WedCharm Editorial Guide
Dress Size Guide
Discover how wedding dress sizing works, compare bridal size charts, take accurate measurements, and choose the perfect fitting gown with confidence.
Choosing the right wedding dress size is one of the most important steps before ordering a gown online. Bridal sizing can be different from everyday clothing, so it is always better to compare your body measurements with the size chart rather than choosing only by your usual dress size.
The most important measurements for a wedding dress are bust, waist, and hips. These three points help determine how the gown will fit through the bodice, waistline, and skirt. For fitted silhouettes, such as mermaid, sheath, trumpet, and fit and flare dresses, accurate measurements are especially important.
This guide explains how wedding dress sizing works, how to measure yourself correctly, and how to choose the best size if your measurements fall between two sizes.
How Bridal Sizing Works
Wedding dress sizing is based on body measurements, not standard everyday clothing sizes. A bride may wear one size in regular fashion and a different size in bridalwear. That is normal. The best approach is to measure carefully and compare your bust, waist, and hips with the chart below.
Measure first
Use a soft measuring tape and measure over fitted clothing or undergarments for the most accurate result.
Compare the chart
Look at bust, waist, and hips together. Do not choose a size based only on one measurement.
Allow alterations
If you are between sizes, choose the larger size. A gown can usually be taken in for a better fit.
Wedding Dress Size Chart
Use this size chart as a guide before choosing your wedding dress size. If your measurements fall between two sizes, we generally recommend selecting the larger size and adjusting the gown with alterations if needed.
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size US | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Size EU | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Bust (inch) | 311/2 | 33 | 341/2 | 36 | 371/2 | 391/2 | 41 |
| Waist (inch) | 241/2 | 26 | 271/2 | 29 | 301/2 | 32 | 331/2 |
| Hips (inch) | 35 | 361/2 | 38 | 391/2 | 41 | 421/2 | 44 |
| Bust (cm) | 79-81 | 82-85 | 86-89 | 90-93 | 94-97 | 98-102 | 103-107 |
| Waist (cm) | 60-63 | 64-68 | 69-72 | 73-76 | 77-80 | 81-84 | 85-89 |
| Hips (cm) | 89-91 | 92-95 | 96-98 | 99-101 | 102-104 | 105-108 | 109-112 |
How to Measure Yourself
Taking accurate body measurements is the best way to choose the correct wedding dress size. Use a soft measuring tape and stand naturally. Do not pull the tape too tightly. For the most accurate result, measure over fitted clothing or the undergarments you plan to wear with your gown.
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust while keeping the tape level and parallel to the floor.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of your torso.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks while keeping your feet together.
1. How to Measure Your Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the measuring tape level across your back and parallel to the floor. The tape should sit close to the body, but it should not compress the bust.
2. How to Measure Your Waist
Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually the narrowest part of your torso. Keep the tape level and breathe normally while taking the measurement.
3. How to Measure Your Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. This is usually about 7 to 9 inches, or 18 to 23 cm, below your natural waist. Keep your feet together and make sure the tape stays level all the way around.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Size
After taking your measurements, compare them with the size chart. If your bust, waist, and hips fall into different sizes, choose the size that fits the largest measurement. This is usually the safest option because wedding dresses can often be taken in, but they are much harder to let out.
If you are between sizes
Choose the larger size. Alterations can make the gown smaller and more fitted where needed.
If the gown is fitted
For mermaid, sheath, trumpet, and fit and flare gowns, check bust, waist, and hips carefully.
If the skirt is full
For A-line and ball gown styles, bust and waist are usually more important than hip measurement.
If the bodice is structured
Pay close attention to bust and waist measurements, especially with corset or strapless designs.
If you plan alterations
Allow enough time before the wedding for hemming, bodice adjustments, and final fitting.
If you are unsure
Compare your measurements carefully and choose the size that gives the seamstress room to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose my wedding dress size?
Measure your bust, waist, and hips, then compare your measurements with the wedding dress size chart. If you are between sizes, it is usually safer to choose the larger size and alter the gown for a better fit.
Are wedding dress sizes the same as regular clothing sizes?
No. Bridal sizing can be different from everyday clothing sizes, so it is best to choose your size based on body measurements rather than the size you normally wear.
What measurements do I need for a wedding dress?
The most important measurements are bust, waist, and hips. For many gowns, especially fitted silhouettes, all three measurements are needed to choose the best size.
What should I do if I am between two sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, choose the larger size. Wedding dresses can usually be taken in, but it is much harder to make a dress larger.
Which measurement is most important for a wedding dress?
It depends on the silhouette. For fitted gowns, bust, waist, and hips are all important. For A-line and ball gown dresses, bust and waist are often the most important measurements.
Should I size up for a wedding dress?
If you are between sizes or your measurements do not match one size exactly, sizing up is usually the safer choice because the gown can be altered to fit your body.