How to measure bust, waist and hips for a dress
To measure bust, waist and hips for a dress, wrap a soft tape level around the fullest part of your chest, your natural waist (where you bend side to side) and the widest part of your hips, snug but not tight. Match the 3 numbers in inches to the LUNETTE chart below, and size up if you land between sizes.
Sizing a dress by the label alone is a guess, because each brand builds its own sizes. Good Housekeeping's Textiles Lab advises matching your numbers to the brand's own size chart rather than the retailer's, and that is the approach here: 3 measurements, one chart, no body-shape math.
What you need
A soft measuring tape or tailor's tape is the most accurate tool. If you only have a ruler, use a piece of non-stretchy string or ribbon, then lay it against the ruler. Wear lightweight, fitted clothing and a bra that is not heavily padded, and stand relaxed with your feet under your hips. A mirror helps you check that the tape stays level.
Bust, waist, hips step by step
Bust
Measure the fullest part of the chest. Lift your arms, bring the tape under the armpits and straight across the fullest point, then lower your arms and keep the tape parallel to the floor. Good Housekeeping suggests keeping your bra on unless the garment will be worn braless.
Waist
Use your natural waist, which is not at the belly button. Stand straight and bend side to side; the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape straight across at that point. For many people it is the narrowest part of the torso, though it may not be.
Hips
Measure across the widest part of the hips and seat, not at the hip bones. Keep your feet together and under your hips. Good Housekeeping also suggests sitting down and standing up with the tape in place to confirm it is not too tight.
Whichever point you measure, the tape should be snug but not uncomfortably tight. Good Housekeeping's quick test is to take a deep breath and check that the tape is not constricting you.
Using the LUNETTE chart (XS to XL, inches)
| Size | US size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0-2 | 31-32 | 24-25 | 34-35 |
| S | 4-6 | 33-34 | 26-27 | 36-37 |
| M | 8-10 | 35-37 | 28-30 | 38-40 |
| L | 12-14 | 38-40 | 31-33 | 41-43 |
| XL | 16-18 | 41-43 | 34-36 | 44-46 |
The same chart lives on the LUNETTE size guide. The store describes its sizing as true to size. Notice that the ranges have small gaps: a 34.5 inch bust sits between S and M, and a 30.5 inch waist sits between M and L. That is exactly the situation the next section covers.
Between sizes: size up
LUNETTE's advice is to size up if you fall between sizes, or if you want a relaxed fit. Here are 2 practical cases:
- Your 3 numbers land in 3 different sizes. For example, a bust in M, a waist in S and hips in L. Choose the size that fits your largest measurement, then rely on the dress shape (ruching, a tie waist, stretch in a knit) to take up the difference.
- You are on a range boundary. A hip measurement of 40 inches is the top of M and 41 is the bottom of L. At the edge, take the larger size.
LUNETTE does not accept direct exchanges, so a wrong size means a return and a new order. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unworn, unwashed items with tags attached (see returns and refunds), which is one more reason to measure before you order.
Stretch vs woven
A knit dress gives with the body; a fitted dress with no listed stretch has less room for error. LUNETTE's product pages do not state fabric composition or stretch for most dresses, so use the chart plus the cut: a bodycon or fitted silhouette leaves little room at the widest measurement, while a flared skirt is forgiving at the hips.
Dresses to measure against
Not every dress is offered in every size. These 4 in-stock dresses show the spread, with prices and sizes as listed on their product pages:
| Dress | Price | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| U-Neck Sleeveless Ribbed Knit Mini Dress | $28.99 | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL |
| Off-Shoulder Ombre Sheath Maxi Dress | $33.99 | S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL |
| Ribbed Knit Long Sleeve Square Neck Mini Dress | $40.99 | S, M, L, XL |
| Sweetheart Cutout Sequin Slit Maxi Dress | $44.99 | XS, S, M, L |
The chart ends at XL. Some dresses list XXL to 5XL, and the chart does not give measurements for those; the contact page is the way to ask before you order. Browse everything in the dresses collection.
FAQ
Should I measure over clothes?
No. Measure over lightweight, fitted layers so thick fabric does not add inches.
Do I use my bra size for a dress?
No. Dress charts use the bust circumference in inches, not a band and cup size.
What if my bust and hips are different sizes?
Pick the size for the measurement that is hardest to adjust for the cut. On a fitted dress that is usually the larger one, and LUNETTE's size-up advice applies when you are between sizes.
Does LUNETTE run small?
The store describes its sizes as true to size. Use the chart, and size up for a relaxed fit.
Can I exchange for another size?
Not directly. Return the dress within 14 days of delivery and place a new order in the size you need.
Shipping and sources
Orders process in 1 to 3 business days and standard delivery takes 5 to 9 business days after that; details are on the shipping and delivery page. Measuring method adapted from Good Housekeeping Institute's how to measure yourself (retrieved 2026-10-17).
Last reviewed 2026-10-17.