\n| Bust<\/span><\/td>\n | Fullest part, tape parallel to floor<\/span><\/td>\n | Measuring too tight, wrong bra<\/span><\/td>\n | Between sizes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Waist<\/span><\/td>\n | Natural waist (narrowest point)<\/span><\/td>\n | Measuring over clothing<\/span><\/td>\n | Waist is largest measurement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Hips<\/span><\/td>\n | Fullest part, 7\u20139 inches below waist<\/span><\/td>\n | Tape not level<\/span><\/td>\n | Hips are largest measurement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Hollow to hem<\/span><\/td>\n | Base of neck to floor in heels<\/span><\/td>\n | Not wearing event shoes<\/span><\/td>\n | For custom length<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Step-by-Step: How to Measure Yourself<\/b><\/h2>\n ![\"formal](\"https:\/\/www.azazie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/K20251217-155629.jpg\") <\/span><\/p>\nFollow these 5 steps for accurate measurements:<\/b><\/p>\nStep 1: Gather your tools<\/span><\/h3>\nGet a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and someone to help if possible. Wear the bra and underwear you’ll use for your event. Stand straight with your feet together.<\/span><\/p>\nStep 2: Measure your bust<\/span><\/h3>\nWrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Don’t hold your breath\u2014measure while breathing normally.<\/span><\/p>\nStep 3: Measure your waist<\/span><\/h3>\nFind your natural waist by bending to one side. The crease is your natural waist. Wrap the tape around this point without pulling tight.<\/span><\/p>\nStep 4: Measure your hips<\/span><\/h3>\nStand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips. This is usually 7\u20139 inches below your natural waist. Keep the tape level all the way around.<\/span><\/p>\nStep 5: Record and compare<\/span><\/h3>\nWrite down all three measurements in inches. Compare each measurement to the size chart. Choose the size that fits your largest measurement.<\/span><\/p>\nStandard Size vs. Custom Sizing<\/b><\/h2>\nStandard Sizing<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Pre-set measurements for bust, waist, and hips<\/span><\/li>\n
- Ships faster than custom options<\/span><\/li>\n
- Works when your measurements match standard proportions<\/span><\/li>\n
- Most affordable option<\/span><\/li>\n
- Easy alterations for minor adjustments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Standard sizing works for about 70% of people. Check if your measurements fall within one size on the chart.<\/span><\/p>\nCustom Sizing<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Made to your exact bust, waist, and hip measurements<\/span><\/li>\n
- Better fit with fewer alterations needed<\/span><\/li>\n
- Ideal if you’re between standard sizes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Non-returnable in most cases<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Custom sizing is best when your measurements span multiple standard sizes. It reduces alteration time and costs.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen to Choose Custom<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Your measurements span 2 or more standard sizes<\/span><\/li>\n
- You have a significant difference between bust and waist<\/span><\/li>\n
- You’re petite (under 5’2″) or tall (over 5’10”)<\/span><\/li>\n
- You want minimal alterations<\/span><\/li>\n
- The dress has intricate details that are hard to alter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Custom sizing gives you a head start on fit. You’ll still need a fitting for final adjustments.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Read a Size Chart<\/b>Understanding the Numbers<\/b><\/h2>\n\n- Measurements show the range for each size<\/span><\/li>\n
- If one measurement is larger, size up<\/span><\/li>\n
- You can take in fabric but can’t add it<\/span><\/li>\n
- Most dresses have 1\u20132 inches of ease built in<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Never size down hoping to lose weight. Order the size that fits you now.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat If I’m Between Sizes?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Order the larger size if you’re between two sizes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Alterations can take in excess fabric easily<\/span><\/li>\n
- Consider custom sizing if you’re more than 2 inches between sizes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Check if the dress has stretch\u2014this gives more flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Taking in a dress is simpler than letting it out. Most fabrics don’t have extra seam allowance.<\/span><\/p>\nSilhouette and Fit Guide<\/b><\/h2>\n![\"formal](\"https:\/\/www.azazie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/K20251217-155718.jpg\") <\/p>\n
A-Line Dresses<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Fitted at bust and waist, flows over hips for an elegant silhouette<\/span><\/li>\n
- Most forgiving silhouette for alterations<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hides hip and thigh areas naturally<\/span><\/li>\n
- Works for apple, pear, and hourglass shapes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fit tips:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Focus on bust and waist measurements<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hip measurement less critical due to flow<\/span><\/li>\n
- Shoulder and neckline should fit without gaping<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hem can be adjusted easily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sheath and Bodycon Styles<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Follows your body’s natural shape closely<\/span><\/li>\n
- Requires precise measurements for all three points<\/span><\/li>\n
- Best in stretch fabrics for comfort<\/span><\/li>\n
- Shows figure definition throughout<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fit tips:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- All three measurements must be accurate<\/span><\/li>\n
- Look for stretch satin or crepe fabrics<\/span><\/li>\n
- Size up if between sizes\u2014these show every line<\/span><\/li>\n
- Consider shapewear for smooth lines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fit-and-Flare<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Fitted bodice through waist, then flares at hips<\/span><\/li>\n
- Highlights waist while skimming hips and thighs<\/span><\/li>\n
- Good for pear and hourglass body types<\/span><\/li>\n
- Moderate difficulty for alterations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fit tips:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Bust and waist measurements are most important<\/span><\/li>\n
- Flare should start at or just below the hip<\/span><\/li>\n
- Avoid if you want to minimize bust<\/span><\/li>\n
- Waist seam placement affects overall proportion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Empire Waist<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- High waistline just below bust<\/span><\/li>\n
- Flows loosely from waist to hem<\/span><\/li>\n
- Flatters most body types and heights<\/span><\/li>\n
- Easy to alter at hem and straps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fit tips:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Bust measurement is critical for fit<\/span><\/li>\n
- Waist band should sit comfortably under bust<\/span><\/li>\n
- Skirt portion very forgiving<\/span><\/li>\n
- Good choice if you’re early in pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common Fit Issues and Solutions<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n| Fit Issue<\/b><\/td>\n | Cause<\/b><\/td>\n | Solution<\/b><\/td>\n | Alteration Time<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Gaping neckline<\/span><\/td>\n | Bust too large for frame<\/span><\/td>\n | Take in shoulder seams<\/span><\/td>\n | 1\u20132 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Tight bust<\/span><\/td>\n | Sized for smaller measurement<\/span><\/td>\n | Let out seams if possible<\/span><\/td>\n | 2\u20133 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Long straps<\/span><\/td>\n | Standard length too long<\/span><\/td>\n | Shorten straps<\/span><\/td>\n | 1 day<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Loose waist<\/span><\/td>\n | Sized up for hips\/bust<\/span><\/td>\n | Take in side seams<\/span><\/td>\n | 2\u20133 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Dragging hem<\/span><\/td>\n | Standard length too long<\/span><\/td>\n | Hem to correct length<\/span><\/td>\n | 1\u20132 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nBust Fit Problems<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Gaping at neckline means dress is too large in shoulders<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pulling or puckering means bust area is too small<\/span><\/li>\n
- Quadding (flesh spillover) means you need a larger size<\/span><\/li>\n
- Wrinkles under bust mean the bodice is too long<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Quick fixes:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Fashion tape for minor gaping<\/span><\/li>\n
- Cups or inserts for small gaps<\/span><\/li>\n
- Professional alterations for major issues<\/span><\/li>\n
- Consider a different neckline style<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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