Measuring and Size Selection from The Perfect Pear

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Measuring & Size Selection

Here are many tips to help you take measurements and select the correct dress. Please take a few moments to go over these, take measurements and then compare to the size chart linked to the dress style you wish to order (the correct size chart is provided on each item's feature page based on that manufacturer's standards). Sizes vary widely between manufacturers.

We guarantee that the dress you will receive will fit the measurements on the size chart for the size you order.

Suggestions for Measuring:

Use a non-stretching measuring tape (not string or other than measuring tape).

Measure over the underwear only - the garments intended to be worn under the garment.

Take measurements firmly, but do not indent.

Waistline is right over the 'belly button' or the "fold" when she bends over.

Compare actual measurements to the chart.

Do not measure over your thumb or fingers - do not add ease - the manufacturer adds this for you.

The measurement that dictates the largest size determines the size to order. This is usually a width measurement but can be a length measurement if she is tall and thin. If the child does not fit a specific size well, order the largest size dictated by any one measurement.

Remember - a garment can always be altered locally to be made shorter or taken in, but it usually cannot be let out or lengthened. Alterations can be done locally at your discretion to perfect the fit.

Keep in mind that:

Some dresses can now be ordered with a special sizing option such as extra length. If she is much taller than the size for her width measurements, consider selecting a style available with an additional length option. There are many.

Waist length is the least important measurement if it is shorter than her measurement but very important if it is longer. It is common for a dress's waistline to be higher than the child's waistline - especially on the smaller girls because it creates a nicer proportion - but nothing looks much worse than a bodice that is too long.

However, for older girls (around 10 and up), waist length becomes more important.

A waist length can be shortened by a seamstress, but not lengthened. Shortening a waist length will shorten the dress, of course.

Adding a full petticoat (rather than a flat slip) underneath or ordering with additional crinoline will make a dress appear to be shorter. Allow at 3-6" for a moderate petticoat.

Children's sizes are for pre-puberty and do not accommodate a developing figure. Pre-Teen sizes may accommodate early development. If she is developing further, select a size from the Jr. Miss/Misses dress selections. This happens at different ages for each girl.

Diagram for Measurements:

Younger Girl Model

Older Girl Model

*It is actually best to measure waist length and dress length on her back. It helps to place a necklace around her neck - where it falls against the backbone in back is where you begin measuring down for waist length. Bodice length is often called back length or neck-to-waist length.

Please do NOT ~

Order the size you typically purchase in the store without taking measurements and comparing to the chart.
Attempt to "fake out" or "fudge" measurements or "guestimate".
Try to fit a child larger than the largest size offered.
Order a size with width measurements smaller than the child's.

Trying any of these usually does not work out satisfactorily and we can do nothing about it if you are displeased

NOTE: Plus sizing is for a wider, heavier girl - not for a blossoming figure.

LENGTH DEFINITIONS: (length can vary by style, the wearer's proportions and even posture)

Tea Length is roughly mid-calf

Waltz length is longer - closer to the upper ankle.

Formal length is intended to graze the lower edge of the ankle.

Floor length should just miss the floor - measure in the shoes she will wear.

Length measurements on the size chart will give you a good idea of where the dress should fall on the child you are dressing.