• Stand naturally and breathe normally. Do not hold your breath or pull in your waist.
• Use a mirror or a helper to check that the tape stays level around your body.
• Record each measurement twice, using the same unit throughout.

How to measure your bust, waist and hips

1. Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust and across your back. Lower your arms into a relaxed position before reading the number. Keep the tape close without compressing your bust.
2. Waist: find your natural waist, rather than the waistband of your trousers. A gentle bend to one side can help you locate it. Return to a comfortable upright position and measure around that point without tightening the tape.
3. Hips: with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check the tape from the side as well as the front so it does not ride up across your back.

Write down the numbers as bust / waist / hips, followed by cm or in. If you need to convert, one inch equals 2.54 centimetres. Keep the original figures so rounding does not affect your size comparison.

Match the correct size guide

Use the guide relevant to the product or brand you are considering. A letter size alone is not enough to compare two designs. Check whether a chart describes body measurements or the finished garment: those are different measurements and should not be treated as equivalent.

Start with our measurement and size guide, then open Size Guide & Fit Help on the dress you want. If the two guides appear to differ, ask our team to confirm the chart for that particular design before ordering.

What if your measurements fall into different sizes?

A fitted skirt makes hip fit especially important, while a structured bodice needs careful bust and waist checks. Do not simply average three measurements into a size. If they fall into different columns, send all three to the support team with the product link before buying.

Include the design name, your preferred size, your measurement unit and any fit concern. Our fit assistance team can help you check the information for the piece you are considering. Do not assume that every gown can be altered in the same way.

Common measuring questions

Should I pull the tape tightly?

Keep it comfortably close to the body without squeezing. Repeating each measurement helps catch a tilted or overly tight tape.

Can I use the measurements of a dress I already own?

They can be useful when a product guide specifically asks for garment measurements, but they do not replace your body measurements. A dress laid flat also gives a different reading from a measurement taken all the way around your body.

How do I read a flat bust measurement?

A flat measurement describes the dress, not your body. For example, a dress measuring 45 cm across the bust when laid flat has an approximate garment circumference of 90 cm (45 × 2). That does not mean it is designed for a 90 cm body measurement: the construction, stretch and room needed for movement affect the fit.

Use this comparison only when the product guide specifically asks for garment measurements. Do not stretch the fabric or force a structured bodice flat. If the chart gives body measurements, use your measurements taken around your body instead. When the measurement method is unclear, send the product link and your bust, waist and hip measurements, including the unit, to our fit assistance team. Keep our measurement and size guide beside you when comparing.

Are bust, waist and hips enough for a floor-length gown?

They are a starting point for size selection. Length, height, intended shoes, sleeves and the shape of the bodice may also matter. Ask which additional measurements are needed for your chosen design, especially when discussing custom sizing.

Put your measurements to use

Keep your measurements beside you as you explore our new eveningwear arrivals. For two different silhouettes, see the Mauverelle Mauve Floral Corset Tulle Gown and the Azurielle Ice Blue Floral Draped Gown. Open each product's fit guide rather than assuming the same size will suit both.

You can also browse the full eveningwear collection. Before placing an order, check the current size-exchange and return conditions and preparation and shipping information for your destination and event date.