How to Measure for Bridesmaid Dresses: A Step-by-Step Guide

The difference between a bridesmaid dress that fits beautifully and one that requires extensive alterations often comes down to measurement accuracy. Many brides discover too late that incorrect measurements have resulted in dresses that are too tight, too loose, or proportioned incorrectly. Taking the time to measure properly saves money on alterations, reduces stress, and ensures every bridesmaid feels confident on the wedding day.

This guide provides detailed instructions for taking accurate measurements, explains which measurements different dress styles require, and shares professional tips for avoiding common mistakes. Whether you are measuring yourself or helping bridesmaids measure remotely, following these steps will improve your results significantly.

Tools You Will Need

Before beginning the measurement process, gather the following items:

• Soft measuring tape: The flexible fabric or plastic type used for sewing, not a rigid metal tape measure
• Mirror: Full-length if possible, to verify tape placement
• Pen and paper: To record measurements immediately
• Proper undergarments: Wear the type of bra you expect to wear with the dress
• Form-fitting clothing or just undergarments: Bulky clothing adds inaccurate centimetres
• Optional helper: Another person can ensure the tape sits correctly, especially for back measurements

Essential Measurements for Bridesmaid Dresses

Bust Measurement

The bust measurement is taken around the fullest part of the chest, typically across the nipple line. This measurement determines whether the bodice will fit comfortably across the chest and close properly at the back or side.

How to measure:

1. Wear the bra you plan to wear with the dress
2. Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides
3. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust
4. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around
5. Keep the tape snug but not tight; you should be able to slip one finger underneath
6. Take a normal breath and record the measurement

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Measuring above or below the fullest point
• Pulling the tape too tight, compressing breast tissue
• Wearing a different style bra than you will wear on the wedding day
• Letting the tape dip at the back

Waist Measurement

The natural waist is the narrowest part of the torso, typically located above the belly button and below the ribcage. This is not where you wear jeans; the natural waist sits higher. Finding the correct waist position is crucial for dresses with fitted bodices or defined waistlines.

How to measure:

1. Stand straight and relax your stomach; do not hold your breath or suck in
2. Locate your natural waist by bending to one side; the crease that forms is your natural waistline
3. Wrap the measuring tape around this point
4. Ensure the tape is parallel to the floor
5. Keep the tape snug without compressing soft tissue
6. Record the measurement while breathing normally

Hip Measurement

The hip measurement captures the fullest part of the hip and buttock area. This measurement is essential for A-line, mermaid, and fitted dress styles that must accommodate the hip curve without pulling or bunching.

How to measure:

1. Stand with feet together
2. Locate the fullest part of your hips and buttocks; this is typically 18-23 centimetres below the natural waist
3. Wrap the measuring tape around this fullest point
4. Ensure the tape remains parallel to the floor
5. Keep the tape snug without indenting the skin
6. Record the measurement

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Measuring at the hip bones rather than the fullest point of the buttocks
• Wearing thick underwear that adds bulk
• Standing with feet apart, which narrows the hip measurement

Hollow to Hem Measurement

This measurement determines dress length and is taken from the hollow of the neck to where you want the dress to end. For floor-length dresses, this typically extends to the floor, though you may adjust for heel height.

How to measure:

1. Wear the shoes you plan to wear with the dress, or shoes of similar height
2. Have a helper if possible; this measurement is difficult to take accurately alone
3. Locate the hollow at the base of your neck, between the collarbones
4. Run the tape from this point straight down the front of your body
5. Extend the tape to the desired hemline; for floor length, measure to the floor
6. Record the measurement

For strapless dresses, you may be asked for an underbust to hem measurement instead, taken from directly below the bust line to the floor or desired hemline.

Additional Measurements

Depending on the dress style, you may need additional measurements:

Shoulder to shoulder: Measured across the back from where one arm meets the shoulder to where the other arm meets the shoulder. Important for off-shoulder and structured bodice styles.

Arm length: Measured from the shoulder point to the wrist with a slightly bent arm. Required for dresses with sleeves.

Upper arm circumference: Measured around the fullest part of the upper arm, typically a few centimetres below the armpit. Important for fitted sleeves or cap sleeves that may feel tight.

Back length: Measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waist. Helps ensure the bodice is proportioned correctly.

Understanding Size Charts

Once you have accurate measurements, you must interpret them using the manufacturer's size chart. Australian sizing, US sizing, UK sizing, and Asian sizing all differ, sometimes significantly. Never assume your usual retail size will translate to bridesmaid dress sizing.

When measurements span multiple size categories, prioritise as follows:

1. Bust: For fitted bodice styles, the bust measurement takes priority. Waist and hips can often be adjusted more easily than the bodice.
2. Hips: For mermaid or fitted styles, hip measurement becomes critical as altering this area significantly is difficult.
3. Waist: Usually the easiest measurement to adjust through alterations, though extreme differences still require careful sizing.

Special Measurement Considerations

Pregnant Bridesmaids

Measuring a pregnant bridesmaid requires estimating size at the wedding date. Work with your obstetrician or midwife to project size, then add extra allowance. Empire waist styles accommodate pregnancy most gracefully. Consider ordering one to two sizes larger than current measurements, depending on how far along she will be at the wedding.

Some bridesmaids opt to purchase their dress closer to the wedding date, accepting a narrower selection for better size accuracy. Others order early and plan for significant alterations. Discuss options with your pregnant bridesmaid to find an approach that reduces her stress.

Planned Weight Changes

Bridesmaids sometimes plan to lose or gain weight before the wedding. This creates a measurement dilemma. Generally, measure current dimensions and plan for alterations. Significant weight changes are difficult to predict accurately, and ordering for a future size that may not materialise creates problems.

If a bridesmaid expects substantial change, consider ordering closer to the wedding date when her stable size is clearer, or build extra alteration budget into planning.

Remote Bridesmaids

When bridesmaids cannot measure together, provide detailed written instructions and video tutorials. Request photographs of the measuring process to verify tape placement. Have each bridesmaid measure twice on different days and compare results; significant differences indicate measurement error.

Consider professional measurement services. Many tailors and bridal shops offer measurement appointments at minimal cost. This investment often saves money by reducing alteration needs and size exchange complications.

Recording and Communicating Measurements

Create a standardised measurement form that all bridesmaids complete. Include spaces for each required measurement, the date measurements were taken, and the bra type worn during measuring. Keep copies of all measurements in case of ordering questions or disputes.

When communicating measurements to retailers, double-check all figures before submitting. Transposed numbers or measurement unit confusion between centimetres and inches cause ordering errors. Confirm the unit of measurement the retailer requires and convert if necessary.

After ordering, request confirmation that includes the measurements submitted. This creates a record for addressing any disputes if dresses arrive incorrectly sized. If a retailer claims measurements were wrong, you have documentation of what was provided.

Final Tips for Measurement Success

Take measurements seriously and take them twice. The few minutes spent ensuring accuracy can save hours of alteration appointments and significant expense. Encourage bridesmaids to view measurement-taking as an important contribution to wedding preparation rather than a quick checkbox task.

If you are uncertain about measurements, seek professional help. Many bridal boutiques offer measurement services even if you are not purchasing from them. The small fee provides peace of mind and professional accuracy that serves your entire bridal party well.