Drastic Measures: The Lengths You’ll Need To Go To In Ordering Your Gown

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

Brides are often “shocked” when they first go out shopping for their wedding gown. And, what surprises most is the reality that most are a size or two larger than they are in street clothes, regardless of “dieting”, exercising, and not having put on any extra weight.

What most gals don’t realize is that the standard sizes in most of your favourite stores are significantly different from those of wedding and bridesmaid gowns. Wedding gowns and other formal wear are usually based o your measurements. Plus, experts advise ordering the larger of two sizes if you fall between both. For instance, if your bust size is a size 8, and your hips and waist a size 12, you should order to fit the largest part of your body, and that means ordering (in this instance) a size 12. You may also note, that because different designers cut differently the size you need in various styles and dresses may vary accordingly. So, you should pay little or no attention to size. But, you should pay attention to your measurements since they will be important in not only ordering the right size gown for you, but will be essential in making the necessary alterations. So, experts suggest getting familiar with the terminology and lingo. And, while a professional gown shop or seamstress will take these important measurements for you, it’s wise to keep them on hand or have your local tailor (generally found at your local drycleaners) who can furnish you with these numbers to conduct a comparison with, or simply keep on hand.

Standard measurements include:

· Bust: This coincidentally does not refer to your bra size, but the area spanning around your back and across the front, fullest part of your breast. This measurement is taken with your arms relaxed and “hanging” down by your sides.

· Natural Waist: This measures the smallest part of your waist. This measurement is located and taken an inch or so above the belly button.

· Hips: Another essential measurement. The hip measurement should measure the widest part of your hips just across the hipbone.

· Hollow To Hem: This is a common industry term referring to the measurement that begins just at the base or hollow of your neck (or the top of your breastbone in the front) and follows through to where you want your hem to be. Experts suggest measuring out at an angle for fuller skirts to account for the fullness, since it tends to pull the dress up. Also, they suggest wearing a heel similar in height to the one you anticipate stepping out in on your wedding day. The standard hollow to hem is 58 inches but may vary with company. But, since extra length, for most, is not generally a problem, experts suggest simply ordering a standard length and have you seamstress make alterations to that once you’ve picked out your slip, crinoline, shoes, etc.

· Low Hip: This measurement is taken 7 inches below your hips, and is most essential to more form-fitting dresses.

· Inside Sleeve: An important measurement for long-sleeved gowns. It is taken by placing the measuring tape in your armpit and logging the length from there to your wrist.

· Arm Girth: Measures the broadest part of your upper arm and is taken when your arm is relaxed.

· Center Back Width: Especially important for cover-ups and jackets, this measurement is taken from shoulder blade to shoulder blade.

· Waist To Hem: This measurement goes from your Natural Waist to your hemline, and should be taken wearing the exact heel height you plan on wedding on your big day.

· Nape To Waist: Taken from the base of the neck (at the back) to the Natural Waist.