Wedding Dress Size Chart: How To Measure For Your Wedding Dress

Choosing the right wedding dress starts with knowing how to measure your body accurately and confidently. In this guide, you’ll learn the key steps for getting precise measurements at home, the tools you’ll need, tips for sizing between measurements, and how to use your numbers to find your best fit on the Maggie Sottero size chart. This quick overview gives you everything you need to feel prepared before ordering your gown and helps ensure your dress feels supportive, sculpted, and beautifully tailored from the moment you try it on. 

We know it’s easy to get discouraged when it comes to clothing sizes, but wedding dress sizes do not follow the typical measurements of your everyday clothes, so don’t be worried if your size is different than what you’re used to! It’s totally normal, and what matters most is that the dress fits, not the number. You’re beautiful no matter your measurements, and your dress will be stunning on your special day!

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How to Determine Your Wedding Dress Size

Finding your wedding dress size should feel empowering, not stressful. Think of it as the first little step toward that this is so me moment. Here’s how to measure with confidence and set yourself up for the dreamiest fit. 

Grab a Bestie and a Measuring Tape 

Measuring yourself for a wedding gown is absolutely a two-person job. Ask a friend, partner, or family member to help you out so your measurements are accurate and consistent. A second set of eyes makes all the difference. 

Wear the Undergarments You’ll Actually Use 

Your measurements should reflect what you’ll wear on your big day. Slip into the bra, shapewear, or smoothing pieces you plan to use so your numbers match your real wedding-day fit. 

Keep the Tape Snug but Never Taut 

Your measuring tape should feel gently secure against your body. Not loose, not digging in, just smooth and snug. This gives you the most true-to-you measurements and helps your seamstress create that signature Maggie Magic fit. 

Measure Twice (We Promise It Helps) 

Take each measurement at least twice and compare. Even tiny differences can matter when you’re ordering a gown, and measuring again gives you peace of mind that you’ve got the right numbers. 

Compare With the Maggie Sottero Size Chart 

Once you have your bust, waist, and hip measurements, head to the Maggie Sottero size chart to see where you land. If you fall between sizes, it’s almost always best to size up. Wedding gowns are designed with structure, layers, and beautiful details, so sizing up allows room for alterations and comfort without compromising the silhouette. 

How to Measure for Your Wedding Dress: Simple Steps 

• Bust: When measuring the bust, make sure the person measuring you holds the measuring tape straight around the fullest part of the bust without pulling the tape too tight.
• Waist: To measure the waist, have your friend measure your “natural waist,” or the smallest part of your torso. With this measurement, it’s important to note your fit preference: do you prefer it tighter in the waist or a more relaxed fit?
• Hips: Your hip measurement should be dictated by the widest area of the hip. The person measuring you should consider how your body shape will impact the fit points of your dress.
• Body Length: To measure body length, tilt your head down towards your shoulder. The person measuring you should identify the point on your body where your neck and shoulder meet. AKA, the is the starting point. Instruct your measurement friend to place one end of the tape measure at this point and follow the tape measure down your body vertically, making sure it is flush against your skin and down the fullest part of your bust. They should “walk” the tape measure down towards the ground, stopping just a couple of inches from the floor around your ankle bone, this is where you’ll find the body length measurement! A great tip to remember when taking this measurement is to wear the shoes, or similar shoes, you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. This way you can get the most accurate measurement for your body length! 

Your Fit, Your Way

For select styles, we offer personalization options for brides who want a longer (or shorter!) train and other custom details. To see what is available for your dress, work closely with your stylist. They can walk you through your personalization options and help you find the best fit for your vision.

When in doubt, always refer to our wedding dress size chart and measuring guide below for tips on how to take your wedding dress measurements.

Take a breath, relax your shoulders, and smile. This is one of those special wedding moments you will look back on with love. With the right measurements and your Maggie size chart in hand, you are already on your way to a gown that feels supportive, sculpted, and totally you.

