Finding the perfect dress starts with one essential step knowing your true measurements. Whether you are shopping for prom, a formal event, a wedding, or a special occasion, accurate measurements ensure the best fit and help avoid unnecessary alterations.
This complete guide will walk you through exactly how to measure yourself at home using a soft measuring tape. We explain what each measurement means, where to place the tape, how tight it should feel, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
What You Will Need
A soft measuring tape
A full length mirror or phone camera
A piece of string or elastic to mark your waist
Pen and paper or notes app
Before You Start Measuring
Wear proper undergarments
If you are shopping for a prom or formal dress, wear the bra or bra cups you plan to wear with the dress. Different bras or bra cups can change your bust measurements.
Stand naturally
Stand straight with feet together and arms relaxed. Do not suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. Breathe normally.
Tape tension matters
The tape should be snug against your body but not tight. You should be able to slide one finger underneath comfortably.
Keep the tape level
Always check that the tape is straight across your back and not sloping up or down. This is one of the most common causes of incorrect sizing.
Measure three times
Take every measurement at least three times. If the numbers differ, measure again and use the most consistent result.
Essential Dress Measurements
Most dresses use three primary measurements
Bust
Waist
Hips
Formal gowns may also require additional measurements for length and structure. At Norma Reed our basic alterations only cover bust, waist and hips. For additional alterations there may be additional charges.
How to Measure Each Area Correctly
Bust
What it measures
The fullest part of your chest.
How to measure
Wrap the tape around your back and across the fullest part of your bust. Keep your arms relaxed and the tape level across your back. The tape should rest comfortably without pressing into the skin.
Common mistakes
Measuring too high near the armpits
Holding your breath
Letting the tape dip or rise in the back
Underbust
What it measures
The circumference directly under your bust where a bra band sits. This is especially important for corset bodices and structured dresses.
How to measure
Wrap the tape snugly around your ribcage just beneath the bust. Keep it level and comfortable.
Natural Waist
What it measures
The narrowest part of your torso. This is not the same place where most jeans or pants sit.
How to find it
Tie a string or elastic around your waist. Move naturally by bending and sitting. The string will settle at your natural waist.
How to measure
Place the tape where the string rests. Keep it snug and level. Relax your stomach and record the number.
Common mistakes
Measuring pant waist instead of natural waist
Pulling the tape too tight for a smaller number
High Hip
What it measures
The area just below the waist, usually three to four inches down. Some fitted dresses use this measurement.
How to measure
Wrap the tape around your body at this level and keep it straight.
Full Hip
What it measures
The fullest part of your hips and seat. This is the most important hip measurement for most gowns.
How to measure
Stand with feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips. Use a mirror to ensure the tape is level.
Common mistakes
Standing with feet apart
Measuring too high and missing the fullest area
Hollow to Hem
What it measures
Dress length from the hollow at the base of your neck to where the hem should fall.
How to measure
Place the tape at the hollow where your collarbones meet. Measure straight down the front of your body to the desired hem length. For floor length gowns, measure to the floor.
Best practice
Wear the shoes you plan to wear with the dress for the most accurate length.
Shoulder to Waist
What it measures
The distance from the top of the shoulder to the natural waist. This is useful for bodice fit and strap placement.
How to measure
Measure from the shoulder point down the front of your body to your waist.
Shoulder Width
What it measures
The width across your back from one shoulder point to the other.
How to measure
Measure straight across the back between the outer edges of each shoulder.
Arm Measurements for Sleeves
Bicep
Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm with your arm relaxed.
Arm length
Measure from the shoulder point down to the wrist with a slight bend in your elbow.
How to Choose the Right Dress Size
Always use the brand size chart
Dress sizes vary by designer. Your measurements matter more than the number on the tag.
Choose based on the largest measurement
If your bust fits one size and your hips fit another, choose the size that fits the largest area and tailor the rest. If your alterations are minor, Norma Reed may cover them free of charge with the purchase of a dress. Please contact customer service for more details.
Style based sizing tips
Fitted and mermaid dresses prioritize hips
Corset and lace up backs allow more flexibility in bust and waist
Zipper back dresses require precise sizing
Alterations and Fit Expectations
Easier alterations
Taking in the waist
Shortening straps
Hemming length
More difficult alterations
Letting out a tight bodice
Reshaping structured cups or boning
Significantly widening shoulders
When in doubt, sizing up usually allows for a better final fit.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring over thick clothing
Pulling the tape too tight
Holding your breath
Using the wrong waist location
Measuring only once
Final Fit Tips for Prom and Formal Dresses
If your dress has a corset bodice, take both bust and underbust measurements. Do not size down expecting the corset to fix everything.
If you plan to wear shapewear, measure while wearing it or keep its effect in mind. At Norma Reed we offer a full line of seamless shapewear by Body Hush available here.
If you are between sizes and the fabric has little to no stretch, sizing up is the safer choice.
Measurement Checklist
Bust
Underbust
Natural waist
High hip
Full hip
Hollow to hem
Shoulder to waist
Shoulder width
Bicep
Arm length
At Norma Reed, we believe a perfect fit makes all the difference. Taking accurate measurements at home helps ensure your dress looks stunning and feels comfortable for your special event.
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