Why your measurements matter
Ten minutes with a tape measure is all it takes to get a dress that fits like it was made for you, because it will be. Standard sizes are built on averages, so most of us are a different size at the bust, waist and hips.
At Bee Boe, every piece is made to order in our Jaipur studio. Accurate measurements mean the corset sits where it should, the gown skims the floor and nothing pulls or gapes.
What you need before you start
- A soft measuring tape, the fabric kind used for sewing, not a metal one. No tape? Use a piece of string and measure it against a ruler.
- The underwear you’ll wear with the dress. A bra changes your bust measurement by up to 2 inches (5 cm).
- The shoes you’ll wear, for length measurements on gowns and maxi dresses.
- A mirror, and ideally a friend. Someone else holding the tape gives the most accurate result.
- A pen and paper, or use the measurement record below.
How to take each measurement, step by step
Stand straight and relaxed, feet together, arms at your sides. Breathe normally and keep the tape snug but not tight: you should fit one finger underneath it.
1. Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, usually across the nipples. Keep it level all the way around your back.
2. Under-bust
Measure around your ribcage directly under your bust, where a bra band sits. This one matters most for corsets and fitted bodices.
3. Waist
Find your natural waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch above your belly button. Bend to one side; the crease that forms is your waist. Don’t suck in.
4. Hips
Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, usually 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) below your waist.
5. Shoulder width
Measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. This is easiest with a friend.
6. Arm length (for sleeved styles)
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder bone, over the elbow, to your wrist bone.
7. Armhole
Wrap the tape around the top of your arm, through the armpit and over the shoulder point. This stops sleeves and straps from cutting in.
8. Shoulder to waist
Measure from the top of your shoulder, where a strap sits, straight down over the bust to your natural waist.
9. Full length (for midi, maxi and gowns)
Wearing your shoes, measure from the top of your shoulder straight down to where you want the hem: knee, mid-calf or the floor.
10. Height
Stand barefoot against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head. We use it to balance proportions.
Common measuring mistakes to avoid
- Measuring over clothes. Wear only fitted underwear, or a thin slip at most.
- Pulling the tape too tight. A tight tape gives a dress you can’t sit down in.
- Letting the tape dip at the back. Check in the mirror that it stays level.
- Holding your breath or sucking in. Measure as you’ll stand at the party.
- Rounding down. If you’re between two numbers, write down the larger one.
- Mixing units. Use all inches or all centimetres, and say which.
- Guessing your waist from your jeans size. Jeans sit on the hips, not the natural waist.
Your measurement record
| Measurement | Inches or cm | Needed for |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | Inches | All styles |
| Under-bust | Inches | Corsets, bodices, co-ord tops |
| Waist | Inches | All styles |
| Hips | Inches | All styles |
| Shoulder width | Inches | Blazers, sleeved and structured styles |
| Arm length | Inches | Sleeved styles |
| Armhole | Inches | Sleeved and strapped styles |
| Shoulder to waist | Inches | Dresses and gowns |
| Full length (with shoes) | Inches | Midi, maxi and gowns |
| Height (barefoot) | Inches | All styles |
| Heel height you’ll wear | Inches | Gowns and maxi dresses |
How to send your measurements to Bee Boe
- Choose your dress from the shop and add it to your cart.
- At checkout, type your measurements in the order notes, with the unit (inches or cm).
- Forgot something? Email hi@beeboe.com or message us on WhatsApp within 24 hours of ordering.
- If anything looks unusual, our team will contact you before we start cutting.
Unsure about a measurement? Send us a photo of the tape in place and we’ll check it.
What measurements do I need for a custom dress?
Bust, waist and hips are essential for every style. Corsets also need your under-bust, sleeved styles need arm length and armhole, and gowns need your full length with shoes.
Should I measure in inches or centimetres?
Either works. Use one unit for every measurement and tell us which you used.
What if I’m between sizes?
With a custom-fit dress there are no sizes. We cut to your exact numbers, so just give us accurate measurements.
Can I measure myself without help?
Yes, for bust, waist and hips, using a mirror to keep the tape level. Ask a friend for shoulder width and full length.
What if my measurements change before the dress arrives?
Email hi@beeboe.com within 24 hours of ordering to update them. After that, production may already have started.
Ready for a dress made just for you?
With your measurements in hand, every Bee Boe piece can be cut to fit. Start with New Arrivals, or browse Maxi Dresses and Gowns, Midi Dresses, Corsets and Co-ord Sets.
New to Bee Boe? Use code NEWBEE for 10% off your first order.
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