How to Select the Perfect Dress for Your Body Shape
Selecting the perfect dress for your body shape starts with the right silhouette, but it only works if the size is right, which is why knowing how to measure yourself for a dress matters so much. Choosing between sizes is where many online orders go wrong. This guide covers how to select the perfect dress for your body shape in brief, then shows how to measure yourself in four steps and gives a clear rule for what to order when you're between sizes.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a silhouette that suits your body shape first, then the size.
- Measure yourself for bust, waist, hips and length with a soft tape measure.
- Always compare your measurements with the brand's own size chart.
- When you're between sizes, the right choice depends on the type of dress.
- For fitted dresses and jumpsuits, size up; a dress can be taken in but not let out.
How to Select the Perfect Dress for Your Body Shape
Start by identifying your body shape, then choose a silhouette that balances it: A-line and fit-and-flare for a pear shape, wrap and belted styles for a rectangle, empire waists for an apple shape, and waist-defining styles for an hourglass. Our guide to the best dress styles for your body type explains how. The same measurements that tell you your body shape also tell you your size, so measure yourself once and use the numbers for both.
How to Measure Yourself for a Dress
You'll need a soft tape measure, a mirror and, ideally, someone to help. Wear light, close-fitting clothing or underwear, stand straight and relaxed, and keep the tape snug but not tight.
| Measurement | Where to measure | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | Around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades | Keep the tape level across your back |
| Waist | Around your natural waist, the narrowest part, usually a little above the belly button | Breathe out normally; don't pull in |
| Hips | Around the fullest part of the hips and bottom, feet together | Check in a mirror that the tape is level |
| Length | From the high point of the shoulder, beside the neck, down to where you want the hem | Ask someone to help; stand straight, barefoot |
Measure twice
Take each measurement twice and use the larger number if they differ. Small errors add up, and a centimeter or two can change your size. That's how to measure yourself for a dress accurately, even at home.
Measuring yourself without help
You can measure yourself alone. Stand in front of a mirror to check the tape is level, and hold the end at the front where you can see it. For length and inseam, it's easier to measure a dress or trousers that already fit you well, laid flat.
For jumpsuits: torso and inseam
The same steps for how to measure yourself for a dress apply to jumpsuits. Also measure your inseam, from the crotch to the ankle bone along the inside of the leg. Torso length matters too: a jumpsuit that's too short in the body pulls at the crotch and shoulders, however well it fits elsewhere.
Reading a Size Chart
Once you measure yourself, compare the numbers carefully with the chart.
- Use the brand's own chart: sizes vary widely between brands and countries.
- Body vs garment measurements: some charts show your body measurements; others show the dress itself. A garment measurement should be a little larger than your body, except for stretch fabrics.
- Check the fabric: stretch fabrics are more forgiving; non-stretch fabrics such as satin and linen are not.
- Read the fit notes: "runs small" or "relaxed fit" changes your choice.
What to Do When You're Between Sizes
This decision drives many returns, and the answer depends on the type of dress. Here's a simple rule.
| Type of dress | Measurements that matter most | If you're between sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodycon or sheath | All three: bust, waist and hips | Size up; a dress can be taken in, not let out |
| Wrap | Bust | Choose by the bust; the tie adjusts the waist |
| A-line or fit-and-flare | Bust and waist | Choose by the larger of the two; the skirt gives room at the hips |
| Shift | Bust and shoulders | Size down only if the style is meant to be loose and the bust fits |
| Empire waist | Bust and under-bust | Choose by the bust |
| Jumpsuit | Hips and torso length | Size up; a short torso is uncomfortable and can't be fixed |
Why sizing up is usually safer
A tailor can take in a dress that's slightly large, but there's rarely enough fabric to let out one that's too small. For fitted styles, the larger size is the safer order.
When to size down
Only for very stretchy fabrics or deliberately loose styles, and only if the bust or shoulders still fit. Never size down shapewear or bodycon dresses for a tighter look; it causes rolling and discomfort.
When to Measure Yourself
Measure yourself at the same time of day, ideally in the morning, since bodies change slightly through the day. Measure yourself again every six months, after any noticeable change in weight, during or after pregnancy, and always before an important order such as a wedding or occasion dress. Up-to-date numbers make every size chart more reliable.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Pulling the tape tight: it gives a smaller number than your real size.
- Measuring over thick clothing: it adds centimeters.
- Holding your breath: breathe out normally for the waist.
- Letting the tape slip: a tape that dips at the back gives a larger number.
- Guessing from an old size: bodies change, so measure again before you order.
Knowing how to measure yourself properly makes every online order easier, and makes it far more likely you'll find the perfect dress for your body shape first time.
Measuring Tools and Dresses From Global Swanky
Here's what helps you measure yourself and choose well. Browse more in our dresses collection.
1. Soft Tape Measure
The Soft Plastic Tape Measure is $20.41, a 1.5 m flexible tape, the right tool to measure yourself for a dress.
2. Bodycon Wrap Dress
The Women's Bodycon Wrap Dress is $63.87, a wrap style you choose by your bust measurement, since the tie adjusts the waist.
3. Lace A-Line Long Dress
The Lace Splicing Long Dress is $35.80, an A-line you choose by the larger of your bust and waist.
4. V-Neck Cinched-Waist Jumpsuit
The V-Neck Cinched-Waist Wide-Leg Jumpsuit is $21.18; check your hips and torso length, and size up if you're between sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a dress size chart?
Take your bust, waist and hip measurements, then find them on the brand's own chart, not a generic one. If your measurements fall in different sizes, use the measurement that matters most for that style of dress.
How do I measure bust, waist and hips?
With a soft tape measure over light clothing: bust around the fullest part, waist around the narrowest part, and hips around the fullest part with feet together. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
I'm between sizes: what should I order?
It depends on the dress. Size up for fitted, non-stretch styles and jumpsuits; choose by the bust for wrap and empire-waist dresses; and choose by the larger of bust and waist for A-line styles.
Which body measurements for clothing matter most?
Bust, waist and hips for most dresses and tops, plus height or length for maxi dresses and jumpsuits, and inseam for trousers and jumpsuits.
How do I measure my inseam?
Measure from the crotch seam to the ankle bone along the inside of the leg, standing straight. It's easier to measure the inseam of trousers that already fit you well.