Women come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their clothes. But when it comes to dress sizes, there seems to be a lot of confusion. What size should you wear? Is one size bigger or smaller than another?
Here’s a quick guide to help you make sense of dress sizes. With this info, you’ll be able to find the right size for you, whether you’re shopping online or in-store.
What is a dress size and why does it matter
Dress size is a number assigned to clothing that generally represents the size of an individual. This way, people of all different shapes and sizes can easily find clothing that fits their unique body.
Dress sizes are most commonly determined by comparing measurements such as chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, and sometimes height in order to get an accurate reading.
Although it can be difficult to identify your exact dress size without giving accurate measurements of your body, knowing which dress size is best for you will make shopping much easier and give you peace of mind when purchasing clothing items online or from in-store.
Additionally, it’s important to note that no two brands size the same so finding out your proper dress size is an essential part of building a cohesive wardrobe for any occasion.
How to measure your dress size
Trying to buy the perfect dress when you don’t know your size can be a daunting task! Fortunately, measuring yourself is actually surprisingly straightforward.
First, measure your bust by wrapping a soft tape measure around your chest at the widest point. Next, take your waist measurement by measuring smallest part of your midsection.
Then, for the hip measurement wrap put the tape around the fullest point of your hips.
Write down each number and refer to an apparel size chart to look up what size would be most accurate for you. Moreover, don’t forget to measure the dress length.
To measure your dress length, start measuring from the shoulder down to the knees.
Read Also: Blouse Sizes
The U.S. Dress Sizes
| US SIZE |
Bust Inches |
WAIST INCHES |
Hips INCHES |
| 00/0 (XS) | 30 | 22-24 | 32-34 |
| 2 (XS) | 31-32 | 24-25 | 33-34 |
| 4 (S) | 33 | 26-27 | 34-36 |
| 6 (S) | 34 | 27-28 | 36-37 |
| 8 (M) | 35-36 | 28-29 | 37-39 |
| 10 (M) | 37-38 | 29-30 | 39-41 |
| 12 (L) | 39 | 31-32 | 41-43 |
| 14 (L) | 40-41 | 33-34 | 43-44 |
| 16 (XL) | 42-43 | 34-36 | 44-45 |
| 18 (XL) | 44-45 | 36-38 | 45-47 |
| 20 (XXL) | 46 | 38-40 | 47-49 |
| 22 (XXL) | 47-48 | 40-42 | 49-51 |
The UK Dress Size Chart
| UK SIZE |
Bust Inches |
WAIST INCHES |
Hips INCHES |
| 4 (XS) | 30 | 22-24 | 32-34 |
| 6 (XS) | 31-32 | 24-25 | 33-34 |
| 8 (S) | 33 | 26-27 | 34-36 |
| 10 (S) | 34 | 27-28 | 36-37 |
| 12 (M) | 35-36 | 28-29 | 37-39 |
| 14 (M) | 37-38 | 29-30 | 39-41 |
| 16 (L) | 39 | 31-32 | 41-43 |
| 18 (L) | 40-41 | 33-34 | 43-44 |
| 20 (XL) | 42-43 | 34-36 | 44-45 |
| 22 (XL) | 44-45 | 36-38 | 45-47 |
| 24 (XXL) | 46 | 38-40 | 47-49 |
| 26 (XXL) | 47-48 | 40-42 | 49-51 |
International Dress Size Chart
| USA | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UK
|
4
|
6
|
8
|
10
|
12
|
14
|
16
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
|
Australia
|
4
|
6
|
8
|
10
|
12
|
14
|
16
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
|
France & Spain
|
32
|
34
|
36
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
44
|
46
|
48
|
50
|
52
|
|
Germany
|
34
|
36
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
44
|
46
|
48
|
50
|
52
|
54
|
|
Italy
|
36
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
44
|
46
|
48
|
50
|
52
|
54
|
56
|
|
Japan
|
5
|
7
|
9
|
11
|
13
|
15
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
27
|
Dress Length Guide for Height
Micro dress: 30”-32”, 76-82 cm
Mini dress: 34”-35”, 86-88 cm
Above-knee dress: 41”-43”, 90-92 cm
Knee length: 39”-40”, 99-102 cm
Just below knee: 39”-40”, 104-109 cm
Calf length: 45”-47”, 114-119 cm
Ankle length: 55”-57”, 140-144 cm
Floor length: 60”-62”, 152-157 cm
Petite/Tall Dress Sizes UK
| Body Height |
SIZE |
| < 160 cm | Petite (Short) |
| 160-175 cm | Regular/Standard |
| > 175 cm | Tall (Long) |
U.S. Petite/Tall Dress Sizes
| Body Height |
SIZE |
| < 5’3” | Petite (Short) |
| 5’3”-5’9 | Regular/Standard |
| >5’9″ | Tall (Long) |
Tips on how to find the right dress size for you
Shopping for clothes can be a bit of a challenge, but finding the right dress size doesn’t have to be.
One key tip that is important to remember is the importance of trying on multiple sizes when shopping for dresses. You may end up being different sizes in different brands and styles, so it pays off to get an idea for what might fit you best.
Furthermore, taking accurate measurements of your bust, waist and hips is essential for pinpointing just what size you should be going for.
There are tons of online resources where you can take or find your measurements and translate them into your perfect fit – from short to tall sizes.
Finally, when you’re figuring out the proportion between body shape and dress width, sometimes personal preference comes into play – whether its choosing a looser fit because it’s more comfortable or opting for something body-hugging to accentuate curves.
By making sure all these factors are in check before shopping, finding the right dress size becomes much simpler and more enjoyable!
Read Also: Skirt Sizes
Common mistakes people make when choosing a dress size
Choosing the correct dress size can be a daunting task for many people. It is important to take time and select carefully, as an ill-fitting garment can be both uncomfortable and unflattering.
Common mistakes people make when deciding on a dress size include buying items that are too small in an attempt to fit into a smaller size, or buying clothes that are too loose in hopes of hiding imperfections.
Moreover, some people also forget to factor in personal preference for amount of comfort when selecting sizes, leading them to buy clothing either too tight or too baggy.
To avoid such pitfalls it is best to try multiple sizes and consider personal comfort when selecting one that fits best. With these tips in mind, people should be able to find the right size with ease!
Read Also: Legging Sizes
How to shop for dresses online without trying them on first
Shopping for dresses online without the benefit of trying them on first may seem daunting and risky, but armed with a few tips and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to dress in style without setting foot inside a store.
Start by familiarizing yourself with online sizing charts and find out which stores carry the size you’re searching for.
Then pay close attention to customer reviews on the items you want, noting fit and size details as well as how the dress looks when worn.
Finally, opt for returns if possible; many online stores offer free returns or exchanges to their customers so that if the purchase isn’t just right, there are options for getting back your money or swap it for something else.
Shopping for dresses online can be convenient, hassle-free, and enjoyable when done right!