A beautiful online dress starts with accurate measurements. The number on a size label can vary by design, so your current body measurements—and the specific product size chart—are more useful than the size you usually buy.
What you need
- A flexible fabric measuring tape.
- A full-length mirror.
- Close-fitting clothing or the undergarments you expect to wear.
- A friend to help with length measurements.
- A note on your phone or paper for recording each number.
Stand naturally with your feet together and breathe normally. Pulling the tape too tightly may produce a dress that feels restrictive; leaving it loose can create an inaccurate result.
How to measure your bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Check in the mirror that the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides while the measurement is taken.
Wear the bra or support garment you plan to use with the dress because it can change the bust position and measurement.
How to measure your waist
Find your natural waist by bending gently to one side; the crease that forms is usually the correct point. It is often above the belly button and below the rib cage. Wrap the tape around this point without holding your breath or drawing in your stomach.
Do not assume the waistband of your everyday trousers sits at your natural waist—it often does not.
How to measure your hips
Stand with your feet together and place the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat. This point may be lower than expected. Use the mirror to make sure the tape has not angled upward at the back.
How to measure hollow to floor
The “hollow” is the small dip at the base of the neck between the collarbones. With help, measure straight down from the hollow to the floor. Stand upright and look ahead rather than down at the tape.
If you plan to wear heels, check the product's measuring instructions before adding shoe height. Some charts explain how their listed length is measured, so follow the guidance for the exact dress rather than automatically adding inches.
Other measurements a style may request
Shoulder to shoulder
Measure across the upper back from one shoulder point to the other, following the natural curve.
Arm length
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder point along the outside of the arm to the wrist.
Upper arm
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the upper arm. Keep it comfortably snug, especially when considering fitted sleeves.
How to choose a size from the chart
Compare all key measurements with the chart shown for that product. If your bust, waist and hip point to different sizes, start with the area that is most fitted in the silhouette. For example, a close-fitting mermaid shape may need more attention at the hips than a flowing A-line skirt.
When you fall between sizes, consider the fabric, seam allowance and alterations you may need. It is generally easier for a local tailor to remove a modest amount of fabric than to add room where none is available, but every design is different.
Use the LYHIAS Size Guide as your measuring reference, then confirm the chart on the product page before ordering.
Five common measuring mistakes
- Using a rigid construction tape instead of a soft tape.
- Measuring over bulky clothing.
- Letting the tape twist or slope around the body.
- Rounding numbers down to reach a preferred size.
- Using measurements taken many months ago.
Your two-minute final check
- Take every measurement twice.
- Ask a second person to confirm hollow-to-floor length.
- Write numbers in the same unit used by the chart.
- Check the measurement against the exact dress—not a general size assumption.
- Leave time in your event schedule for a fit check and possible alterations.
If you are unsure which measurement should guide your choice, save the product link and your measurements, then contact LYHIAS before ordering.