One of the things that can be very frustrating is walking into a store and having to go through dress after dress to determine your size! No need to worry. Although clothing sizes differ in most stores, as long as you know your own body measurements, you should have no problem finding out which dress size will best fit your body.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring Your Dress Size
Step 1. Measure your chest circumference
You will need to measure the widest part of your chest to get the correct size. Make sure the tape measure (one option is the elastic tape the tailor uses) is under your arm.
Keep the meter tight but not too tight. If you measure too tight (if your bust appears over the meter), you will get the wrong size and the dress will not fit you
Step 2. Measure your waist circumference
Bend to one side (it doesn't matter which side) and find your natural waist crease. At the waist crease, use the tape measure to wrap around your waist, making sure that the tape is slightly loose.
You can also find your natural waist size by measuring 5 cm above your belly button. Usually it is the smallest part of your waistline
Step 3. Measure your hip circumference
Stand with your legs straight and use a tape measure to measure the widest part of your hips and buttocks. This is usually halfway between your groin and your belly button. Again, you need to keep the tape measure slightly loose, so that the garment doesn't get too small.
Step 4. Look at the size chart
Keep in mind that each store's size chart is different and so will yours. You may be surprised by the variety of sizes that seem to fit you. However, you can use this size chart as a basic guide.
- Always choose the larger size if your body size is between two dress sizes, especially if you are ordering online.
- Avoid dress size generators, as similar programs tend to give the wrong size. The dress size generator states that similar programs can tell you which dress size fits you from each store (since many women's clothing stores have different sizing standards).
- If you're looking at European sizing standards, you'll need to check the chart that converts American sizing standards to European sizing.
Step 5. Resize the number to letters
Some shops don't use sizes with numbers 6, 8, 10, 12. Instead they use letters like XS, S, M, etc. Luckily these font sizes tend to fit a certain number size and you can determine the size that works for you based on that.
In American standard size; Size 2 is XS, Size 4 is S, Size 6 is M, Size 8 is L, Size 10 is XL, Size 12 is XXL. This is the standard size that is commonly used, although sizes still vary greatly depending on the store that sells them
Part 2 of 3: Determining Sizes in Specific Stores
Step 1. Always check the size instructions when shopping online
Most, though not all, online clothing websites have graphics explaining their sizing standards. Sometimes a dress will be larger or smaller than your body size, so it's important to have a handy sizing standard against which to compare the size guides on online websites.
It's always a good idea to shop on the same website, because you already know what size will work best for your body
Step 2. Check each store's standard size
Once you know your measurements, you need to check the size standards at different stores. Many stores and many brands define their specific sizing standards when producing clothing. You can check the clothing label to see which size is right for you.
- In the Target brand, for example, the Target brand mini size (size number: 0 or 2) has a bust of 85.09cm to 86.39cm, a waist circumference of 66.04cm to 67.31cm, and a hip circumference of 91.44cm to 93.98cm.
- On the Top shop brand, the American standard size 6 has a bust of 87cm, a waist circumference of 69.2cm, and a hip circumference of 91.5cm, which is a size smaller than a typical size chart.
Step 3. Ask
Sometimes the best way to find dress sizes at different stores is to ask a salesperson. You won't be the first to be confused and the salesperson knows that most stores have different measurement methods for dresses. As long as you know your size, they can definitely help you.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Best Dress
Step 1. Choose the right dress for a straight body
If you have a straight body (small waist, flat chest, small butt), there are certain dresses that will make you look better than others. Fitted sheath and classic shift dresses are perfect for this body type.
- Empire-waisted dresses or A-line skirts help give your body curves, if you don't have curves in those areas.
- You can also create a more dramatic effect by wearing a dress that shows off your shoulders. The neckline of a dress like this draws more attention to the collarbone area and sleeves.
Step 2. Choose a dress that enlarges your upper body if you have a pear shape
A pear shape generally means you have big hips and buttocks, and a small bust. Dresses with an open neckline and no shoulder straps are great for drawing attention to your upper body, highlighting your valued body parts.
An empire waist dress, long and with an A-line skirt also enlarges the hips and helps you look great
Step 3. Beautify your body shape if you have an hourglass shape
This means you have a large chest and hips, with a small waist. You need to use a dress that is cut at the waist and shows your body shape.
Wrap, knit, and sheath dresses that have details at the waist are good choices to show your body shape
Step 4. Get yourself noticed if you have an apple body shape
This generally means that your smallest part is in your ribs, which are above your waist. An empire waist dress is a good choice to draw attention to the upper part of your body, because the waistline of this dress is just below the chest.
- Choose a dress with details around the neckline, as this will draw attention to the upper part of the body.
- Long skirts or A-line skirts on dresses can give your body an hourglass shape.
Step 5. Draw attention to your lower body if you have a large chest
When your bust size is larger than your hips and buttocks, it's a good idea to avoid paying attention to your chest and balance your upper and lower body with the dress you choose.
- A top with a V-neck and straps can create a slimming effect (and looks great on people with a large bust).
- Dresses with long, A-line skirts will help create a balance between the top and bottom of the body. Choosing a dress with details on the bottom can also help draw attention to the lower part of the body.
Tips
- If you have problems measuring your own body, you can always ask a friend for help.
- Even the sizes with those numbers may vary from brand to brand. A 2x in a chain store will be different from a 2x in a large women's clothing store.
Warning
- For a more accurate measurement, measure your body after inhaling and exhaling. Never measure your body while taking a deep breath.
- When shopping for new clothes, always check clothing labels for sizes. The sizing labels on hangers are often different from clothing labels.
