How to Measure Yourself Correctly for a Prom Dress

You’ve spent hours scrolling through gorgeous photos, you’ve finally found "the one," and you’re ready to hit that buy button. But then, you see it: the size chart. We’ve all been there, wondering why one brand says you’re a size 6 while another says you’re a size 10. The truth is, formal wear sizing is a different world compared to your everyday jeans and t-shirts.

The secret to looking like a million bucks isn't about the number on the tag; it’s about the accuracy of your measurements. Taking ten minutes to measure yourself correctly is the best way to ensure your dress fits like it was made for you. You don’t need to be a professional tailor to do this; you just need a soft measuring tape and a little bit of patience.

The Preparation: What You Need

Before you start pulling the tape, there are a few "golden rules" to keep in mind:

• The Tape: Use a soft, flexible sewing tape measure. A metal hardware tape measure won't work because it doesn't wrap around the curves of your body.
• The Buddy System: If possible, ask a friend or family member to help. It’s hard to keep the tape level across your back when you’re measuring yourself!
• The Undergarments: Wear the same bra or shapewear you plan to wear on prom night. This can change your measurements by an inch or more, which makes a huge difference in formal dresses.
• The Posture: Stand naturally. Don’t suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. You want the dress to fit when you’re breathing and dancing, not just when you’re holding your breath!

The Length: Hollow-to-Hem

If you are ordering a floor-length gown, the length is just as important as the width.

• How to do it: "Hollow-to-hem" is the measurement from the hollow space at the base of your neck down to where you want the dress to end.
• Pro Tip: Always wear your prom shoes (or shoes of a similar height) when measuring length. You don’t want your beautiful gown to be two inches too short!

Why Accuracy Matters at The Dress Outlet

At The Dress Outlet, we carry a massive variety of designers like May Queen, Nox Anabel, and Elizabeth K. Each designer has their own specific size chart. Once you have your numbers, you can compare them to the chart on the specific dress page.

We offer everything from plus-size prom dresses to petite evening gowns, and we want to make sure the style you love fits your unique body. If your measurements fall between two sizes, we almost always recommend sizing up. It is much easier for a local tailor to take a dress in and make it smaller than it is to try to make a small dress bigger. Whether you are buying a cheap prom dress under $100 or a high-end sequin ball gown, getting the measurements right ensures you’ll feel confident from the moment you zip it up.