Two minutes, one tape measure and a mirror. That's all it takes to give us numbers we can cut to. Measure in centimetres and write everything down as you go.
Before you start
- Use a soft tape measure. No tape? A piece of string and a ruler will do.
- Wear what goes underneath. Measure over your underwear or a thin fitted layer, and wear the bra you plan to wear with your piece.
- Stand tall and relaxed. Feet together, arms by your sides, breathing normally. No sucking in, we are dressing the real you.
- Snug, not tight. The tape should sit flat against your body with room to slide one finger underneath.
- Keep it level. Check in the mirror that the tape runs straight all the way around, especially across your back. A friend helps.
The big three
1. Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, usually across your nipples, keeping it level under your arms and across your back.
2. Waist
Find your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually a little above your belly button. Not sure? Bend to one side and the crease that forms is your waist. Measure around it with your tummy relaxed.
3. Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bum, usually about 20 cm below your natural waist.
For the perfect length
4. Height
Take your shoes off and stand with your back and heels against a wall. Lay a book flat on your head, mark where it meets the wall, then measure from the floor up to the mark.
5. Heel height
Wearing heels? Stand the shoe on a flat surface and measure the back of the heel from the floor to where your heel sits. Pop your height and heel height in the Free hem to your height box on any Occasion Edit dress and we will hem it to suit.
If we ask for a little more
For some custom pieces we might ask for one or two extras.
- Underbust: around your ribcage, directly under your bust.
- Shoulders: across your back, from the edge of one shoulder to the other.
- Arm length: from the edge of your shoulder, over a slightly bent elbow, to your wrist bone.
- Waist to floor: from your natural waist straight down to the floor, barefoot.
Last tips
- Measure twice. If the numbers disagree, measure a third time and go with the one that repeats.
- Compare your numbers with our size guide. Between two sizes? Email hello@weareamani.com and we will help you choose, or tick Make it custom and add your measurements.
Got your numbers? Add them in the Make it custom box on any piece in The Occasion Edit, or dream up something brand new with a custom order.