How Do I Know My Dress Size Without Trying It On?
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Measure your bust, waist and hip, then match them to the brand's own chart. Do not go by what size you take elsewhere, because sizing between Nigerian, UK, US and EU labels varies enormously.
This matters more with some fabrics than others. Anything non-stretch, which includes silk satin, chiffon and linen, has very little give. A jersey dress will forgive a bad guess. A boned silk satin bodice will not.
Measuring properly
You need a soft tape measure and about two minutes.
Bust. Around the fullest part of your chest, straight across your back. Snug but not pulled tight.
Waist. Around your natural waist, which is usually the narrowest point, roughly level with your navel. Stand the way you normally stand. Do not hold your breath in, because the dress will not care that you did.
Hip. Around the fullest part of your hips and seat, tape level all the way round.
Write all three down. You will use them again.
Our chart
|
Size |
Bust (in) |
Waist (in) |
Hip (in) |
|
6 |
32 |
24 |
36 |
|
8 |
34 |
26 |
38 |
|
10 |
36 |
28 |
40 |
|
12 |
38 |
30 |
42 |
|
14 |
40 |
32 |
44 |
|
16 |
42 |
34 |
46 |
|
18 |
44 |
36 |
48 |
Some styles also run to a size 20.
If you fall between two sizes
Size up. Taking a dress in is straightforward for any tailor. Letting it out often is not, because there may be no seam allowance to work with.
It depends a bit on the style
Corset styles like CARA, REMI, MELISSA and NICOLE are built around the bust and waist. If your bust and waist land in different sizes, go with the bust and let the structure handle the waist.
Flowing styles like OMA, ONAS and AMY are much more forgiving through the hip, because the skirt falls away rather than sitting close.
Linen pieces like SIA, ROSE and NADIA are cut loose on purpose. If you are between sizes in linen, sizing down is more often right than it would be for occasion wear.
When in doubt
Most of our product photos say what size the model is wearing, usually a UK 6, so you have something to compare against.
Or come and try things on. Our boutique is at 144 Olabode George, Victoria Island, open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. For a structured dress it is genuinely worth the trip.