Bust
Around the fullest part of the bust, tape level all the way round, arms relaxed at your sides. Wear the bra you intend to wear on the day.
Guide · The Measurements
How to measure yourself
Nothing in the house is cut to a standard size. Every gown — bridal or ready-to-wear — is made to a set of measurements taken for you alone. Eleven numbers is all we need to begin, and this page shows you exactly how to take each one.
Before you start
- —Use a soft dressmaker's tape, never a builder's tape or string.
- —Be measured by someone else — self-measuring is the single most common cause of a poor fit.
- —Wear the underwear and shapewear you will wear on the day, and nothing bulky over it.
- —Stand naturally. Do not hold your breath or pull the tape tight — snug against the skin is correct.
- —Record everything in centimetres and write it down as you go, one measurement per line.
- —Take a front, back and side photograph against a plain wall in fitted clothing.
The eleven measurements
Underbust
Directly beneath the bust where a bra band sits. Snug, not tight — this measurement builds the corselet.
Natural waist
The narrowest part of the torso, usually an inch above the navel. Bend sideways — the crease is your natural waist.
Hip
Around the fullest part of the seat, roughly 20–22 cm below the waist. Feet together.
High hip
Around the upper hip bones, about 10 cm below the waist. Governs how a fit-and-flare skirt breaks.
Shoulder to bust point
From the top of the shoulder, at the base of the neck, down over the bust to the fullest point.
Shoulder to waist
Same starting point, continuing over the bust down to the natural waist. Take front and back separately.
Waist to hem
From the natural waist to where you want the hem to fall — taken in the shoes you will wear.
Armhole & bicep
Around the top of the arm at its fullest, and around the armhole from shoulder through underarm.
Nape to floor
From the bone at the base of the neck, straight down the spine to the floor. Sets train and back length.
Height & shoe heel
Your height without shoes, plus the heel height of your wedding shoes in centimetres.
Sending them to us
One message, one list
Send the eleven numbers, your three photographs, your wedding or event date and the town you are in. Georgina replies personally, confirms anything that looks unusual, and only then quotes the gown. If you are far from Windhoek we can brief a seamstress near you to take the measurements for you.
