Learning about dress lengths will make it easier for you to choose the right dress for your footwear, the specific occasion or event, and the venue. The terms used to identify each dress length can be confusing for many, but this guide has the right information for you. So, let's start learning about short to long dresses.
What Are Different Dress Lengths?
Like with the different styles of dresses, there are also a number of dress lengths, but the following are the most common and standard:
- Mini Dress
- Above-the-Knee Dress
- Knee-Length Dress
- Midi Dress
- Maxi Dress
- Ankle Length Dress
- Floor Length Dress
Mini Dress Length
The shortest among dress lengths, the mini will show off most of your legs because its hem will usually end at your mid-thigh. However, you can also find shorter minis, called micro mini dresses. None of you will argue when I say that these mini-length dresses are the perfect choice during summer.
But wait; you can also wear these dresses during the cooler months of the year. Just make sure you layer up by wearing tights or ankle-length boots to keep your legs warm.
For semi-formal and formal occasions, I recommend going for the curve-hugging or form-fitting varieties. For your casual girls' night out, dinner date, running errands, and the like, the flowy or flared mini cocktail dresses or tulles will work wonderfully.
One thing I want you to keep in mind is the golden rule when wearing mini dresses: don't wear them during weddings unless indicated in the invitation and when meeting your boyfriend's parents or family.
Above-the-Knee Dress Length
As its name implies, this type of dress length falls right above your knees. Typically, it has a flowy design, making it one of the most versatile dress lengths your closet can have.
The above-the-knee dress also usually cinches at your waist, so it can enhance your body shape. Wear it casually, semi-formally, and formally by choosing the right footwear and accessories.
Knee-Length Dress Length
One of the things I love about knee-length dresses is their versatility. They are also available in flowy, A-line, straight, and curve-hugging styles.
That said, whichever style you might opt for, you can dress down the knee-length dress by wearing sneakers or sandals or dress it up by wearing pumps or heels.
Choosing the right accessories will also make the knee-length dress perfectly match the reception and occasion's dress code. You can also wear knee-length dresses with embellishments if you're attending a formal event or occasion like a wedding ceremony.
Midi Dress Length
Midi dresses are available in two different lengths. One is at mid-calf, while the other falls at the lower part of the calf; hence, it's sometimes called the calf-length dress.
This dress is the perfect morning-to-evening dress. You can wear it at the office by pairing it with a blazer and then simply shift to a cardigan to attend a lunch date with a friend. Perhaps, wear a type of sweater or crochet shawl if you're having dinner after work.
I also love wearing a midi dress when attending formal events and even when we're having barbecues. Just make sure you choose the right style, pair of shoes, and accessories for the right occasion.
Maxi Dress Length
Also known as a tea-length dress, the maxi rests right above the ankles or two to three inches above them. It has better coverage than the previous dress lengths and will help elongate your body.
The maxi dress isn't just a one-piece of casual and formal wear but is also the perfect choice for the beach. You can pair it with a sandal, a high-heel, a wedge, or a flip-flop, depending on when and where you'll wear it.
Did you know that you can also wear a long-sleeve top under your maxi dress during the colder months of the year? Style-wise, it's usually flowy, so those who are curvy or on the short side might want to wear a type of belt to cinch their waist.
Ankle Length Dress Length
Ankle-length dresses are a bit longer than the maxi, as they rest right at your ankles or right below them. They're also known for their versatility because they can be worn casually or formally and be paired with any type of shoe.
The ankle length dress can also flatter any body type; just make sure you style it perfectly.
Floor Length Dress Length
Is it your friend's wedding day, and you need an elegant, formal dress? Maybe you're going out for a semi-formal fancy dinner or attending a work event that requires you to wear a ball gown or tulle for a pageant you're joining or your own bridal party.
A floor length dress is one of your best choices. Simply choose those with embellishments for formal and semi-formal events, and pair them with the right jewelry pieces.
Of course, there are also casual styles that you can opt for when you want to wear full-length dresses.
The hemlines of these long dresses reach the floor. Some even have a short or a long train. Style-wise, you can choose from A-lines, form-fitting, or flowy.
Dress Lengths Measurements
While the dress length is mostly based on where the hem rests, each of them comes in a standard length range. This measurement will help ensure you pick the right length of the dress, as we have different heights and body types.
That said, here's a table that you can use as a quick reference:
| Dress Length | Inches | Centimeters |
| Mini Dress | 30 to 35 inches | 76 to 89 cm |
| Above-the-Knee Dress | 36 to 37 inches | 90 to 92 cm |
| Knee-Length Dress | 39 and 40 inches | 99 to 102 cm |
| Midi Dress | 41 to 43 inches | 104 to 109 cm |
| Maxi Dress | 45 to 47 inches | 114 to 119 cm |
| Ankle Length Dress | 55 to 57 inches | 140 to 144 cm |
| Floor Length Dress | 60 to 62 inches | 152 to 157 cm |
How Are Dress Lengths Measured
As you can see, each dress length comes in a range, so you must learn how to measure a dress to ensure the hem will rest right where you want and/or need it to.
While you can always fit each dress you plan on buying, we all know that most of the time, it's a struggle and time-consuming to keep removing one dress and trying on another. This knowledge is also beneficial for those who plan to use their dress-sewing skills to start an RTW business.
Thus, here's a quick guide to help you just do that when shopping for a dress with straps or sleeves and a sleeveless or tube dress:
Measuring Dress Lengths With Straps
To properly measure these types of dress, follow these simple steps:
- Place the dress on a flat, clean surface with its front facing up.
- Gently smooth out any creases or folds by running your hand on it. Doing so ensures the dress lays as flat as it can be on the surface.
- Place the end of a measuring tape on top of the dress' shoulder strap, and measure all the way down to the dress' hem.
Measuring Dress Length With Sleeves
For dresses with sleeves, here's what you need to do:
- Place the dress on a flat, clean surface with its front facing up.
- Gently smooth out any creases or folds by running your hand on it. Doing so ensures the dress lays as flat as it can be on the surface.
- Place the end of a measuring tape on top of the dress' shoulder seam, and measure all the way down to the dress' hem.
Measuring Length of Sleeveless or Tube Dresses
Sleeveless and tube dresses are a bit different when it comes to measuring their exact length because it would be best to wear them. That's because you will need to start measuring from the hollow of your neck, which is right above your clavicles or collarbones. To put it simply, the center of your collarbones.
However, you can start measuring from the most elevated part of the dress' top part to its hem. Then add three to four inches more, which is the estimated distance from the collarbone's center to the top of your chest.
Pro Tip for Choosing the Right Dress Length
I can't emphasize enough that each one of us has a different body type. Some have shorter legs, while others have wider hips. We even have different heights. All this and more can affect where the dress' hem will fall once you wear it.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing dress lengths is to check how the dress will respond to any type of movement you make. For instance, some dresses will ride up once you sit down. When it does, choose a dress that is two inches longer.
Wearing the Right Dress Lengths for the Occasion
Wear a dress with elegance and confidence by making sure you pick the best length for the venue and the occasion. Whether it might be visiting a nightclub, attending a client meeting, or throwing a casual party, choosing the best length has never been easier with this guide.
Just don't forget to keep in mind your specific body shape or type and height and, of course, your personal style!
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