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How Do I Know My Dress Size Without Measuring

Written By Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Add Comment Edit

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It can be super frustrating to walk into a shop and have to wade through dress after dress to determine your size! Don't worry, because although dress sizes are different at most stores, as long as you know your measurements, you shouldn't have a problem figuring out which sizes work best for you.

  1. 1

    Measure your bust. You'll need to measure the fullest part of your bust to get the proper measurement.[1] Make sure that the measuring tape (a dress maker's soft tape measure for preference) goes under your arms.[2]

    • Keep the measuring tape snug but not too tight. If you do it too tight (if your bust is popping out over the tape) then you'll get the wrong measurements and your dress won't fit properly.

  2. 2

    Measure your waist. Bend to one side (doesn't matter which) and find your waist's natural crease. At the crease, measure around your waist, making sure that the measuring tape is a bit loose.

    • You can also find your natural waist by measuring 2 inches up from your belly button. It's usually the smallest part of your waistline.[3]

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  3. 3

    Measure your hips. Stand with your feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and rear.[4] This is typically midway between your crotch and your belly button. Again you'll want to keep the measuring tape somewhat loose, so that your dress size doesn't end up being too small.

  4. 4

    Look at a size chart. Keep in mind that size charts tend to be different for different stores and that even with your measurements and the size chart, you may be surprised by the wide array of sizes you will seem to fit into. However, you can use this size chart as a basic guide.

    • Always choose the larger size if your measurements come between two sizes, especially if you're ordering online.
    • Avoid the dress size generators, as they tend to give you the wrong sizes. Dress size generators claim to be able to tell you your dress size in each store (since so many stores size their women's clothing differently).[5]
    • If you are looking at European sizes, you'll want to check out this chart, which converts American sizes into European sizes.

  5. 5

    Convert numbers to letters for sizing. Some stores don't use the typical 6, 8, 10, 12. Instead they use letters like XS, S, M, etc. Fortunately these letter sizes tend to correspond to specific numerical sizes and you can figure your size out based on that.

    • In American Sizes; Size 2 is XS, Size 4 is S, Size 6 is M, Size 8 is L, Size 10 is XL, Size 12 is XXL. This is what it usually is, although sizes may still vary depending on the store.

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  1. 1

    Always check the sizing guide when shopping online. Most, if not all, online clothing websites have a chart that explains their sizing measurements. Sometimes dresses will run bigger or smaller than your typical size, so you will want your measurements handy to check against the website's sizing guide.

    • It's a good idea to shop at the same websites, because you're more likely to already know what size works best for you.

  2. 2

    Check the sizing at each store. Once you know your measurements you'll need to check out the different sizing at different stores. Many stores and many brands operate on their own sizing when it comes to dresses. A lot of times you can check the label to find where your measurements fall.

    • At Target, for example, a small at Target (in numeric size: 0 or 2) has the bust of 85.09 cm to 86.39, waist measurements of 66.04cm to 67.31cm, and hip measurements of 91.44 cm to93.98 cm.
    • At Top shop, an American size 6 has a bust of 87 cm, a waist of 69.2 cm, and a hip measurement of 91.5, which is smaller than the generic size chart.[6]

  3. 3

    Ask. Sometimes the best way to find out the dress sizes at different stores is to ask a salesperson. You won't be the first person to be confused and salespeople know that most stores have a different sizing method for dresses. As long as you know your measurements they should be able to help you.

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  1. 1

    Pick the right dress for a straight body. If you've got a straight body (narrow hips, no bust, no rear) there are certain dresses that will flatter your body better than others. Fitted sheaths and classic shift dresses work well for this body type.[7]

    • Empire waist or A-line skirts on a dress help to give you some curves, if you don't have much in that area.
    • You can also create a more dramatic effect by having an off-the-shoulder dress. The neckline of a dress like this draws more attention to the collarbones and arms.

  2. 2

    Choose dresses than enhance your upper body if you have a pear-shaped figure. Pear-shaped basically means that you're fuller at the hips and rear and smaller around your bust. Open-neck and strapless dresses are good for drawing attention to your upper body, highlighting your assets.[8]

    • Empire waists, full and A-line skirts also enhance your hips and help you look fabulous!

  3. 3

    Enhance your form if you've got an hourglass figure. This means that you've got a full bust and full hips, with a narrower, defined waist. You'll want to go for dresses that nip in at the waist and show off your figure.

