Frequently Asked Questions

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Measuring/Fit

• How do I measure for a dress & find the best fit?
• How do the gowns fit?
• What if my measurements don't match the size chart?
• What if the gown I order doesn't fit me?
• I'm tall, can I get a dress with longer length?
• How do I convert U.S. sizes to U.K. sizes?
• How can I convert international shoe sizes?
• What are some tips for avoiding alterations?
• Can you do alterations?
• How do I measure for a bra & find the right size?

How do I measure for a dress & find the best fit?

Here are our suggestions and tips for measuring and finding the best fit:

For the best fit, DON'T GUESS at your size.  These dresses run about one size smaller than your normal clothing size.

Measure first---then determine your size from the size charts listed on each page of dresses.  Order the size that comes closest to your measurements.  If between sizes, choose the larger size as it is always easier to alter the dress down than to let it out.  Remember, the size will not be displayed on the dress when you are wearing it, so don't get hung up on numbers.  You'll look best in a dress that fits, no matter what the size!                            

In most dresses the waist and bust measurements are the most important, but if your dress is fitted through the hips (mermaid or straight skirt), you'll need all three.  It's easy to add cups or a bra to make the bust measurement fit correctly, so don't worry if you have to go up in size to accommodate your waist measurement.  Look for dresses with lace-up backs or sides to avoid problems with fit in the bust (and waist) because they allow for a more flexible fit.  If you have a generous A-line, full, or ball gown skirt don't worry about your hip measurement... these skirts are easy to fit and hide everything!

The size you order is ALWAYS up to you!  We will be happy to help you find the best size for you, but the final decision is up to you.

How to Measure:
Measure over undergarments, keep measuring tape level and pull it snug, but not tight. (If you will be wearing special undergarments with your dress, measure over those.)  Don't have a measuring tape?  Just use a piece of string then measure it with a ruler!        

A. BUST: Measure over unpadded bra at fullest part.

B. WAIST: Measure at natural waist (or smallest part - usually about 2” above the belly button)

C. HIPS: Measure around fullest part of hips, keeping tape level all around (approximately where the legs bend).

HOLLOW TO HEM: Measure from the base of the neck (hollow of the neck) to the floor.  This measurement is typically only for girls dresses (i.e.: flower girls).  If this measurement is important you will see a note on the dress product.  All junior & womens dresses are made to fit heights of 5'8" - 5'9" (unless otherwise stated on the product).  See: How do the gowns fit?

Still need help or have questions?  Please call us, we’re happy to help you through it! 1-877-769-1336
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How do the gowns fit?

Most of the gowns we carry fit at least one size smaller than regular clothes, but this varies greatly by designer. 

To get the best fit--MEASURE CAREFULLY and USE THE CORRECT SIZE CHARTS.  In length, the gowns are generally made to to fit girls who are 5'8”- 5’9".   See: How do I measure for a dress & find the best fit? for more info.
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What if my measurements don't match the size chart?

Finding the correct size can be difficult, but don't worry, we're here to help! First of all, double check your measurements using this guide. (If you measure just an inch off, it will throw off your size.) Once you're sure of your measurements compare them to the manufacturer's size chart for the dress you want and see what range you're in.

If one or two measurements put you in a larger size than the other(s) then we recommend going up a size and altering down as needed. The dresses do not generally have much seam allowance, so they cannot be easily let out. It's much easier to take them in!

Sometimes only a few measurements are important though. For ball gowns or dresses with full skirts, focus on the bust and waist since a full skirt will have plenty of give either way. For dresses with open or tie backs, focus on the waist and hips.

Dresses with corset or lace-up backs make fitting really easy since they let you adjust the fit in the bust and waist. Consider these styles if you're disproportional or if you're between sizes. They can often adjust several inches in either direction, depending on the style!

If the waist and hips are a perfect match, but you're lacking in the bust, consider wearing a padded bra or bra cups. These can easily take up an extra inch or two and save you from having alterations. Is the bust the only measurement that is too small? Some dresses have removable bra cups that you can take out to gain 1/2-1 inch.

In the end, 95% of people need alterations to make their dress fit like it was made for them. When you order, you should prepare for this and leave time and room in the budget to have the proper adjustments made to your dress.

If you still need help, please contact us, we're always happy to give advice! 1-877-769-1336
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What if the gown I order doesn't fit me?

We can’t stress enough how important it is to MEASURE CAREFULLY and USE THE SIZE CHARTS before you order!  However, every body is different and about 95% of our customers need alterations even after following the measuring and size chart guidelines.  Don’t worry though because there are lots of options to make your dress work for you!

As for the length, every gown we sell can be shortened somehow (even the beaded ones)... and most girls will need this done as the dresses are made to fit girls about 5’8”-5’9”. Many girls can avoid hemming their gowns by buying shoes with higher heels.  Or for the tall girls, the flat ballet slippers or very low heels so the gown won't be too short.

Gowns can also be taken it at the sides, back and front seams and straps can be shortened.  Many gowns do not fit in the bust and seem too large until the straps are taken up.  This moves the gown up to the point where it's supposed to fit the body.  TIP:  Add bra cups (or remove them) to avoid alterations to the dress bodice.  This is easy and can really improve the look and fit of the dress!  Look for dresses with lace-up backs or sides to avoid problems with fit in the bust (and waist) because they allow for a more flexible fit.

