Measuring Instructions

Full Bust : inches 

This measurement is one of the three most used when ordering a dress. ‘Bust’ means the full circumference of the fullest part of your bosom and round your back together. When you measure, wear a bra or other support garment that offers equivalent support that the underwear you intend to wear with the dress will (if possible the same bra). If you intend not to wear a bra then measure unsupported (and unpadded). Use your bra-strap as a rough guide for the tape measure because the back of the tape needs to be straight, not sagging. Do not squeeze the tape around you; let it rest lightly but not loosely. Best to measure in inches at this is what most bust/waist/hip measurements are listed in. As with all measurements it is best to get a friend to help you or better yet a friend with dressmaking skills! 

Waist : inches

Please resist the strong temptation to breathe in for this measurement, even if it means you friend sees your measurement! If you breathe in to reduce your waist size then the dress will pucker in the middle and emphasize any ‘rolls’ you may have instead of skimming over them nicely and you will be very uncomfortable and possibly not even be able to sit or (shock-horror) do up your dress which really is worst-case scenario.The best way to measure your natural waist is to tie a ribbon around your tummy and wiggle until it settles very definitely (on your waist) tie snugly but not tightly. Keep it tied in a bow, especially if you are taking other measurements (as it will provide and unmoving reference point for you to help with accuracy). Now you have the ribbon there to tell you exactly where your natural waist it, you can pull the tape measure around you and take the measurement (usually best in inches).