    • Wraps, knit dresses, and sheaths that have a waist are good bets for showing off your figure.

  4. 4

    Draw the eye up if you have an apple-shape. This basically means that your narrowest point is at your ribs, above your natural waist. Empire waists are a good bet for drawing attention upwards, since their waistline sits right below the bust.

    • Choose a dress with details around the neckline, because this will draw attention upwards.
    • Full skirts or A-line skirts on a dress can give you the appearance of an hourglass figure.

  5. 5

    Draw attention downwards if you have a full bust. When your bust measurement is fuller than your hips and rear measurement, a good look is to draw attention away from your bust and even out your top and bottom by the dresses you choose.

    • V-necks and halter tops can create a slimming effect (and look good with fuller busts).
    • A-line and full skirt dress styles will help create a balance between the top and bottom. Choosing dresses with details at the bottom can also help draw attention downwards.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    What bra should you wear when measuring?

    LaTricia Brown

    LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

    LaTricia Brown

    Master Tailor & Creative Director

    Expert Answer

    Wear a supportive bra when taking dress measurements. Don't wear a push-up-style or heavily padded bra, since you might not wear this type of undergarment with your dress.

  • Question

    How do I take my dress measurements at home?

    LaTricia Brown

    LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

    LaTricia Brown

    Master Tailor & Creative Director

    Expert Answer

    Try to take your measurements in front of a full-length mirror. If you're shopping from a certain store, see if their website offers diagrams to help with the measuring process.

  • Question

    What is a hem to hollow measurement?

    LaTricia Brown

    LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

    LaTricia Brown

    Master Tailor & Creative Director

    Expert Answer

    A hem to hollow measurement goes from the lowest point of your collarbone to the floor. If you take your finger and feel the front lowest spot of your throat, you'll notice a hollow space to take your measurement. Place 1 end of your measuring tape here and then let it drop to the floor. If you plan on wearing heels with your dress, be sure to wear them when you take this measurement.

  • Question

    I want to order a dress from Wish for a wedding, but there is no sizing. How do I order the dress?

    Community Answer

    I would suggest you don't order from Wish. In my experience, their clothing is cheaply made and the sizes are never as advertised.

  • Question

    How can I tell what dress size I am?

    Community Answer

    It should be the same as your shirt size or a bit bigger/smaller depending on where you get it . You could also follow the steps in this article.

  • Question

    Should I measure my bust with a bra on or off?

    Community Answer

    Generally it is advisable to measure it with an unpadded bra on, but it could vary slightly depending on the bra that you are wearing.

  • Question

    I am fat, mostly in my stomach and arms. What styles of dress would not show how fat I am?

    Community Answer

    Go with a fitted (but not tight) dress. Baggy dresses almost always look good on anyone. Don't wear anything strapless.

  • Question

    I'm a 31 bust, 26 waist and 35 hips, what size dress should I get, I'm 4'10"?

    Community Answer

    Unfortunately, dress sizes vary by designer. If you are 4'10", you will probably need to shop in the petites department. You may even find something you like in the girls' section. Try on a few different sizes to see what works best on your body. Most women wear a few different sizes depending on the style of the dress and the designer.

  • Question

    I'm 5'3" and 120 pounds. What's the best dress size for me?

    Community Answer

    It depends on your bust size, too. However, you should be fine with a size S (a.k.a US size 8).

  • Question

    I'm 5 foot, 4 inches and weigh 160 pounds. My measurements are bust 38, waist 34 and hips 41. What is my dress size?

    Community Answer

    U.S. 10 or 12, depending on the dress fit.

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  • If there are troubles when measuring yourself, you can always ask a friend to help you.

  • Even those numbers can vary from brand to brand. A 2x at a chain store would be different than a 2x at a large women's store.

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  • When shopping for new clothing, always check the garment tag for the size. Coat hanger size tags are often different from the garment tags.

  • For accurate measurements, measure yourself after taking a deep breath in and letting it out. NEVER measure yourself when you've taken a deep breath.

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About This Article

Article Summary X

To determine your dress size, start by getting a soft measuring tape that you can use to take your measurements. First, measure your bust by holding the tape snugly but not too tightly around the fullest part of your bust. Then, measure around your waist by holding the tape about 2 inches above your belly button or at the smallest part of your waist. Finally, measure the widest part of your hips. Once you have your measurements, find a dress size chart online to see what size you are. To learn how to determine your dress size at specific stores, read on!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Dress-Size

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