The Perfect Dress for the Perfect Fit 

Let’s talk about the real secret that makes a Maggie Sottero wedding dress feel like it was made for that beautiful moment when a bride steps in front of the mirror and instantly glows. That feeling is not an accident. It is the “Maggie Magic,” and it comes from decades of thoughtful design, interior structure, and a deep understanding of how a gown should feel on a body. 

Here are some gowns that embody the magic: 

Hudson by Maggie Sottero  

Hudson is as regal as it is chic, designed for the bride who wants elegance with a bold, modern twist. With inner elastic built into the construction, this gown gives you a sculpted, comfortable fit that moves with you and highlights your natural shape. It’s truly made to wow from every angle. 

If a dramatic skirt isn’t your vibe, you still have options. The detachable panniers let you customize your silhouette in seconds, transforming the look from full and voluminous to soft, sleek, and effortlessly refined. Whether you want showstopping drama for the ceremony or a more understated shape for the reception, Hudson adapts to whatever moment you’re creating. 

Verina by Maggie Sottero 

Looking for a nature-inspired gown that truly stands apart? Verina is your moment. This design goes big on lace with botanical motifs that feel organic, dimensional, and utterly enchanting. The structured bodice with exposed boning adds a sculpted, modern contrast to all that soft texture, giving you a look that feels both whimsical and empowering. 

Say yes to Verina if you’re dreaming of a gown that brings the romance of the outdoors into every stitch while still offering the fashion-forward structure you love. It’s a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and bold bridal style. 

Adair by Sottero and Midgley  

If you want a wedding dress that’s anything but ordinary, let us introduce Adair. It’s the definition of chic romance with a lace-up corset back that snatches, flatters, and finishes the whole look with major main-character energy. The bold dropwaist silhouette leans into that princess vibe in the dreamiest way. 

Live out your fairytale fantasy, gorgeous. Adair is ready when you are. 

Lassen by Sottero and Midgley  

Okay, we see you and your vintage-glam obsession. Same. Lassen is everything you’ve been dreaming about, doubled. This Chantilly lace two-piece moment is serving pure bridal magic. And that corset bodice? Yeah… it can handle the talking. 

Tamar by Sottero and Midgley  

Tamar is an ethereal dream crafted in unembellished allover lace that feels light, airy, and beautifully refined. The asymmetrically draped bodice and strapless sweetheart neckline create a soft, sculpted silhouette that floats with every step. Inside, Rosario crepe back satin adds a smooth, luxe feel, while the zipper with an inner corset closure and covered buttons trailing to the hem offer timeless detailing. 

FAQ:  

 What measurements do I need for a wedding dress? 

Most boutiques take measurements of your bust, waist, and hip. Depending on the gown, they may also take hollow to hem, height with shoes, arm circumference, sleeve length, and waist to floor. 

Should I size up or down if I fall between sizes? 

Choosing the larger size is usually the best option. You can always tailor a gown down but letting one out is far more difficult. 

What is hollow to hem? 

Hollow to hem measures from the hollow of your neck, which is the visible dip located at the midline of the neck, to the floor. Designers use this to determine gown length, especially for fitted or structured styles. 

Why do my wedding dress measurements not match my usual clothing size? 

Bridal sizing is different from everyday sizing. Many brides wear a size or two up from their street size. The goal is fit, not the number on the tag. 

 Do I need to wear shoes when taking wedding dress measurements? 

Yes, for length measurements. You should measure with the shoes or heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day. 

Try on a Gown IRL and Fall in Love…Again

Finding the right wedding dress starts with understanding how different fabrics, silhouettes, and details work together to create a look that feels uniquely you. In this guide, you’ll discover what makes an ethereal lace wedding dress so special, why these soft and romantic styles continue to trend, and how to choose the right construction and features for your body, comfort, and wedding-day vision. From airy unembellished lace to modern exposed boning, we’re breaking down the key elements brides love and what to look for as you begin your dress search. 

Trying on a gown in person is the best way to experience movement, fit, and that instant emotional connection brides talk about. See how your favorite silhouettes feel, compare details IRL, and find the dress that makes everything click. Find a Maggie Sottero Authorized Boutique and book your appointment today.  

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