Dress sizes are not completely consistent between brands, styles, or seasons. That is why Loyces shows measurement information alongside the size name whenever it is available. This page explains what our charts mean, how we measure a dress, how to measure your body, and how to make a more reliable comparison before ordering.
The most important points
- A body size chart describes the wearer’s body measurements. It is not the finished dress measurement.
- An actual garment measurement describes the physical dress and will be identified as a garment or flat measurement.
- The size printed on a label is a reference only. Always check the measurement information shown on the product page.
- Compare body measurements with a body chart, and garment measurements with a similar dress that fits you well. Do not compare unlike measurements.
- Fit also depends on stretch, lining, boning, seams, silhouette, and whether the back is zipped or adjustable.
1. Which size chart will you see?
Loyces uses the most specific available chart for each product. The chart shown on the product page follows this priority:
- Dress-specific chart: used when that particular product has its own measurement table.
- Brand-specific chart: used when there is no dress-specific chart but the brand has its own size guide.
- Loyces general size guide: used only when neither a dress-specific nor a brand-specific chart is available.
The title above the chart tells you which guide is being displayed. Brand and general charts are guides rather than guarantees because the cut and construction of an individual dress can affect fit.
2. Understanding the measurement information
| Information shown | What it means | What to compare it with |
|---|---|---|
| Label or listed size | The size name printed by the manufacturer or assigned to that variation, such as US8 or US14 | Use only as a starting point; check the relevant chart |
| Body measurements | The body circumference the size is intended to fit | Your own full bust, natural waist, and full hips |
| Actual garment or flat measurements | Measurements taken from the physical dress or its finished specification | A similar dress that fits you well, measured using the same method |
| Estimated fit or adjustable range | A practical range based on construction such as stretch or a lace-up back | Your body measurements, while also reading the product notes |
Some Loyces products are one-of-one pieces, while others are available in more than one size or unit. When a listing provides measurements for the actual piece, they will be described as actual garment or flat measurements. For products with multiple units or sizes, a table may instead show the product, brand, or shop body-size standard; it does not necessarily mean that every individual unit was measured separately.
3. How we take garment measurements
Unless a listing states another method, the dress is fastened, placed on a flat surface, and gently smoothed without stretching the fabric. Widths measured across the dress are doubled when we publish them as a full circumference. For example, a 46 cm flat bust width is shown as an approximate 92 cm full garment bust.
| Garment measurement | How it is taken |
|---|---|
| Full bust | Across the fullest part of the bust from side to side, then doubled for the full circumference |
| Waist | Across the natural or constructed waistline, then doubled for the full circumference |
| Hips | Across the fullest part of the hip area, then doubled for the full circumference; this may be omitted for a very full or unrestricted skirt |
| Shoulder to hem | From the highest shoulder point down to the hem, following the front of the dress without stretching |
| Hollow to hem | From the hollow at the base of the front neck down to the hem |
| Waist to hem | From the waist seam or defined waistline down to the hem |
| Shoulder width | Across the back from one shoulder seam or natural shoulder point to the other |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder seam to the sleeve edge along the outside of the sleeve; unusual sleeve constructions may use a method stated in the listing |
The exact length reference matters. A shoulder-to-hem measurement cannot be compared directly with a waist-to-hem measurement. Always use the label shown beside the number.
4. How to measure your body
Use a flexible dressmaker’s tape measure. Wear the undergarments you expect to wear with the dress, stand naturally, and keep the tape level with the floor. The tape should rest against the body without pulling tight or leaving extra slack. If possible, ask another person to help.
| Body measurement | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Full bust | Measure around the fullest part of the bust, across the shoulder blades and under the arms, keeping the tape level |
| Waist | Measure around your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of the torso; bend gently to one side to help locate it |
| Hips | Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat |
| Hollow to floor | Stand straight and measure from the hollow at the base of the front neck to the floor; wear the shoes or heel height planned for the dress |
| Height | Stand barefoot with your back straight and measure from the top of your head to the floor |
5. How to compare a dress you already own
- Choose a dress with a similar silhouette, fabric stretch, and fit.
- Close its zipper, buttons, or other fastening and lay it on a flat surface.
- Smooth it gently without pulling or stretching the fabric.
- Measure the bust, waist, hips, and length using the same points described above.
- If you measured a flat width, double it before comparing it with a full-circumference number on Loyces.
- Compare each measurement, not only the label size.
6. Allowance, stretch, and dress construction
Your body measurement and a finished garment measurement are not normally identical. A dress needs an appropriate amount of wearing ease, but the amount varies by design. A fitted stretch dress may fit close to the body, while a woven, lined, or boned dress generally needs more room.
- Zipper backs, boning, and non-stretch lining are usually less forgiving.
- Lace-up backs may offer adjustment, but only within the range stated or reasonably supported by the particular dress.
- Stretch fabrics may accommodate more variation; we do not stretch a garment while taking its resting measurement unless a stretched measurement is expressly shown.
- Full skirts may make the hip measurement unimportant, while fitted mermaid and sheath styles require careful hip comparison.
- Length is affected by your height, torso proportions, heel height, and the volume of the skirt.
If your measurements fall between sizes, do not automatically choose from the size name alone. Pay particular attention to the least adjustable area of the dress and contact us before ordering if you are unsure.
7. Units and hand-measurement differences
Product charts may be viewed in inches or centimetres where that option is available. Conversions may be rounded for readability. Because dresses are three-dimensional and fabrics can move while being measured, small hand-measurement differences of approximately 1–2 cm (about 0.5–0.75 in) may occur.
Measurements help you make a better-informed choice, but they cannot guarantee a particular fit or replace an in-person fitting. Body shape, posture, preferred tightness, and dress construction can all change how a garment feels when worn.
8. Ask us before you order
If a measurement is missing or you are unsure which size to choose, send us the product name, link, or SKU together with your full bust, waist, hips, height, and the size you are considering. For a fixed event date, include that date as well. We can explain the available information and, where possible, check the actual piece, but the final size choice remains yours.
Send the product name or SKU, the size you are considering, and your full bust, waist, and hip measurements. We will help you compare the available information.