PROPER BUST MEASUREMENT: Do not use your bra size! Measure at the widest part of the back straight across the top of the bust. Do not measure under the bust line. The type of bra worn or not worn at all can alter this measurement. Wear your normal undergarments or the undergarments you plan to wear with the dress. Take all measurements over your underwear but not over your clothes.

PROPER WAIST MEASUREMENT: Measure at your natural waistline. Do not hold your stomach in or measure skin tight. Leave the width of a finger under the tape. You should be able to move the tape.

PROPER HIP MEASUREMENT: Measure at the largest part of the hip. Hip measurements are not always necessary to determine size but are very important in the case of a strait skirt where the hips are several sizes larger than the other measurements.

Helpful trick: If you don't have a measuring tape on hand, simply use a piece of ribbon or string. When you get the length simply measure with yard stick or straight tape measure.

Add 1/4 inch to all of your measuremnts for added room.