Prom Dress Sizing 101: Measure, Pick Your Size & Plan Alterations

Getting the right size for your prom dresses starts with accurate measurements taken while wearing the undergarments you’ll use on prom night. The three essential measurements are bust, waist, and hips, plus your height from shoulder to floor in heels. Proper measuring prevents expensive alterations and ensures your dress fits comfortably all evening, whether you’re dancing, sitting, or taking photos with friends.

Essential Tools and Preparation

Before taking any measurements, gather the right tools and set yourself up for success. Accurate measuring requires minimal equipment but careful attention to detail.

What you’ll need:

• Soft fabric measuring tape (not metal or rigid)
• Mirror to check tape placement
• Someone to help with hard-to-reach measurements
• Pen and paper to record numbers immediately
• The exact undergarments you’ll wear on prom night
• The shoes or heel height you plan to wear

Preparation steps: Wear the bra, shapewear, or undergarments you’ll use under your dress. Stand naturally without sucking in or pushing out. Keep the measuring tape snug but not tight against your body. Have someone else take measurements for better accuracy, especially for height and back measurements.

How to Take Accurate Measurements

Each measurement serves a specific purpose in determining your dress size. Follow these step-by-step instructions for professional-quality results.

Measurement	How to Measure	Common Mistakes to Avoid
Bust	Around fullest part, tape parallel to floor	Measuring over clothing, tape twisted
Waist	Natural waistline, usually narrowest part	Measuring too tight, wrong location
Hips	Around fullest part of hips and rear	Tape not level, measuring too high
Hollow to Hem	Collarbone hollow to floor in heels	Wrong shoes, slouching posture

Measuring Your Bust

Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, typically across your nipples. Keep the tape parallel to the floor all the way around. The tape should lie flat against your back without twisting.

Key tips: Don’t pull the tape tight—it should rest comfortably against your body. Check in the mirror that the tape sits at the same height in front and back. Record the measurement immediately without second-guessing. This measurement is crucial for strapless prom dresses and corset prom dress styles that rely on proper bust fit.

Height Measurement (Hollow to Hem)

Stand straight against a wall wearing the exact heel height you’ll wear on prom night. Measure from the hollow at the base of your neck (where collarbones meet) straight down to the floor. This determines how much hemming your long prom dresses will need.

Key tips: Wear your actual prom shoes or shoes with the exact heel height. Stand up straight without slouching or stretching. Have someone else take this measurement as it’s nearly impossible to do accurately alone. This measurement is essential for ball gown prom dresses and floor-length styles.

Understanding Size Charts

Size charts vary between retailers, so never assume you’re the same size everywhere. Learning to read and use size charts correctly prevents ordering mistakes.

How size charts work: Most retailers provide charts showing bust, waist, and hip measurements for each numerical size. Find where your measurements align across the chart. If measurements fall into different sizes, some retailers recommend sizing to your largest measurement.

Standard sizing vs. custom sizing: Standard sizes use general measurements for each size number. Custom or made-to-order sizing uses your exact measurements to create a dress specifically for you. Made-to-order options often fit better if you fall between standard sizes or have unique proportions.

Azazie is an online retailer offering wedding, bridesmaid, and special-occasion dresses. With over 2500+ evening gowns in more than 90 colors and sizes 0–30, Azazie provides made-to-order dresses designed to fit and feel special.

Special Sizing Considerations

Different body types and heights require specific attention during the measuring and ordering process. These considerations ensure your dress fits perfectly regardless of your unique proportions.

Plus Size Prom Dresses

Plus size prom dresses require attention to additional measurements beyond standard bust, waist, and hips. Proper shoulder width, arm circumference, and back measurements ensure comfortable fit in extended sizes.

Key considerations: Look for size charts extending to size 30 and beyond. Check that your favorite styles are available in extended sizing, not just limited options. Consider dresses with adjustable features like corset prom dress lace-up backs that accommodate sizing fluctuations.

Prom Dresses for Short Girls

Heights under 5’4″ typically require significant hemming for floor-length gowns. Short prom dresses in midi or mini lengths may need less or no alteration, making them practical choices.

Styling tips: Empire waists create the illusion of longer legs. Vertical design elements like V-necks elongate your frame. Ball gown prom dresses with too much volume can overwhelm petite frames—choose proportional options. Consider one shoulder prom dress styles that create diagonal lines for height.

Prom Dresses for Tall Girls

Heights over 5’9″ may find standard-length dresses too short, even before hemming. Made-to-order options accommodate extra length better than off-rack purchases.

