How to measure yourself for a dress

Whether you are buying your Wedding dress, Debs dress, Bridesmaid dresses or a dress for any special occassion you want to make sure it fits right. Most women are all different shapes and sizes and some find themselves stuck between sizes. Here at Obsession4Clothing we can custom make our dresses to fit the measurements of your body.

Unfortunately, taking body measurements isn’t something that everyone knows how to do  This guide will help you to ensure accuracy when taking your measurements so you don’t run into these problems.

When taking your measurements we recommend that you have someone like a friend or family member do the measuring as this will ensure accuracy in hard to reach places such as length.

The measurements you will need most often when having an evening dress custom made are Bust, Waist, Hips, Length from shoulder to floor with and without heels, Hollow to floor with and without heels, Height, and Arm length.

Bust Measurements

Measure completely around the fullest part of your bust (at nipple level) using a tape measure (in inches). This is your bust measurement. If this measurement falls on the 1/2 inche, round up (eg if your bust measures at 32 1/2 inches round up to 33 inches). Don’t pull the tape too tight or you  may end up with smaller measurements than you should which would result in the dress being too small. ​

Waist Measurements

Wrap the tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist. Typically this is an inch or so above your belly button and is also know as the natural waistline.

Hip Measurements

Start at one hip and wrap the tape measure around your rear, around the other hip, and back to where you started. Make sure the tape is over the largest part of your buttocks.Your hip measurements should be around 6 inches below your belly button.

Shoulder To Floor Measurements

This measurements needs to be taking firstly bear foot. Stand up straight with your two feet together, take measurements from your shoulder all the way to the floor. Make sure to have someone help you take this measurement as you need to be standing up straight.

Now put on the shoes you will be wearing and take the same measurements again.

Hollow To The Floor Measurements

Take these measurements both with and without the shoes you will be wearing with your full length gown or dress for best results. A short length dress should measure to the hem of the dress. Place the tape measure at the hollow of your neck (between collar bones) and bring the tape measure the whole way to floor.

For anyone that is getting a jacket made to match the dress or anyone that needs a dress with long sleeves you will also need the following measurements:

Shoulder To Shoulder Measurements

This measurement can be very tricky to get right. The easiest thing to do to get this measurement accurate is to wear a shirt that fits snugly but comfortably. Then have someone behind you measure between the seams at your shoulder where the sleeves attach to the shirt.

Arms Eye Measurement

This is important to make sure the sleeves fit perfectly around you arm. If you want the sleeves loose add on an extra inch. Please ensure not to pull the measuring tape to tight. Leave a finger space between the tape and your arm to ensure the sleeve is not too tight.

Arm Length Measurement

This is important to make sure the sleeves are long enough. Measure from the top of your shoulder to you wrist bone.

I hope this guide will be helpful to you as measurements are very important for every woman to know. I wish you all the best.

Leanne <3 x