How to Measure for a Mother of the Bride Dress
By Kennedy Blue | Bridesmaid Dresses in 70+ Colors, Sizes 00-32 | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to take accurate measurements for a mother of the bride dress. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure a perfect fit and avoid common sizing mistakes.
Quick Answer
Use a soft measuring tape, wear minimal undergarments, and follow our step-by-step process to get accurate bust, waist, hip, and length measurements. Compare your numbers to the brand's size chart, not your ready-to-wear size.
Why Measuring Matters for Mother of the Bride Dresses
Mother of the bride dresses often use a different sizing system than everyday clothing. A dress labeled size 10 may fit like a size 8 or 12 depending on the brand. Taking your own measurements and comparing them to the specific size chart is the only reliable way to order the correct size.
Satin and chiffon fabrics, like those used in the Kinsley or Rory dresses, have little to no stretch. An accurate measurement ensures the dress fits comfortably without being too tight or requiring extensive alterations.
When to Measure
Measure yourself about two to four weeks before ordering. Avoid measuring right after a large meal or during your menstrual cycle when bloating can add inches. If you are between sizes, order the larger size and plan for minor alterations.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
- Bust: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Breathe normally. Common mistake: measuring too high or too low. Check that the tape sits at nipple level.
- Waist: Find your natural waist—the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button. Wrap the tape around and keep it level. Common mistake: measuring at the belly button instead of the natural waist. Bend sideways; the crease is your natural waist.
- Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, about 7–9 inches below your waist. Common mistake: measuring too high. The tape should pass over the widest point of your buttocks.
- Length (Hollow to Hem): Measure from the center of your collarbone (the hollow at the base of your neck) down to the desired hem length. Wear the shoes you plan to wear with the dress. Common mistake: forgetting to account for heel height. Measure in your actual event shoes.
- Compare to the Size Chart: Take your four measurements and compare each to the brand's size chart. Use the largest measurement to choose your size. If you fall between sizes, size up. Common mistake: assuming your dress size equals your ready-to-wear size. Always use the chart.
Dresses That Fit Your Measurements
- Kinsley - Beaded Mother of the Bride Dress: Kinsley features a beaded and embroidered lace bodice with a flowing chiffon skirt. The structured bodice means accurate bust and waist measurements are critical for a comfortable fit without gaping.
Kinsley - Beaded Mother of the Bride Dress - Rory Mother of the Bride Dress: Rory has a fitted silhouette made from soft matte satin with a stretch liner and boning. The boning provides support, but the fitted shape requires precise hip and waist measurements to avoid a too-snug fit.
Rory Mother of the Bride Dress