Styling considerations: Longer torsos may need attention to waistline placement. High necklines balance tall frames beautifully. Mermaid prom dresses work wonderfully on taller heights, showcasing length elegantly. Floor-length styles suit tall frames perfectly without overwhelming.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

Even careful measurers make these frequent errors. Knowing what to watch for helps you avoid them.

Measuring over clothing: Always measure over only the undergarments you’ll wear under your prom dresses. Adding measurements taken over regular clothes results in a too-large order. Even thin t-shirts affect accuracy significantly.

Using old measurements: Bodies change naturally over time. Measurements from last year or even six months ago may no longer be accurate. Always take fresh measurements close to your order date for best results.

When to Choose Standard vs. Custom Sizing

Understanding the differences between sizing options helps you make the best choice for your needs and proportions.

Standard sizing works well when:

• Your measurements align consistently within one size on the chart
• You prefer trying on before committing fully
• Your proportions match typical ready-to-wear standards
• You have time and budget for alterations if needed
• The style offers adjustable features

Custom sizing is better when:

• Measurements span multiple standard sizes
• You have a very petite or very tall frame
• Proportions differ significantly from standard patterns
• You want to minimize alteration needs and costs
• The dress style requires precise fit like strapless prom dresses

Planning for Alterations

Even perfectly sized dresses typically need minor alterations. Understanding what to expect helps you budget time and resources appropriately.

Common alterations needed:

• Hemming to exact length with your shoes
• Taking in or letting out seams for perfect fit
• Adjusting strap length or placement
• Adding bust cups or padding
• Tweaking waistline placement

Alteration timeline: Schedule your first fitting about three weeks before prom. This allows time for any needed adjustments plus a final fitting. Rush alterations cost more and stress everyone, so plan ahead.

What alterations cost: Basic hemming on simple fabrics is the most budget-friendly alteration. Complex hems with lace, beading, or multiple layers cost more. Taking in seams costs less than letting out (which may not be possible). Bodice adjustments on sequin prom dresses or lace prom dresses require special care and pricing.

Ordering Timeline and Size Selection

Proper timing ensures your dress arrives with adequate time for any needed adjustments while avoiding unnecessary rush fees.

Ideal ordering timeline: Order your prom dresses at least two to three months before your event. This allows production time for made-to-order pieces, shipping, and several weeks for alterations if needed.

Size Selection Strategy

Making the final size decision requires balancing multiple factors. This strategic approach helps you choose confidently.

Review your numbers: Lay out your measurements and the size chart side by side. Note which size each measurement indicates. Identify your largest measurement if they span multiple sizes.

Consider dress style: Fitted styles like mermaid prom dresses require more precise sizing than forgiving silhouettes. Ball gown prom dresses with full skirts are more forgiving in the waist and hips. Corset prom dress styles with lacing offer built-in size flexibility.

Browse black prom dresses options in all sizes. Explore pink prom dress styles with size flexibility. Check modest prom dresses with proper coverage. Review satin prom dress choices in every size range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure myself for a prom dress?

Wear your prom undergarments and have someone help you measure. Take a bust measurement around the fullest part, waist at your natural waistline, and hips around the fullest area. Measure from collarbone hollow to floor wearing your exact heel height. Record all numbers immediately and use them with the retailer’s size chart.

What if my measurements fall between two sizes?

If measurements span two sizes, typically order the larger size as taking in fabric is easier than letting out. However, made-to-order options accommodate your exact measurements, eliminating this dilemma. Consider dress style too—fitted silhouettes need more precise sizing than forgiving styles with full skirts.

Do I need professional measuring or can I do it myself?

While you can measure yourself, having someone help ensures better accuracy, especially for height and back measurements. Professional measuring isn’t necessary, but a second person prevents common errors like tape twisting or incorrect placement. Take your time and double-check each measurement.

How much of an alteration budget should I plan for my prom dress?

Plan for at least basic hemming regardless of how well your dress fits elsewhere. Simple hems on straightforward fabrics cost less than complex hems with lace or beading. Budget more if you need multiple alterations like taking in seams or adjusting bodices. Made-to-order dresses often need fewer alterations.

What’s the difference between standard and custom prom dress sizing?

Standard sizing uses general measurements for each size number, similar to regular clothing. Custom or made-to-order sizing creates dresses using your exact measurements. Custom options typically fit better if you fall between standard sizes or have proportions that differ from typical patterns.