How to Measure
We strongly recommend having your measurements taken by a professional seamstress. If you cannot get a professional seamstress to take the measurements, please have someone besides you take your measurements. To ensure proper fit, we have provided the following measuring guideline and designer size charts for your reference. Measurements should be taken in the undergarment you plan to wear with your gown.
Please note: The guideline is for reference only. Perfect Bridal cannot be responsible for the accuracy of any measurements taken by person other than employees of Perfect Bridal. You will need to choose the size you feel most comfortable with, given your measurements and fit preference.
Bust Measurement
Measure the bust line at the fullest part of your chest. Stand naturally with your heels together. Let your arms rest by the side of your body. Position the tape so it covers the widest part of the back and the fullest part of your chest. Keep a thumb in the inside of the tape. 
Waist Measurement
Place your hands at your natural waistline. This is where the tape should be positioned. Stand with your stomach at its natural position. Leave a little room by keeping a thumb on the inside of the tape. Do not pull the tape tight.
Hip Measurement
Stand naturally with your heels together in a relaxed posture. If you are measuring for a sheath dress, position the tape around the fullest part of your bottom. If you are measuring for an A-line dress, position the tape around the fullest part of your hip. Leave a little room by keeping a thumb on the inside of the tape. Do not pull the tape tight.
Dress Length
If you are 5'9'' or taller with the heels you plan to wear with the gown, most of our designers recommend that you order an extra length dress. An extra length dress is typically 5'' longer than the standard length dress. Most designers charge a little more for extra length but the charges vary.
Hollow-to-Hem Measurement
Hollow-to-hem is a specific length measurement used for bridal gowns only. Some designers offer the option to have a gown cut to a particular length for certain bridal gown designs. This is a difficult measurement to take. Fortunately, it is not needed for bridesmaid dresses, and only needed for a few bridal gowns. If the bridal gown you are ordering requires this measurement, we strongly recommend using a professional seamstress experienced with bridal gowns.
The hollow-to-hem measurement is taken from the depression at the base of the neck just above the collarbone to the hem. When taking this measurement, you will need to account for the fullness of an A-line or full-skirt gown by moving the tape forward away from the body, at the hem. The tape should be pulled out according to the fullness of the skirt. You will need to take the measurement with the exact heel height you will be wearing. Standard hollow-to-hem typically is 58 inches although it varies between designers.
Matching Measurements to Size
Once you have taken your measurements, see the corresponding designer's size chart under Fit Guide>Size Charts on our website. These charts show how measurements are mapped to the designer sizes. These measurements are taken to determine the closest size to be ordered. The bridal gown or bridesmaid dress is not custom made to exact measurements. If your measurements indicate one size for the "bust" and a different size for the "waist and/or hips", we suggest ordering according to the largest measurement. Gowns and dresses can easily be taken in if they are too large.
Please note that special occasion dresses are sized differently than ready-to-wear clothes. You might find yourself ordering the special occasion dress in a larger size than the size you usually wear. A skilled tailor or professional seamstress will be able to help you get the perfect dress alterations.
