How to Measure a Tea Length Dress
Though once only used for casual events such as picnics and tea parties, the tea length dress is making a formal comeback. Now suitable for weddings, dances and other formal parties, a tea length dress is a great option if you'd like to show a bit of your leg. Traditionally hemmed two inches above the ankle, modern tea length dresses can fall anywhere from just below the calf to just below your knee. To get the best fit when you're wearing a tea length dress, measure your desired length and your waistline.
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Instructions
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Use non-stretch tape to measure from your waist to the desired tea length. Measure from your waist to 2 inches above your ankle or mid-calf for a traditional length. For a more daring length, measure just a few inches below your knee.
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Measure your waist to ensure a good fit for your tea-length dress. You run the risk of losing the desired tea length if you don't properly measure your waist for the dress. Wrap the non-stretch measuring tape around your waist, just above the top of your belly button.
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Compare your measurements to the desired manufacturer's size chart. Sizes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a ballerina-length dress--one that touches your ankle--or a floor-length dress that you'd like to wear tea length, consider adding a full petticoat instead of a full slip. A full or moderate petticoat will give you a 3- to 6-inch lift. You could also order your dress with an extra crinoline, which will add volume to the skirt. Modern crinolines are usually made with several layers of stiff net to give your dress a lift. Though once used in the 1800s, crinolines have made a comeback with the increase of lavish, formal weddings.
Modern day tea length dresses come in a variety of fabrics, so when choosing a shoe to match your dress, make sure to consider your fabric choice. If you choose a luxury fabric, such as velvet, silk, satin or silk jersey, Erika Stalder, author of "Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing," recommends wearing the dress with heels for a more formal look. For a more casual fabric, such as cotton, rayon or chiffon, consider nice flip-flops, Mary Janes or ballerina flats.
When measuring for your tea-length dress, wear the undergarments you plan on wearing when you wear your dress.
Don't measure over your thumb or try to add ease for a more comfortable fit. The manufacturer will allow for some ease when making the garment.
