Size Guide and Fit Help
Finding the right size matters — especially for a dress you are wearing to a wedding, a party, or any occasion that means something. Use this guide before ordering to get the best fit possible.
How to Measure
Use a soft measuring tape directly against your body, over fitted clothing. Measure in inches.
- Bust — Around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor
- Waist — Around the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button
- Hips — Around the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually about 7 to 9 inches below your waist
If your measurements fall between two sizes, we recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit, especially for structured or non-stretch styles.
Women's Size Chart (Inches)
All measurements are in inches. These are body measurements, not garment measurements.
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 31 to 32 | 24 to 25 | 34 to 35 |
| S | 33 to 34 | 26 to 27 | 36 to 37 |
| M | 35 to 36 | 28 to 29 | 38 to 39 |
| L | 37 to 38 | 30 to 31 | 40 to 41 |
| XL | 39 to 40 | 32 to 33 | 42 to 43 |
| XXL | 41 to 42 | 34 to 35 | 44 to 45 |
| 3XL | 43 to 44 | 36 to 37 | 46 to 47 |
Measurements may vary by 0.5 to 1 inch depending on fabric and design details. Always check the size chart on the individual product page when available — sizing can vary by style.
Fit Notes by Dress Type
Occasion dresses fit differently from everyday clothing. Here is what to expect by style:
- Bodycon and fitted minis — These styles are designed to sit close to the body. If you are between sizes, size up. The fabric should feel snug but not restrictive. You should be able to sit and move without pulling at the seams.
- Structured and non-stretch styles — Dresses described as structured, boned, or non-stretch have less give than jersey or knit fabrics. Sizing up one size is usually the better choice for comfort throughout a full evening.
- Stretch and flexible fabric styles — Dresses described as stretch, flexible, or knit fabric will conform more closely to your measurements. Your standard size will typically work well.
- Maxi and formal gowns — These styles often have more room through the torso and skirt. Focus on your bust and waist measurements when selecting a size. Length can be hemmed if needed.
- Wrap and adjustable styles — Wrap dresses offer more flexibility across sizes. If you are between sizes, either size will usually work. The tie allows for adjustment at the waist.
- Sequin and embellished styles — Embellished fabrics have less stretch than plain fabrics of the same cut. If a sequin dress and a jersey dress share the same size label, the sequin version will fit more closely.
When in doubt, size up. It is easier to take in a dress slightly than to wear one that is too tight for a full night out.
Fit Help by Occasion
The occasion you are dressing for affects which fit works best. Here is a practical guide:
- Birthday party and night out — Bodycon and mini styles are common for these occasions. These fits photograph well and are designed to be worn for several hours of standing, dancing, and moving. Size up if you want room to move comfortably, or stay true to size if you prefer a closer fit.
- Wedding guest — Midi and maxi lengths are the most common choice. These styles tend to have more structure. Focus on your bust measurement first, as the bodice fit is the hardest to adjust. If your bust and hips are different sizes, size to your larger measurement and adjust at the waist if needed.
- Holiday party and NYE — Sequin and velvet styles are typical for this occasion. Both fabrics have less stretch than everyday fabrics. If you are between sizes, go up. You want to be comfortable for a full evening including dinner and dancing.
- Prom and formal events — Floor-length gowns often have structured bodices and full skirts. Measure your bust, waist, and hips carefully and compare all three to the size chart. If your measurements suggest different sizes, prioritize the bust for a strapless style, or the waist for a belted or empire-waist style.
- Music festival and summer party — Lighter and more relaxed silhouettes are typical for these occasions. These styles generally run true to size and have more room for movement by design.
Common Sizing Questions
- My bust and hips are different sizes on the chart. What do I do? Size to your larger measurement. A dress that fits at the bust and hips can be taken in at the waist by a tailor if needed. A dress that is too small at the bust or hips cannot be let out.
- The product page says the style runs small. How much should I size up? One size up is usually enough. If the product description says runs very small or significantly small, consider two sizes up and contact us for a specific recommendation.
- I am plus size. Does the size chart apply to extended sizes? Yes. Our size chart extends to 3XL. The same measurement guidelines apply. If you are between sizes in extended sizing, we recommend sizing up for structured styles and staying true to size for stretch styles.
- How much do I need to measure? Can I just go by what I normally wear? Occasion dress sizing varies more than everyday clothing sizing. A size M in a bodycon sequin dress is not the same as a size M in a casual jersey dress. We strongly recommend measuring before ordering for any dress you are wearing to an event.
- Will the dress length work for my height? Mini dresses are designed to fall above the knee. Midi dresses typically fall below the knee to mid-calf. Maxi and floor-length dresses are designed for an average height of 5 foot 4 inches to 5 foot 7 inches. If you are significantly taller or shorter, contact us and we can give you a length estimate for a specific style.
Need a Direct Recommendation
If you are unsure after measuring, email us before you order. We will give you a direct size recommendation based on that specific style's cut, fabric, and construction — not a generic answer.
Email: support@slowix.com
Please include:
- Your bust, waist, and hip measurements in inches
- Your height
- The product name or a link to the item you are considering
- Your occasion if relevant — this helps us factor in how much ease you might want
Customer Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT)
We aim to respond within 12 hours on business days.
A Note on Returns and Sizing
We want to be upfront: sizing issues resulting from incorrect self-measurement may not qualify for a free return. Taking a few minutes to measure carefully before ordering is the best way to make sure the dress is ready when your event is.
If you receive a dress and believe it does not match the measurements listed on the product page, contact us at support@slowix.com with photos and your measurements. We will review it and make it right if there is a genuine discrepancy.
For full return eligibility details, see our Return and Refund Policy.