Find Your Variety Hour Size: A Guide on How to Measure Yourself

At Variety Hour we understand that shopping online can be tricky and want to make it as easy as possible for you. We work hard to provide detailed measurements for each product in their description, however if you don't know your measurements to start with, it can be difficult to figure your size out! This blog article will teach you how to correctly measure yourself, explain how Variety Hour sizing works and help you find the right fit and size.

Measurements and sizing vary from product to product so we recommend that you read the description of each product to determine your correct size. You can wear multiple sizes in most Variety Hour cuts depending on the fit you like which is also explained on every product page. We work to use a diverse range of models to best demonstrate how a style will look on your body.

Our Size Range

Our current range is designed to fit an AU 8-20, with some styles extending to an AU 22. However, we understand most people do not know their true AU size due to sizing across labels being inconsistent. As a result, we have created our own Alpha grade which ranges from an XS-2XL. Below is our suggested measurements for each size however these will vary across styles, depending on the cut.

We use an Alpha grade as most of our styles are slightly oversized/loose in nature so they can fit between sizes depending on the desired fit. For example, if you consistently wear an AU 14, you usually can wear most of our styles in either a M or a L depending on if you like a more fitted or loose silhouette. 

Our AU 8-22 size range is simply a guide and we do have customers purchase pieces from outside those size ranges depending on their measurements, the garment cut or their overall desired fit. We recommend consulting the individual garment measurements on each page to see if a style will work for you. 

International Conversions

Numeric sizing varies across regions, so here is our closest conversion for most international sizes. If still unsure of what size to pick please consult the garment measurements.

How to measure your body accurately

The three key measurements are your bust, waist and hip measurements. We list which ever measurements are relevant to the fit of the style in each product description. We recommend you use a flat, fabric measuring tape to take your measurements. For best results, measure without clothes on and in front of a mirror so you can make sure you are holding the tape firmly and correctly. Below is a guide to where to take each measurement however each body is different so please adjust placement where necessary and make sure you are measuring the widest part of each section.

Alternatively you can take measurements from a style existing in your wardrobe that has a similar shape and you like the fit of. For bust you measure from armpit to armpit and double the measurement. For hips and waist you can measure from one side of the garment to the other where your waist and hip falls and again times the measurement by two. You will have more accurate measurements by measuring yourself however this is a good alternative if purchasing a style you are familiar with and already own from another retailer. For example, our Satu Dress is our VH version of your classic Smock shape so you can take measurements from another smock in your wardrobe. 

Bust Measurement

The bust measurement is the most important measurement in the majority of our styles, specifically our dresses. To measure your bust, place the tape measure underneath your armpit and run it all the way around the fullest part of your bust and across your back and shoulder blades. For best results, wear the bra you plan on wearing with the garment. Your bra strap can be used to help keep the tape flat as you measure. 

Waist Measurement

To measure the waist you firstly need to find your natural waistline which is usually at the top of the hip where the waist naturally dips in, mid way between the belly button and bottom rib cage. If struggling, when you bend from side to side, a crease should form where your natural waist sits. Hold the tape measure at one side and loop the tape measure around the front and back of your torso. If you like things a bit looser around the waist, add 2-3 cm's to the measurement for ease.

Hip Measurement

With your feet placed together, stand up straight and run the tape measure over the widest part of your buttocks and hips. Starting from one side of your hip, run the tape measure right around your front and back to where you started measuring from. Make sure you keep the tape measure as firm and straight as possible. Like the bust measurement, we recommend measuring with whatever underwear/shape-wear you plan on wearing underneath the garment for an accurate measurement.

True to Size

When we say our garments are true to size, we really mean it! The majority of our customers wear the same size in all our tops and dresses along with the same size in all our bottoms. We work really hard to make it consistent across garments despite the cut to make shopping online easy. This way you can be confident when reordering your favourite style the fit and feel will remain the same. They also run true to the AU size range/conversions that we give for each size so if you are an AU 18-20, don't be scared we are confident they should fit. If anything, most people find our sizing runs large as we do not go down to an AU 4 or 6.

Please bare in mind when ordering how you like your clothes to fit, for example you may wear a larger size in the Elko Dress cut than the Satu Dress cut as the Elko Dress runs straight through the body and is more formal where the Satu Dress is a casual smock, has more fabric and an a-line skirt. The Elko Dress is more fitted so you will probably wear your 'true' size where the Satu Dress is more oversized so you may choose to size down from the Elko Dress for a more flattering look. Additionally these dresses will fit differently as one is designed to be fitted and one is designed to be loose so make adjustments depending on how you wish to wear the style. Ultimately, whether you want the style to fitted for loose will change which size you will order. 

It is also normal to wear a larger size in our pants than our tops and dresses as most people are wider in the bottom half so need a larger size. The biggest mistake people make when ordering top's and dresses is referring to their pant size when ordering rather than their top size so focus on your top measurements when ordering dresses rather than your bottom measurements. 

Need some extra help? Our shop staff are ready to assist you. Visit our Melbourne store at 155 Gertrude St, Fitzroy or email us any questions at shop@varietyhourstudio.com.