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THE MIDNIGHT GOWN GUIDE

Measure at home.
Find your starting point.

Three simple measurements to help you explore your fit.
Here’s how to take them, and what to check before choosing a display gown.

Imagined bridal atelier with a seamstress working on an ivory wedding gown on a dress form, with tailoring tools arranged nearby.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

A soft tape.
A full-length mirror.

Use a flexible measuring tape and a full-length mirror. A friend can help keep the tape level; if you’re measuring alone, bring the ends to the front so you can read them.

Measure over your intended undergarments, without bulky clothing. Follow the gown designer’s guidance on bras or shapewear when provided.

For every measurement: stand naturally, breathe normally and keep the tape flat and level. It should rest against you without squeezing or hanging loose.

YOUR THREE STARTING MEASUREMENTS

Bust, waist & hips

Follow the gold tape.
Measure all the way around your body.

  1. Bust

    The fullest part

    Illustration of a woman with measuring tape across her bust; a small back view shows the tape level across her back.
    Across the bust, level around the back

    Pass the tape behind your back and under your arms. Wrap it around the fullest part of your bust and meet the ends at the front.

    Check in the mirror that it runs straight across your back. Read the number where the tape meets its starting end.

    Check: this is your full bust measurement, not your bra band or cup size.

  2. Waist

    Your natural waist

    Illustration of a woman standing upright with measuring tape level around her natural waist, between her rib cage and hip bones.
    At the natural waist, above the hips

    Bend gently to one side to find the crease at your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of your torso. Straighten up again.

    Wrap the tape around that level. Keep your stomach relaxed and read the measurement while breathing normally.

    Check: measure at your natural waist, rather than where low-rise jeans sit.

  3. Hips

    Include the fullest part of your bottom

    Illustration of a woman with her feet together and tape around her fullest hips and bottom; a side view shows the tape crossing her seat.
    Around the widest part, including your bottom

    Stand with your feet together. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and bottom, keeping it level all the way around.

    Use the mirror to check the view from the side. The tape needs to pass over the fullest part of your bottom.

    Check: don’t stop at the upper hip bones. You’re looking for the fullest circumference.

Tape-placement illustrations are a guide; bodies and proportions vary.

ONE LAST CHECK

Measure twice.
Keep your numbers handy.

Take each measurement twice. If the numbers differ, reposition the tape and try again. Write down your actual measurements with the units—don’t add or subtract for fit.

In your notes: Bust ___ · Waist ___ · Hips ___
Units: inches or centimeters · Date measured: ___

FROM MEASUREMENTS TO YOUR GOWN

Let’s check the exact dress

Start with the designer’s chart

Bridal sizing varies. Compare all three measurements with the chart for the designer and style you love, rather than relying on your everyday dress size.

Ask about this sample

You’re buying the gown itself. Confirm its measurements, condition and any previous alterations. A label size alone can’t tell you how that particular dress will fit.

Make an alterations plan

Home measurements are a starting point. If a fit is tight or uncertain, have an alterations specialist assess it before buying. Letting a gown out depends on its construction and available seam allowance.

Wondering about length? Ask us about the exact gown’s length and let your alterations specialist check it with your wedding shoes. Shoulder-to-hem, hollow-to-hem and waist-to-hem start at different points, so they aren’t interchangeable.

Have a gown in mind?

Send us the gown’s name, your bust, waist and hip measurements, and the units you used.

Ask about the fit

THE DRESS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Your dress
Your own way

Start with your measurements. Explore the gowns that speak to you.

Explore the dresses
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