How To Measure a Girl for a Flower Girl or Communion Dress

Q: How to measure a girl for a flower girl or communion dress?

Q:  What size dress should I buy for a flower girl or communion?

These are the measurements you need to provide to determine her best size. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING. We will add what is necessary to consider comfort and if necessary, allow for growth depending on the date of the event. 

We need 4 measurements, you can provide inches or centimeters: 

Chest (1): Place the measuring tape around the girls chest about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the arm hole, allowing only enough space to hold a finger between the tape and the girl. Allow the girl to breath a few times to make sure she isn’t holding her breath. Waist (2) : This measurement is only necessary when the girl is passed age 3.Place the measuring tape around the girl about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the belly button, allowing for a finger to fit comfortably between the girl and the measuring tape. It is correct if you can move the tape around without constricting the girl. Allow the girl to breath a few times to make sure she isn’t holding her breath. Shoulder to Waist (3) : Measure from the inside shoulder (close to the neck) at the front straight down the tape measure flat against the skin to about 1” (2.5 cm) above the level of the belly button Shoulder to Hem/Total Length (4): Measure from the inside shoulder (close to the neck) at the front straight down all the way to the desired dress length be it below the knee, mid-calf, or floor length. In the case of floor length, make sure the girl is wearing shoes similar to those she will wear for the even Submit the measurments above in our Easy Online Measurement Form and one of our fit specialists will get back to you in 1 business day!

Q: How can anticipate and adjust for growth in measurements and size between the time I order the dress and the date of the event?

Children grow at different rates and our Fit Specialists are happy to advise based on the specific style you would like for the best fit. Our fit specialists do not need you to add width to any measurement, give us her exact measurements as detailed above, and your event date, we will calculate the rest and advise within 1 business day. 

We provide the information below for those who may not be working with one of our fit specialist and need guidance. Here are a few rules of thumb from our 30 years measuring children for dresses.

Chest: Add ½ inch for every 3 months between the order date and the event date.

Waist: Add ½ inch for every 3 months between the order date and the event date. 

Shoulder to Hem/Total Length: Add 1” if the dress has a full skirt and petticoat, or ½ inch if it does not, for every 2 months between the order date and the event date.

The first measurement to consider is the Total Length because the chest and waist of a dress can be taken in by a quality seamstress or tailor up to 2 inches.

Q: My child doesn’t clearly fit into any of the sizes on your size chart, what can I do?

Do not worry, it is possible your child may need a custom cut and we can provide this service. Contact us and we will work with you to determine what the best option may be.

If you are still unsure of what size to order, contact us via email or phone! Our fit specialists have decades of experience assisting parents with sizing and we would be happy to help via phone, email, or chat.