If you’re ordering a custom wedding dress, you may be asked to provide a Hollow to Hem measurement. It may sound technical, but it simply helps determine one important thing: where the front hem of your wedding dress should end.
Getting this measurement right is especially important for floor-length wedding dresses. A few inches can make the difference between a gown that falls beautifully and one that is too short or constantly under your feet.
What Does Hollow to Hem Mean?
Hollow to Hem is the vertical measurement from the hollow at the base of your neck to where you want the front hem of your dress to end.
The “hollow” is the small indentation between your collarbones at the base of your neck.
How to Measure Hollow to Hem Correctly
For the most accurate measurement, ask someone to help you rather than trying to measure yourself.
First, put on the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you haven’t chosen the exact pair yet, wear shoes with the same approximate heel height.
Stand naturally upright, looking straight ahead. Do not look down while the measurement is being taken, as this can change your posture and affect the result.
Place the end of the measuring tape at the hollow between your collarbones. Let the tape run vertically down the front of your body toward the floor.
Measure to the point where you want the front of the dress to end.
Keep the tape straight and relaxed. Do not pull it tightly against your body or follow every curve of your figure.
Does the Hem Have to Touch the Floor?
No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings about Hollow to Hem.
The “hem” is simply the point where you want the front of your dress to end. It does not automatically mean the floor.
For a traditional floor-length wedding dress, you may want the hem to fall very close to the floor while wearing your wedding shoes.
However, some brides prefer a little clearance. For example, if you are having an outdoor or garden wedding, or simply want to walk more easily without worrying about stepping on the dress, you may prefer the front hem to sit approximately 1 inch above the floor.
There is no single correct hem position for every bride. The right length depends on the dress design, your shoes, the wedding setting, and how you want the gown to move.
Do Not Add Extra Length for a Train
If your wedding dress has a train, do not add extra inches to your hollow to hem measurement as the hollow to hem is measured in the front, back is not included.
Hollow to Hem is a simple measurement, but it plays a major role in how your wedding dress looks and feels when you wear it.
If you are unsure where your hem should end or how to measure a particular wedding dress style, contact us before submitting your custom measurements. It is always better to confirm the correct measurement than to guess and add extra length.