Dress Size Calculator for Every Silhouette
By Mohit Patel, Marketing Specialist, Tailor Size Guide
This dress size calculator handles the silhouette problem in one form: bodycon, A-line, sheath, and shift dresses all fit the same body differently. Enter your bust, waist, and hips and the tool gives you the right size in US, UK, EU, and AU — plus a note on whether to size up for fitted bodycon or down for A-line ease. Use the calculator below to get your exact fit in 30 seconds.
How it works
Measure yourself
Take your bust, waist, and hips with a soft tape. See the full measurement guide.
Enter the numbers
Type your measurements into the calculator above. Pick inches or cm — the tool converts both ways.
Get your size
Match the result against the brand's chart and order with confidence.
Women's dress sizing — bust + hip driven
| Size | US | UK | EU | Bust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0–2 | 4–6 | 32–34 | 31–33" |
| S | 4–6 | 8–10 | 36–38 | 33–35" |
| M | 8–10 | 12–14 | 40–42 | 35–37" |
| L | 12–14 | 16–18 | 44–46 | 38–40" |
| XL | 16–18 | 20–22 | 48–50 | 41–43" |
| XXL | 20–22 | 24–26 | 52–54 | 44–46" |
Dress sizing at a glance
- Take bust, waist and hips, and write down the exact numbers.
- Size for the part of the dress that's fitted: all three for bodycon, bust and waist for A-line, hips for slip dresses.
- Woven fabrics don't stretch; size for your largest fitted measurement.
- Knits stretch; you can often size for your smallest measurement.
- Check the dress length and the model's height, especially if you're petite or tall.
- Between sizes in a structured dress? Size up and have it taken in.
How the dress size calculator works
Dresses are sized on three body measurements: bust, waist and hips. Enter all three and the calculator finds the size where they fit best, then shows the US, UK and EU equivalents. Few bodies line up neatly with one row of a size chart. Most people are one size at the bust and another at the hips, so the useful question is: which measurement matters most for the dress you're buying? That depends on its shape, and that's what most of this page is about.
How to measure for a dress
Wear the underwear you'd wear with the dress, and use a soft tape measure.
- Bust. Around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level across your back. See how to measure your bust.
- Waist. Around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or so above the belly button. See how to measure your waist.
- Hips. Around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with your feet together. See how to measure your hips.
- Length (optional). For maxi and midi dresses, measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the hem to fall.
Measure snug but not tight, and breathe normally. If you're between numbers, write down the exact figure rather than rounding up "to be safe."
Women's dress size chart
| Size | US | UK | EU | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0 to 2 | 4 to 6 | 32 to 34 | 31 to 33 | 24 to 26 | 34 to 36 |
| S | 4 to 6 | 8 to 10 | 36 to 38 | 33 to 35 | 26 to 28 | 36 to 38 |
| M | 8 to 10 | 12 to 14 | 40 to 42 | 35 to 37 | 28 to 31 | 38 to 40 |
| L | 12 to 14 | 16 to 18 | 44 to 46 | 38 to 40 | 31 to 34 | 41 to 43 |
| XL | 16 to 18 | 20 to 22 | 48 to 50 | 41 to 43 | 34 to 37 | 44 to 46 |
| XXL | 20 to 22 | 24 to 26 | 52 to 54 | 44 to 46 | 37 to 40 | 47 to 49 |
These are typical US ranges and match the chart above the calculator. Brands vary, so always compare with the brand's own size guide. For a deeper reference, see our women's dress size chart and dress size conversion for US, UK and EU.
Which measurement matters most?
This is the key to buying dresses online. Find the part of the dress that's fitted, and size for that.
| Dress style | Fitted at | Size by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodycon | Bust, waist and hips | Your largest measurement | Stretch fabric helps; check all three |
| Sheath | Bust, waist and hips | Your largest measurement | Structured; a tailor can take in, not let out |
| Fit and flare / A-line | Bust and waist | Bust and waist | Skirt is loose, so hips matter less |
| Shift | Bust and hips | Bust or hips, whichever is larger | Waist is unfitted |
| Wrap | Adjustable | Bust | The tie adjusts the waist |
| Empire waist | Under the bust | Bust | Skirt flows from under the bust |
| Slip and bias cut | Hips | Hips | Bias cut clings; size for the hip |
| Shirt dress | Bust and shoulders | Bust | Check the button gap at the bust |
| Maxi (loose) | Little | Bust and length | Length matters most on petite or tall bodies |
So if you're a 6 at the bust and an 8 at the hips, a fit-and-flare dress in a 6 may be perfect, while a sheath dress would need an 8 (and possibly a little taking in at the bust).
Fabric and stretch
- Woven fabrics (cotton, linen, crepe, satin) don't stretch. Size for your largest fitted measurement.
