What if my bust, waist, and hips suggest different sizes?

Order the size matching your LARGEST measurement. The tailor takes in the smaller dimensions. Example: bust = size 10, waist = size 8, hips = size 12 → order size 12, tailor takes in bust and waist. Always size up, never size down.

When should I order a bridesmaid dress?

4-6 months before the wedding. Most bridesmaid brands have 12-16 week production lead times. Plus 4-6 weeks for alterations. Don't wait until the last 2 months — you'll be in expedited shipping fees and rush alteration costs.

Do I need to match the bride's brand or color exactly?

Yes — the bride's coordinator typically picks a specific brand + dye lot to ensure all bridesmaid dresses match in color. If you order from a different brand, even the same labeled color (e.g., 'mauve') will be visibly different. Stick with the bride's chosen retailer for color consistency.

Can I get bridesmaid dresses tailored?

Yes — most brands have 1-2 inches of seam allowance. Common alterations: take in waist, take in bust, hem to your length. Costs typically $80-200 per dress. Plan for alterations time between dress arrival and the wedding.

What's the difference between bridesmaid sizing and bridal sizing?

Both run smaller than RTW, but bridesmaid sizing is closer to RTW than bridal. Bridal: ~2 sizes smaller. Bridesmaid: ~1 size smaller. Always check the specific brand's chart in inches; brand variation matters more than the category-level rule.

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How to measure May 18, 2026 5 min read

How to Measure for a Bridesmaid Dress

Bridesmaid sizes run 1-2 numbers smaller than RTW. Order by your largest measurement, tailor down. Here's how to measure and when to order.

The Three Core Measurements

Measurement	Where	Notes
Bust	Fullest, parallel to floor	Light bra, no shapewear
Waist	Natural waist (narrowest)	Snug
Hips	Fullest seat	Standard
Hollow-to-floor (custom)	Collarbone hollow to floor	In bridesmaid heels

The Largest-Dimension Rule

Order the size that fits your LARGEST measurement

Bust = size 10, waist = size 8, hips = size 12 → order size 12. Tailor takes in bust + waist. Always size UP, never down.

Bridesmaid Brand Sizing (Approximate)

RTW size	Bridesmaid size	Bust	Waist	Hips
0	0-2	32	24	34
2	4	33	25	35
4	6	34.5	26.5	36.5
6	8	35.5	27.5	37.5
8	10	37	29	39
10	12	38.5	30.5	40.5
12	14	40	32	42
14	16	42	34	44
16	18	44	36	46
18	20	46	38	48

Always check the specific brand's chart in inches.

Brand-Specific Notes

Azazie

Online-only bridesmaid retailer. Runs true to chart. Affordable. Free home try-on for ~$10-15.

David's Bridal

Mid-tier bridesmaid + bridal. Runs slightly larger than other bridesmaid brands. Size 1 down if between.

Watters / Wtoo

Higher-tier. Runs smaller than typical bridesmaid sizing. Often size up 1.

Bill Levkoff / Mori Lee

Runs true to bridesmaid standard. Designer-tier sizing.

Birdy Grey

Modern online retailer. Runs slightly larger than designer brands. Size down if between.

Common Mistakes

Using RTW size for bridesmaid

Bridesmaid runs ~1 number smaller. Always check the brand chart.

Sizing down between sizes

Sizing down = no fabric to let out. Always size up; tailor takes in.

Ordering across multiple brands for matching colors

Even same-color across brands looks different. Stay with the bride's chosen retailer.

Ordering 6 weeks before

Production = 12-16 weeks. Alterations = 4-6 weeks. Order 4-6 months before.

FAQs

How are bridesmaid dresses sized?

Brand-specific chart. Runs 1-2 numbers smaller than RTW.

Mismatched bust/waist/hips?

Order largest, tailor down.

When to order?

4-6 months before the wedding.

Match bride's brand exactly?

Yes — color consistency requires same retailer/dye lot.

Can dresses be tailored?

Yes. Most have 1-2" seam allowance.

Bridesmaid vs bridal sizing?

Bridesmaid ~1 size smaller than RTW. Bridal ~2 sizes smaller.

Three Numbers, One Right Dress

For bridal sizing see wedding dress guide; for prom + formal see formal dress guide; for full dress chart see women's dress size chart.

Selling bridesmaid dresses on Shopify? Largest-dimension rule.

Tailor Size Guide adds largest-dimension matching to every bridesmaid listing.

Install the Shopify app Read the docs