Dress Fit & Measurement Guide
Body measurements describe you. Garment measurements describe the dress. They are not interchangeable, and regional size labels are only an approximate starting point.
How to measure yourself
Use a soft tape over light clothing or your intended underlayers. Stand naturally. Keep the tape level and snug without compressing your body. Ask someone to help if that makes it easier to keep the tape straight.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waist without pulling the tape tight.
- Hips: Stand with feet together and measure the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Dress length: Follow the start point specified by the product chart. A shoulder-to-hem measurement is different from a centre-back measurement.
- Other fit points: Check shoulders, upper arms, sleeves and any fitted lining when relevant.
Compare like with like
| Chart type | How to compare |
|---|---|
| Body measurements | Compare your bust, waist and hips directly with the ranges intended for the wearer. |
| Garment measurements | Compare with a well-fitting similar garment measured at the same points. Account for the room and coverage you want. |
| Flat width | Double only when the chart explicitly gives a flat width and you need its corresponding circumference. A 52 cm flat chest width is a 104 cm garment circumference, not a recommended 104 cm body measurement. |
| Unclear or missing information | Ask us to clarify the method, units and size-specific measurements before choosing. |
When comparing a dress you own, use a similar cut and fabric where possible. Lay it flat without stretching and use the same measuring points. A fitted knit and a loose woven dress can need different room for movement. Do not add a fixed allowance to every measurement.
Between sizes or different sizes at bust, waist and hips
Compare your current measurements with the chart for the selected dress and size. Check whether the chart gives body or garment measurements, then consider the cut, lining and stated stretch. Do not automatically choose a larger or smaller size based only on a fabric name or silhouette. If neither size meets your needs, ask for the missing measurements or consider another cut.
Check all fitted areas. A size that fits the hips can still be wrong at the shoulders or neckline. If a larger size solves one area but becomes loose elsewhere, another silhouette may work better. Do not assume a tailor can make every alteration.
Check length with your shoes
Use the garment’s stated length and measuring method. Compare it with a dress you own, then try the new garment with the shoes you intend to wear. Height alone cannot predict exactly where a hem will fall. For an abaya set, compare the outer and inner lengths separately.
Convert units and regional labels
One inch equals 2.54 centimetres. For example, 100 cm is about 39.37 inches and 36 inches is 91.44 cm. Use our conversion helpers or approximate US, UK and EU chart. A conversion is not a personalised fit recommendation.
Try the complete outfit
With tags attached and within the return conditions, try the dress with your intended support and shoes. Sit, reach and walk. Check the neckline, shoulders, sleeves, lining and hem. Do not force a fastening or rely on stretching the garment into shape.
Need help comparing two sizes?
Send the product link, selected colour, the sizes you are considering, your bust, waist and hip measurements, your height and your preferred fit. Tell us whether you measured in centimetres or inches. We can help you compare the available information.
Ask for sizing help