PRETTYGARDEN Dress Sizing: What to Know

How PRETTYGARDEN sizing works

PRETTYGARDEN labels dresses with standard US sizes, from small to plus sizes in many styles, but the measurements behind each size are not consistent across the line. A size M in an A-line dress may have different bust and hip measurements than a size M in a bodycon dress. The brand publishes garment measurements for each listing, and those numbers are the only reliable way to know how a dress will fit your body.

Fabric content and stretch also change how a size behaves. A dress with spandex or elastane can comfortably fit a range of body measurements, while a woven fabric like cotton poplin has little give. Understanding the amount of stretch in a fabric helps you decide whether to stick with your usual size or adjust. For any PRETTYGARDEN dress, start with the size chart in the listing and compare it to your own measurements, not just the size label.

• Always read the size chart for the specific dress, not a generic brand chart.
• Check the fabric content: stretch knits allow more flexibility than woven fabrics.
• Size labels are a starting point, not a guarantee of fit.

Measure yourself first

The most reliable way to choose a PRETTYGARDEN size is to measure your body and compare those numbers to the garment measurements in the listing. Use a flexible tape measure and follow the instructions in our guide to measuring dress size. Record your bust, waist, and hip circumference, and also note your height if the dress length matters to you.

Keep in mind that garment measurements are not the same as body measurements. A dress has built-in ease, the extra room between your body and the fabric. The amount of ease varies by silhouette and even by style. Our article on dress size chart accuracy explains why two dresses with the same size label can fit differently, and dress ease by silhouette describes how much room to expect from different cuts.

• Measure over bare skin or thin undergarments, not over bulky clothing.
• Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight.
• Write down your measurements and the garment measurements for each dress you consider.

Fit by cut

Different silhouettes fit differently on the same body. A-line dresses have a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, so the waist and bust are the key measurements to check. Bodycon dresses are intended to hug the body, so they have minimal ease and require a more precise fit through the hips. Wrap dresses are more forgiving because the tie allows you to adjust the waist, but the bust area still needs to align with your chest measurement.

If you are choosing between styles, consider how each cut will interact with your shape. For example, a wrap dress often suits a range of waist sizes because you can tighten or loosen the tie. A bodycon dress may require sizing up if you are between sizes, especially if the fabric has no stretch. Our guide to dress silhouette types gives a broader look at how different cuts are structured and where they tend to fit snugly or loosely.

Length also affects fit perception. A midi dress that hits below the knee can feel tighter around the hips than a mini dress with the same waist measurement. Check the length in the listing and compare it to your height, using our dress length by height reference if you are unsure.

When to size up or down

The general rule for PRETTYGARDEN dresses is to size up when the fabric has little or no stretch, and to consider a smaller size when the dress is made from a stretchy knit that you want to fit closely. For example, a bodycon dress in a stretch jersey with a high spandex percentage can be worn in your usual size or even one size down if you prefer a tighter look. Conversely, a non-stretch cotton A-line dress should be chosen based on your largest measurement, often the bust or hips, and you may need to size up if you are between sizes.

Pay attention to the fit ease described in the product listing. Some PRETTYGARDEN dresses are described as "true to size" while others are "fitted" or "relaxed." A fitted dress needs to match your measurements closely, while a relaxed style can accommodate a range of sizes without looking oversized. If the description does not mention ease, look at the fabric weight and stretch. Heavier, structured fabrics like scuba or sateen have less give, so sizing up is safer. Lightweight knits and jerseys are more forgiving.

For a capsule wardrobe, you might find that you take different sizes in different PRETTYGARDEN styles. That is normal. Keep a note of your measurements and the size you ordered for each silhouette, and refer back to it when you shop for similar cuts. You can also read our best PRETTYGARDEN dresses guide for a broad look at which styles tend to fit which body types.

Sizing for your body shape

Your body shape influences which PRETTYGARDEN size works best. If you have a larger bust, the bust measurement on the dress is more important than the waist, because the bodice is often the hardest place to adjust. A wrap or A-line style can be more accommodating. If you have wider hips, a dress with a flared skirt or a high slit will give you more room, while a bodycon or sheath may require sizing up.

Petite shoppers should focus on both the length and the proportions of the dress. A size that fits your shoulders and bust may be too long in the torso or skirt. Our petite vs regular vs tall article explains how sizing differs by height. For taller women, an empire waist dress might sit too high, and a midi could end up looking like a maxi. Check the dress length in the listing and compare it to your height, using the guide linked above.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do PRETTYGARDEN dresses run true to size?

It depends on the style. Many A-line and wrap dresses fit like standard US sizes, but bodycon dresses often run snug. Always compare the garment measurements to your own instead of relying on the size label.

What should I do if I am between PRETTYGARDEN sizes?

For stretch fabrics, choose the smaller size if you want a close fit. For woven fabrics with no stretch, choose the larger size. Consider the silhouette too: bodycon and sheath styles have less ease, so sizing up is safer.

How do I measure my bust, waist, and hips for a PRETTYGARDEN dress?

Use a flexible tape measure. Measure the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Then compare these numbers to the garment measurements in the listing.

Why do PRETTYGARDEN dresses fit differently even in the same size?

Different cuts have different amounts of ease. A-line dresses have a loose skirt, bodycon dresses are close-fitting, and wrap dresses can be adjusted at the waist. Fabric stretch also matters, so a knit dress will be more forgiving than a woven one.

Should I check the length when choosing a PRETTYGARDEN size?

Yes, length is part of fit. A dress that fits your bust and waist may be too long or too short for your height. Check the garment length in the listing and compare it to your own measurements, especially if you are petite or tall.