How to measure for a made-to-measure dress

The circumference measurements

Take these with a soft tape over a thin, non-padded layer, as described on our size guide.

• Bust: around the fullest part, tape level at the back.
• Under-bust: directly beneath the bust, snug but not tight. It helps shape a fitted bodice or an empire waist.
• High bust: around the chest above the bust, under the arms. If it is much smaller than your full bust, the bodice needs more shaping at the front.
• Waist: at the narrowest point. Tie a thin ribbon there and leave it on while you take the vertical measurements.
• Hips: around the fullest part of the seat.
• Shoulder: across the back from one shoulder point to the other.

The vertical measurements that place the waist

With the ribbon still at your waist, ask a helper to take these. Stand naturally and look straight ahead; looking down shortens the back.

Back length: from the bone at the base of the back of your neck straight down to the ribbon. Front length: from the shoulder beside your neck, over the bust, down to the ribbon. Shoulder to bust point: from the same shoulder point to the fullest part of the bust. Waist to hip: from the ribbon down to the fullest part of your hips, measured at the side.

These are not separate boxes on our quote form, so add them in the notes with a short label each. They are what let a dress fitted at the waist sit where it should, and they are exactly the numbers a ready-made size cannot account for. The difference between body and finished garment numbers is explained in body vs garment measurements.

Choosing and measuring the dress length

Measure the length from the shoulder point beside your neck to where the hem should fall, in the shoes you plan to wear. For a knee-length dress, decide whether you want the hem just above or just below the knee, as a few centimetres change the look a great deal. For a midi, the narrowest part of the calf is usually the most flattering place to stop.

If the dress has a waist seam, it can also help to give the skirt length separately, from the ribbon at your waist down to the hem. Then we can check the two numbers against each other.

Fastenings, stretch and how exact you need to be

A dress with a zip and a fitted bodice needs the most accurate numbers, because there is no give. A wrap dress, an elastic waist or a tie belt is more forgiving if your weight moves around or you are between sizes. A button-front dress needs enough room at the bust so the buttons do not gape when you sit or move your arms; our shirt dress is an example of that shape.

Woven fabrics have little stretch, so do not subtract anything from your measurements to make a dress fit closer. Tell us how you like it to feel instead (close, regular or relaxed) and we allow the right amount of room.

Sending your dress design and measurements

If you have a design in mind, a sketch or a reference photo, start with a design quote and add your measurements with the notes above. Our page on stitching your own design explains how a design is agreed, and made-to-measure Western dresses covers shapes and what to ask for.

Wherever you are, from Dublin to Dubai, the dress is made in Pakistan and shipped to you, and the written quote includes delivery and any import charges. Measurements and design are agreed in writing before cutting.