- Knits and jersey stretch. You can often size for your smallest measurement and let the fabric do the rest.
- Fabrics with elastane fall in between, depending on the percentage.
- Linings add a little structure and remove some stretch.
If the product page lists the fabric content, read it before choosing between two sizes.
Length: petite, regular and tall
The same dress can be a knee-length dress on one person and a midi on another. Dresses are designed around a height, usually around 5'5" to 5'7" for regular sizes.
- Petite dresses are cut for about 5'4" and under: shorter hemlines, higher waist seams and narrower shoulders. See what petite sizing means and the best dresses for petite women.
- Tall dresses are cut for about 5'8" to 5'9" and up, with longer bodices and hems. See what tall sizing means and the best dresses for tall women.
- Product pages that give the dress length in inches or cm and the model's height take the guesswork out.
Between two sizes?
- Structured, woven dresses: size up. Taking a dress in is a simple alteration; letting it out usually isn't possible.
- Stretch and jersey dresses: size down for a closer fit, or stay in the smaller size if you're comfortable.
- Different sizes top and bottom: choose a style that's fitted where you're smaller and loose where you're larger, or look for brands that sell separates.
How a dress should fit: a quick check
When a dress arrives, try it on and check:
- Shoulders: seams sit at your shoulder point, not hanging off or pulling in.
- Bust: darts point at the fullest part of your bust, with no pulling across the front and no gaping at the armholes.
- Waist: the waist seam sits at your natural waist (or where the style intends, like just under the bust for an empire waist).
- Hips: the skirt falls smoothly without pulling across the hips or riding up when you walk.
- Movement: you can sit, raise your arms and walk without the dress shifting or straining.
A dress that fits at the shoulders and bust but is loose at the waist is easy to alter. A dress that's tight across the shoulders isn't, so treat shoulder fit as the deciding factor when you're unsure.
Converting dress sizes between countries
US dress sizes are usually 4 lower than UK sizes, so a US 8 is a UK 12. EU sizes are roughly the US size plus 32, so a US 8 is an EU 40, while Italian sizes run about 4 higher again (IT 44). Australian sizes follow UK sizes closely. The US to UK converter, US to EU converter and Australian size converter handle the rest.
Measuring on your own
It's easier with help, but you can do it alone: stand in front of a mirror, hold the tape end at the front with one hand, pass it around your back with the other, and check in the mirror that it's level before you read the number. Our guide on how to measure yourself when you're alone has tips for each measurement.
Formal, bridal and occasion dresses
Occasion wear often sizes differently from everyday clothes.
- Bridal gowns are commonly sized from the bride's measurements to the maker's own chart, and many brides find their bridal size is larger than their usual size. Ignore the number and trust the measurements. See how to measure for a wedding dress and the wedding dress size chart.
- Bridesmaid and formal dresses are often made to order, which means longer lead times and stricter return rules. See how to measure for a bridesmaid dress and for a formal dress.
- Plan for alterations. Most formal dresses need a hem and a little fitting. Order the size that fits your largest measurement and let a tailor do the rest.
Plus-size dresses
US plus sizes usually start at 14W or 16. Plus-size dresses are cut on a different pattern, not just scaled up, with more room at the bust, upper arm and hip. Compare your measurements with the brand's plus chart rather than extending a straight-size chart. Our guides to what plus size starts at and the best dresses for curvy women help.
If you sell dresses online
Dresses are among the most returned items in fashion. A few details on the product page make a real difference:
- Show which areas are fitted and which are loose.
- List garment measurements for each size: bust, waist, hip and length.
- Show the model's height and size, and the dress length on the model.
- Name the fabric and stretch.
- Offer petite and tall versions if you see length-related returns.
A fit recommender for dresses can do the matching for shoppers, and the free dress size chart generator creates a branded chart for your listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size by bust, waist, or hips for a dress?
Bust is primary for most dresses. For fitted bodycon and sheath cuts, factor hips too. For A-line and shift, bust dominates and waist matters less.
Do wedding and bridesmaid dresses follow the same sizing?
No — bridal sizing runs 1–2 sizes smaller than ready-to-wear. A US 8 ready-to-wear is typically a US 10–12 in bridal.
How do I size a maxi dress?
Match bust to the calculator's recommendation. Confirm length against your height — most maxi dresses are cut for 5'7"+. If you're petite, look for a petite line or expect to hem.
What if I'm between two dress sizes?
Size up for fitted styles, match for A-line and shift. Loose drape is easier to tailor than tight pulls.
Sources
- Tailor Size Guide women's size chartThe bust, waist and hip ranges used on this page; brands vary.
- Dressmaking and fit conventionsSizing by the fitted area of the garment, woven vs knit fabrics, and petite and tall height ranges are standard fit practice.
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