How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Wedding Dress: Bust, Waist and Hip Guide

Ordering a custom wedding dress online can feel intimidating, but getting the perfect fit starts with one simple step: accurate measurements. Whether you are a standard size or fall between sizes, knowing exactly how to measure for your custom wedding dress ensures the gown hugs you in all the right places. This guide walks you through the three essential measurements—bust, waist, and hips—so you can order with confidence from 27dress.

What You’ll Need Before You Start Measuring

Before you pick up a tape measure, gather a few tools to guarantee consistency. Use a soft, flexible measuring tape (not a metal one). Wear form-fitting undergarments similar to what you’ll wear under your dress—think a seamless bra or bralette and smooth, non-padded underwear. Stand barefoot on a hard, flat floor, and ask a friend to help if possible; self-measuring can introduce twists or slouches.

• Soft measuring tape (available at any craft or sewing store)
• Full-length mirror to check tape placement
• Notebook and pen to record numbers immediately
• String or ribbon (optional) to mark your natural waistline

Keep the tape snug but not tight—you should be able to slide one finger under it. For the most accurate results, measure in the morning when your body is less bloated, and avoid measuring after a heavy meal or workout.

How to Measure Your Bust for a Custom Wedding Dress

Your bust measurement determines the fit across your chest, shoulders, and upper back. This is the most common area where off-the-rack dresses gap or pull, so precision matters here. For a custom wedding dress, you’ll want the fullest part of your bust, not your bra band size.

• Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
• Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust—typically across your nipple line.
• Keep the tape parallel to the floor; check in the mirror to ensure it isn’t dipping in back or riding up.
• Take a normal breath and read the measurement at the point where the tape meets.
• Repeat twice and average the results if they differ by more than ¼ inch.

Pro tip: If you have a larger bust, do not pull the tape tight across the front. Let it rest gently on your skin. The goal is to capture your natural shape, not compress it. For 27dress’s made-to-order sizing, this number helps us select the correct base size or adjust the bodice pattern for a custom fit up to size 30.

How to Measure Your Waist for a Custom Wedding Dress

The waist measurement is often the trickiest because many people measure at the wrong spot. Your natural waist is not where your pants sit—it’s the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button and below your ribcage. This point controls how the dress’s waistline, seam, or belt will fall.

• Find your natural waist by bending to one side; the crease that forms is your waistline.
• Tie a piece of string or ribbon around that spot as a visual guide.
• Wrap the tape around the string, keeping it level and snug.
• Stand tall, breathe normally, and do not suck in your stomach.
• Record the measurement at the end of a relaxed exhale.

Common mistake: Measuring too low (at your hip bone) or too high (under your bust). If you’re unsure, ask a friend to check from the side. For A-line or ball gown silhouettes, an accurate waist measurement ensures the bodice transitions smoothly into the skirt without gaping. For fitted styles like mermaid or sheath, this number is critical to avoid a loose middle section.

How to Measure Your Hips for a Custom Wedding Dress

Hip measurements affect the fit from your waist down through the thighs and seat. This is especially important for form-fitting silhouettes or dresses with a natural waist that flares at the hip. Many brides underestimate their hip size because they measure at the widest bone rather than the fullest curve.

• Stand with your feet together, about hip-width apart for a natural stance.
• Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks—usually 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
• Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and not tilted upward in back.
• Keep the tape snug but not digging in; you should see the tape move slightly as you shift weight.
• Take the measurement twice: once with feet together and once with feet slightly apart (your dress will allow movement). Use the larger number.

Note for curvy brides: If your hip measurement is significantly larger than your waist (a difference of 10+ inches), you may need a custom size rather than a standard 0–30. 27dress offers made-to-order customization for exactly this scenario—we can adjust the hip curve without altering the waist or bust. Always provide your hip measurement even if it seems close to the size chart; it prevents last-minute alterations.

Final Tips for Ordering Your Custom Wedding Dress

Once you have your three numbers—bust, natural waist, and hips—compare them to the 27dress size chart. If all three fall within the same size range, select that size. If they span two or three sizes (for example, a size 8 bust, size 10 waist, size 12 hips), choose the largest size and note your smaller measurements in the order comments. Our

Explore made-to-order styles in our wedding collection, or read our complete guide for more on fit, fabric and styling.