In short: a made-to-measure wedding dress needs five numbers: bust, waist, hips, hollow to floor and heel height. Measure in your underwear (ideally the bra you will wear on the day), with a soft tape measure, standing straight, with someone to help you. Take each measurement twice and write it in centimetres.

Before you start

  • Use a soft tailor's tape measure, not a metal one.
  • Wear the bra (or no bra) you plan to wear under the dress. A padded bra can add two or three centimetres to the bust.
  • Ask someone to help. Measuring your own back and the hollow to floor alone is almost impossible to do accurately.
  • Stand straight, feet together, arms relaxed, and breathe normally. Do not pull in your stomach.
  • Keep the tape snug but not tight: you should be able to slide one finger underneath.

1. Bust

Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape horizontal all the way round, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. The most common mistake is letting the tape drop at the back.

2. Waist

Measure around your natural waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually a few centimetres above the belly button. To find it, bend sideways; the crease that forms is your natural waist. This is not where you wear your jeans.

3. Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, usually about 20 cm below the waist, feet together. Look in a mirror to check that the tape stays level.

4. Hollow to floor

This is the most important measurement for the length of your dress, and the one most often done wrong. Stand barefoot, back straight. Place the tape at the hollow at the base of your neck, between the collarbones, and let it fall straight down the front of your body to the floor. Do not follow your curves too closely and do not measure in shoes.

5. Heel height

Measure the height of the heel you will wear on the day, from the floor to the bottom of your heel. If you have not bought your shoes yet, decide on a height and stick to it: the hem is calculated from it, so the dress just brushes the floor.

Common mistakes

  • Measuring over clothes: always measure over underwear.
  • Rounding down to the size you would like to be. A made-to-measure dress is cut to the numbers you give; if they are smaller than your body, it will not close.
  • Measuring hollow to floor in shoes, which adds the heel twice.
  • Planning to lose a lot of weight before the wedding. Give your current measurements; a dress can be taken in more easily than let out.

Standard size or custom?

If your measurements fall neatly into one size on the size chart, a standard size will fit well. If your bust, waist and hips correspond to different sizes (which is the case for most women), choose made-to-measure and send your five numbers. At Serment Couture, you enter them directly on the gown page.

What happens next

Your dress is cut to your measurements and delivered in two to four weeks, with tracking. Order at least two months before your date to leave time for a calm fitting and any small adjustment. Read our FAQ for delivery details, and our ordering timeline.

Questions brides ask

Should I measure in centimetres or inches?

Either, as long as you say which. We recommend centimetres: they are more precise.

What if I am between two sizes?

Choose made-to-measure. If you must choose a standard size, take the larger one; it can be taken in.

Do I need a professional to measure me?

No. A friend and a soft tape measure are enough if you follow the steps above. A local dressmaker can also take your measurements in five minutes.

Will the dress need alterations?

A made-to-measure dress arrives already cut to your measurements. If a detail needs adjusting, write to us within seven days of delivery and we will guide you.

Does pregnancy change anything?

Yes. If you are pregnant, tell us your due date and your wedding date, and measure as close to the wedding as the delivery time allows.

Ready to choose? Browse our made-to-measure wedding dresses, or read the silhouette guide first.