This is the most popular question when shopping for special occasion dresses (prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, etc), especially shopping online.
As you begin shopping for wedding gown, there are quite a few measurements you'll need to keep in mind, like your bust, waist, and hip proportions.
However, there's another measurement need for the dress shopping experience—that being, a hollow-to-hem measurement.
Hollow to hem refers to the distance from the hollow point between your collarbones to the floor (or the point where you’d like your dress hem to end).
Particularly for custom-made dresses, having this measurement is especially important because it determines the overall length of your dress. When in doubt, always measure a bit longer as you can hem your dress afterward. It’s easy to hem the dress shorter, but you cannot make them longer.
If you're a bit confused about this particular type of measurement, we've got you covered. Plus, advice on how to take your own measurements for a seamless dress shopping experience.
Hollow to hem is helpful to ensure you have a dress that has right length for your body. For example, petite people don’t need a ton of extra length, while tall people who tend to need extra length.
It’s especially crucial when paired with a hem-to-waist measurement and is used to create an overall better proportional fit and look better. And it will also decrease your need for any major alterations.
How to Measure Hollow to Hem?
If you'd like to take your hollow-to-hem measurement at home instead of seeking professional help for the special occasion dress, the most suitable way to do this is with the help of a friend or family member. It because if you ttempt to measure yourself you will typically need to look down to see the number, which will result in an inaccurate measurement because looking down will shorten your measurement.
straight down to the floor.
Be sure to take your measurement with bare feet, make sure you're standing straight and looking ahead, then add the height of your shoes.
If you’re not sure about shoes, add in a heel height that is the highest you’d go and possibly a little extra. You just don’t want to risk going too short.
For those with shorter-length prom dresses, such as tea-length gowns or mini dresses, finding your hollow-to-hem measurement will depend on where you would like the hemline of your frock to end.
The ‘hem’ refers to the bottom of your dress, so floor length bridesmaid dresses such as your wedding dress or bridesmaid dress, this usually refers to a measurement from the hollow all the way down your front to the floor—plus your anticipated heel height. While for shorter dresses, this is from the hollow to where your dress hem ends.