subject: Measure for the Best Fit when Buying Gowns or Dresses [print this page] Measure for the Best Fit when Buying Gowns or Dresses
If you're shopping for a designer dress or gown online, one concern you may have is fit. Regardless of whether you're looking at the most gorgeous Sherri Hill dresses or more modestly priced Jovani dresses, the right fit is essential for you too look your best.
You probably have a good idea about what "size" you are based on the clothes you usually wear and own, but finding the very best fit for a dress involves taking actual measurements. You will be far happier with how your dress or gown fits and looks if you take the time to get out the measuring tape before you order a dress online.
Certain styles of dresses require extra attention to certain measurements, but in general you need three accurate measurements to choose the correct dress size: Bust or chest, waist and hips.
Online retailers that specialize in brand name dresses of high quality usually provide very precise directions on how to take these three measurements accurately. Always follow these instructions carefully. Even a small error in taking your measurements can throw off sizing, such that you end up buying a dress that is either too small or too large.
Once you have these three measurements, you can refer to various dress manufacturers' size charts based on these measurements. All dress designers and manufacturers adhere to basic measurement proportions in assigning sizes, however they do not all match up measurements and sizes the same way.
Take the time to find the measurements and size chart for the manufacturer of your dress and be prepared to buy by size accordingly. You may need to go up (or down) a size when you buy among different manufacturers to get the best fit. You may be a size 12 in Sherri Hill dresses, but closer to a size 14 for Heather French Henry or Jovani dresses. Sizes are numbers, not your identity, so be prepared to be flexible.
Certain dress cuts or styles may require taking additional measurements, such as the low waist, neck or sleeve length. If you aren't sure what measurements will matter most with a particular dress, ask the retailer or if you prefer, contact the manufacturer directly.
Asking a few questions can save you time and effort trying to match measurements to size charts when the only measurements that really matter are bust and waist. On the other hand, you may obtain a much better fit by considering the full range of measurements for certain dress styles and cuts.
