How to Measure Ao Dai Size at Home

You need six measurements to order an ao dai: bust, waist, hip, shoulder width, sleeve length, and ao dai length. Measuring yourself at home takes about ten minutes and only requires a soft measuring tape. Below is how to take each measurement, along with common mistakes that lead to inaccurate measurements.

Preparation before measuring

Three things that will significantly improve measurement accuracy:

• Soft measuring tape, the type used for sewing. Metal tape measures used by carpenters cannot contour to the body, resulting in inaccurate measurements.
• Thin, form-fitting clothing. Measuring over a sweater or jacket will add a few centimeters that you won't notice.
• Someone to help you measure. It's very difficult to keep the tape straight when measuring your waist and shoulder width by yourself. If no one is available, stand in front of a mirror.

Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, and breathe normally. Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest — an ao dai made to those measurements will be tight exactly when you need to be most comfortable.

Six AMVI measurements needed

• Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, across your back, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
• Waist: Around the smallest part of your waist, usually just above your navel. If you're not sure where your waist is, bend to one side — the crease is your waist.
• Hip: Around the fullest part of your hips, with your feet together.
• Shoulder width: Measure across your back, from the tip of one shoulder bone to the tip of the other shoulder bone.
• Sleeve length: From the top of your shoulder to your wrist, with your arm slightly bent naturally, not rigidly straight.
• Ao dai length: From the top of your shoulder straight down to the desired length of the ao dai hem. This is the most preference-based measurement, so if you already have an ao dai that fits well, measuring it is the most reliable option.

You can record in inches or centimeters, just specify which unit you are using.

Four mistakes that lead to inaccurate measurements

• Pulling the tape too tight. The tape should just touch your body, allowing one finger to slide underneath. Pulling it tight to get a smaller number will only result in an ao dai that's too tight to breathe in.
• Tape is crooked in the back. It may look straight in the front, but it slides up or down in the back. This is why it's good to have someone help you measure.
• Measuring over thick clothing. This adds two to three centimeters without you realizing it.
• Measuring only once. Measure each dimension twice. If the two measurements differ significantly, measure a third time.

What to do after measuring

Compare your measurements with the AMVI Ao Dai Size Chart. One of three situations will occur:

• Fits perfectly into one size. Choose that size and order as usual, following the ordering instructions.
• Falls between two sizes. Send all six measurements to AMVI via Messenger for the shop to advise. Depending on the ao dai style and design, the advice will vary, so don't just guess.
• Significantly deviates from the size chart. For example, the waist is one size but the hip is another. In this case, you should order a custom-made ao dai instead of buying a ready-made one and getting it altered.

To see how the style looks on you before finalizing, use AMVI's virtual ao dai try-on tool.

Send your measurements to AMVI, the shop will help advise on size

If you're not sure which size you are, don't guess. After taking the six measurements above, message AMVI via Messenger with all six measurements and the ao dai style you like, and the shop will review and advise on the appropriate size. Sending a full-body photo will make it even easier to give accurate advice.

This is the fastest way for remote customers. AMVI has two stores in Houston, TX — if convenient, visit AMVI Northwest or AMVI Bellaire for staff to measure you directly. If you are in another state, AMVI ships to all 50 states, and Messenger is an alternative to visiting the store.

Once you've measured, browse available ao dai styles, or send your measurements via Messenger if you want the shop to review them before you order.