Ordering a made-to-measure wedding dress online is much easier when your measurements are taken carefully. This guide explains how to measure yourself at home for your Sylk Atelier gown, including bust, waist, hips, shoulder width, armhole, sleeve length and skirt length measurements.
For the most accurate result, ask someone else to help you. Stand naturally, keep the measuring tape flat against the body, and do not pull it too tight. The tape should sit close to the body without digging in.
Before you start:
Wear close-fitting clothing or underwear similar to what you plan to wear under your dress. Use a soft measuring tape and measure in either centimetres or inches. Please do not mix both units.
Measurements needed for a made-to-measure wedding dress
These are the main measurements we ask for when creating a made-to-measure wedding dress. Some arm measurements are only needed for gowns with sleeves.
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level across your back and around the front of your body. The tape should sit smoothly without squashing the bust.
Waist
Measure around your natural waist. This is usually the smallest part of your torso, above your belly button and below your ribcage. Stand normally and avoid sucking in your stomach.
High hip
Measure around your upper hip area, across the top of your hip bones and lower stomach. This measurement helps us shape the gown through the lower waist and upper hip area.
Low hip
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Keep the tape level all the way around. This is usually wider than the high hip measurement.
Shoulder to waist
Measure from the top of your shoulder, down over the bust, to your natural waist. This helps us place the waistline correctly on your body, especially for structured bodices, corseted gowns and dresses with a defined waist.
Waist to floor
Measure from your natural waist straight down to the floor. Stand upright and keep the tape vertical. This measurement helps determine the skirt length.
Height
Measure your full height from the top of your head to the floor, without shoes. This helps us check the overall proportions of the gown.
Event shoe height
Measure the heel height of the shoes you plan to wear with your wedding dress. If you have not chosen your exact shoes yet, use the heel height you expect to wear.
Shoulder width
Measure across the back from one shoulder edge to the other. This helps with strap placement, neckline balance and overall bodice fit.
Armhole circumference
Measure around the shoulder and underarm where the armhole of the dress would sit. Keep your arm relaxed by your side and make sure the tape is not too tight.
Bicep circumference
This measurement is only needed for dresses with sleeves. Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm while your arm is relaxed.
Arm length
This measurement is only needed for dresses with sleeves. Measure from the edge of your shoulder down to your wrist, or to the point where you would like the sleeve to end.
Important fit note:
Measurements should be taken snugly but comfortably. Do not add extra room yourself. We allow for garment fit during the dressmaking process.
Tips for taking accurate wedding dress measurements at home
- Ask someone else to measure you where possible.
- Stand naturally with your feet flat on the floor.
- Keep the measuring tape level and smooth.
- Do not pull the tape tightly into the body.
- Use the same unit for every measurement.
- Measure twice if you are unsure.
- Use your planned wedding shoes or expected heel height for length-related measurements.
What if I am between sizes?
Bridal sizing often differs from everyday clothing sizes, so it is normal if your measurements do not match one standard size exactly. For Sylk Atelier gowns, custom sizing allows the dress to be made around your own measurements rather than relying only on a standard size label.
What happens after I submit my measurements?
Once your order is placed, we review your submitted measurements, colour choice, wedding date and any additional notes before production begins. If anything looks unclear or needs confirming, we will contact you before your gown is made.
Wedding dress measurement checklist
- Bust
- Waist
- High hip
- Low hip
- Shoulder to waist
- Waist to floor
- Height
- Event shoe height
- Shoulder width
- Armhole circumference
- Bicep circumference, for sleeve dresses only
- Arm length, for sleeve dresses only
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure myself with or without shoes?
Your full height should be measured without shoes. Your waist to floor measurement should be taken straight down to the floor, and your event shoe height should be provided separately.
Should I add extra room to my measurements?
No. Please provide your actual body measurements. Do not add extra room, as this can affect the final fit of the dress.
Do I need bicep and arm length measurements?
Bicep circumference and arm length are only needed if your wedding dress has sleeves or if you are requesting sleeves as a custom change.
Can I update my measurements after ordering?
If you need to update a measurement after placing your order, contact us as soon as possible. Changes may only be possible before production begins.