How to Measure Dress Length

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Easy ways to measure the length of a dress plus measurements for mini, cocktail, and maxi dresses

Co-authored by Andrea Beaulieu

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

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Taking Measurements

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Identifying the Dress Type

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Expert Q&A

Measuring the length of a dress can come in handy if you are trying to sell a dress online. You may also need these measurements if you are planning to purchase a dress and want to be sure it will fit you. Determining dress length can be done easily with measuring tape and a flat surface. You can then identify whether the dress is mini, knee, or floor-length based on its measurements.

Things You Should Know

For a dress with sleeves or straps, measure from the top of the strap or shoulder seam to the bottom of the hem.
If you have a sleeveless dress, measure from the hollow of your neck to the bottom of the hem.
Generally, micro or mini dresses are 30 to 35 inches (76 to 89 cm) long and cocktail dresses are 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm) long.
Maxi dresses, or those that are ankle- or floor-length, measure around 55 to 62 inches (140 to 160 cm).

Part 1

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Taking Measurements

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Use your hands to smooth out the dress so it as flat as possible, with the front of the dress facing up. Make sure any ruffles or details on the bottom and straps of the dress lay flat.^{[1]
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Take a measuring tape made for garments and place one end on the top of one of the straps.^{[2]
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Measure from the top to the bottom edge of the dress. Extend the measuring tape horizontally from the top of the strap to the bottom edge. Note where the bottom edge hits on the measuring tape and record the measurement.^{[3]
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- For a dress with sleeves, measure from the top of the shoulder seam down to the hem of the dress.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Andrea Beaulieu
  Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer
  
  Expert Interview. 1 May 2020.}
- Most dresses are at least 30 inches (76 cm) in length and can be as long as 62 inches (160 cm) in length.
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Put on the dress and measure from the hollow of your neck if it is strapless. Measuring a strapless dress must be done when you have it on. Place one end of the measuring tape at the center of your collarbone and then extend the tape down to the bottom edge of the dress to get the correct measurement.^{[5]
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- You may need a friend to help you hold the measuring tape in place.

Part 2

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Identifying the Dress Type

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If the total length of the dress falls within these measurements, it is a very short dress that will sit on the upper to mid thigh, known as a micro or mini dress.^{[6]
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Check if the dress measures between 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm). This means the dress will sit just above the knee or just at the knee, known as a cocktail length dress.^{[7]
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- If you are very tall or very short, the dress may hit you differently in the knee area depending on your height.
This means the dress will fall just below the knee or at the calves, known as a midi dress.^{[8]
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This means the dress will be fairly long, falling at your ankles or to the floor, known as a maxi dress.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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How should I measure the length of a dress if I want to sell it online?

Andrea Beaulieu
Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer
Andrea Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Andrea Beaulieu

Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer

Expert Answer

Measure from the shoulder seam to the hem, and make sure to note on your site that this is how you're measuring the overall length.

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