If you’re worried about how a particular dress will fit you or if you need alterations, see a seamstress in your area, that has experience with formal gowns, for a consultation/ fitting.  People are often surprised at all the things that can be done to a dress to make it fit!

If you need more suggestions or help with a creative solution on how to make the dress fit--CALL US at 1-877-769-1336 or go to our Contact Us page and send us a message.  We'll do everything we can to help you.  You can also have your seamstress call us if she is in doubt about how to alter something.

See: How do I measure for a dress & find the best fit?
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I'm tall, can I get a dress with longer length?

Yes, there are several options for longer dresses for those girls who are over 5'-9".

Prom Dress Options:
Tiffany Designs and Alyce Designs are two of our manufacturers that can make many of their prom dresses in longer lengths. These dresses are not stocked and are made to order which takes approximately 14 weeks. Please contact us for options and more information.

Bridesmaid Dress Options:
Many of our bridesmaid lines are available to order with extra length. There are lots of options to chose from here, but they are also made to order and require delivery times of 3-14 weeks depending on the manufacturer. You will see the options available for length and delivery time in drop down boxes to the right of each bridesmaid dress.

Bridal Options:
Bridal gowns follow the same procedures as bridesmaid dresses, but often have a delivery time of 4-16 weeks.

Options for ALL Dresses:
Consider a high-low or uneven (asymmetrical) hemline. This is a great way to avoid the need for a specific length! Some of the latest trends in prom and wedding are also T-length, knee length and short dresses. These lengths work for any height! Try using our advanced search to find dresses with these types of skirts.
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How do I convert U.S. sizes to U.K. sizes?

There is not a direct conversion for U.S. sizes to U.K. sizes (or to any other international sizes). The best way to determine your size is by measuring carefully and following the correct size charts. All of our size charts are in inches. See: How do I measure for a dress & find the best fit? [top]

How can I convert international shoe sizes?

This is a basic international shoe size chart. If you are still unsure about your shoe size, we are happy to compare your foot length to the shoe length if you supply us with the measurements.

US        UK         Europe     NZ
5           3            36            5
6           4            37            6
7           5            38            7
8           6            39            8
9           7            40            9
10         8            41-42      10
11         9            43            11
12         10          44            12
13         11          45            13
14         12          46            14            
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What are some tips for avoiding alterations?

Alterations can be costly and time consuming. Here are a few tips to try to avoid them:

-Make sure your measurements are correct by following this guide. (If you measure just an inch off, it will throw off your size.)

-Compare your measurements to the correct manufacturer's size chart. (Follow the link on the product or look here.)

-Choose a dress with a lace-up or corset back. Since they are adjustable, this is the easiest way to get a perfect fit on the bust and waist with no hassle!

-If the bust is too large, but the other measurements are correct, consider wearing a padded bra or bra cups. An easy way to add an inch or two!

-If the bust is a little tight, some dresses have bra cups that can be removed to gain an extra ½ - 1 inch.  

-If you are shorter than 5’8”-5’-9”, consider a high-low, T-length, knee length, short or asymmetrical skirt. All of these are very forgiving and don’t usually need to be hemmed!  

-If you are taller than 5’-9”, consider the same options above since they don’t have to reach a certain length.  

-If your dress turns out to be snug in the waist, wear a long-line bra or corset that will hold you in and smooth you out.  

-If your dress isn’t hanging nicely along your waist, hips, butt or thighs, wear a body-shaper (panties or hose) to smooth everything out. 

Need more ideas? Contact us!
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Can you do alterations?

No, TJ Formal cannot do alterations. Alterations are very personal specific changes made to your dress to make it fit YOU. They require fittings with a seamstress who will pin/ mark the dress for alterations, according to your specifications, while it is on your body.  We cannot properly do alterations for you since we are shipping the dress to you. We recommend looking for a seamstress/ alteration store in your area that is experienced in working with formal gowns (and with bead work if necessary). [top]

How do I measure for a bra & find the right size?

Here are our suggestions and tips for measuring and finding the best fit:

-Use a cloth tape measure and hold the tape snug but not tightly.

-Have someone help you take the measurements if possible. (Your measurement will be inaccurate if your rib cage is not relaxed with arms at your sides.)

-Wear an unpadded bra while taking measurements.

-Measure around your rib cage just below your bust to get your under bust measurement.

        -- If this number is under 33" add 5"
        -- For  33" or over add 3"
        -- If it's an even number, that's your bra size.
        -- If it's an odd number, add 1" for your bra size.

-Measure around the fullest part of the bust to get your bust measurement  keeping the tape level without pulling it too tight. See chart for cup size:

The difference between your bust measurement and your bra size is your cup size.

Difference        Cup Size
0"                       AA
1"                         A
2"                         B
3"                         C
4"                         D
5"                       DD


For Flattering Me Bras Use Chart Below:
Take your WAIST measurement and use the size chart below to determine your size.

CUP       32                    34                    36                  38                     40                   42                 44                46

A         23-25"             25-27"             27-29"             29-31"             31-33"                 X                  X                X

B          23-25"             25-27"             27-29"             29-31"             31-33"             33-35"          35-37"         37-39"

C         23-25"             25-27"             27-29"             29-31"             31-33"             33-35"           35-37"         37-39"

D         24-26"             26-28"             28-30"             30-32"             32-34"             34-36"           36-38"         38-40"

DD       24-26"             26-28"             28-30"             30-32"             32-34"             34-36"           36-38"        38-40" [top]