True-to-Size: How Shopiebay Dresses Actually Fit
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The single most common question in our inbox: "Does this run small?" Followed closely by "Will this fit me?" and "Should I size up?"
Here's the honest answer, by style, fabric, and body type, with real measurements and the exceptions we've seen. If you read this before you order, your return rate drops to near zero. If you skip it, well, our return policy is easy anyway.
The short answer
Most Shopiebay dresses run true to size. That means if you wear a size 6 in most U.S. brands, order a size 6. The exceptions are documented below.
Size chart (U.S. sizing)
| Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) | |---|---|---|---| | XXS | 31–32 | 23–24 | 33–34 | | XS | 33–34 | 25–26 | 35–36 | | S | 35–36 | 27–28 | 37–38 | | M | 37–38 | 29–30 | 39–40 | | L | 39–41 | 31–33 | 41–43 | | XL | 42–44 | 34–36 | 44–46 | | XXL | 45–47 | 37–39 | 47–49 | | 3X | 48–50 | 40–42 | 50–52 |
Measurements are body measurements, not garment measurements. Garment measurements vary based on fit (relaxed, fitted, etc.).
How to measure yourself
You need a soft measuring tape and five minutes in front of a mirror.
Bust. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, usually across the nipples. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Breathe normally.
Waist. Find the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Don't suck in.
Hips. Around the widest part of your lower body, usually 7 to 9 inches below the waistline. Stand with feet together.
If you're between sizes: size up if you prefer a relaxed fit or if the dress is non-stretch, size down if you want a body-hugging fit and the fabric has stretch.
Fit by silhouette
Bodycon and slip dresses: size as measured
These dresses have little room to spare. Measure and match the size chart exactly. If you're between sizes, size up unless the fabric has significant stretch.
A-line and fit-and-flare: size up if between
These styles are fitted at the bodice and loose at the skirt. If you're between sizes, take the larger size so the bodice isn't tight.
Wrap dresses: size up one
Wrap dresses cross at the waist with an adjustable tie. If you're tall, busty, or prefer more coverage, size up one from your normal size. The extra fabric wraps further, giving you more coverage across the chest and hips.
Empire waist: true to size
Cinches at the bust, flows below. Most accommodating silhouette. Order your normal size.
Bodysuit-style: size up one
Built-in snap closures at the bottom. Run small at the torso. Size up.
Corset-bodice: size up one, sometimes two
Structured bodice, fitted waist, flared skirt. If you're busty, size up at least one, possibly two, and have the waist taken in if needed.
Fit by fabric
Stretch fabrics (scuba, ponte, stretch satin, jersey)
Size as measured. These fabrics accommodate slight variation.
Non-stretch (linen, cotton poplin, chiffon, taffeta, organza)
Size as measured for relaxed fits. Size up for fitted bodices. A non-stretch fitted dress has zero forgiveness.
Lace
Lace itself doesn't stretch, but most lace dresses have a lined bodice with some stretch. Check the product description for stretch content. Size up if you're between sizes.
Satin
Most of our satin is non-stretch or has minimal stretch. Size as measured for relaxed fits, size up for body-hugging styles.
Knits (sweater dresses, ribbed dresses)
Size as measured or down one if you like a bodycon fit. Knits grow with wear.
Fit by body type
Petite (5'3" and under)
Look for: midi dresses marked "petite" or "P" in the sizing. Standard midi hemlines often hit at the ankle on petite frames, which reads awkward. A midi should end between mid-calf and below the knee.
Avoid: floor-length maxi dresses without hemming. A non-hemmed maxi on a petite frame drags, which is a tripping hazard and an awkward photo.
Tip: have your dresses hemmed. A good tailor costs $15 to $40 per hem and the difference is transformative.
Tall (5'9" and up)
Look for: dresses marked "tall" or "T" in the sizing when available, or styles in maxi length so the hem still falls below the knee.
Avoid: midi dresses in standard sizing often hit at the knee or above on taller frames, which moves them from midi to above-the-knee. If that's fine with you, great. If not, choose maxi length.
Tip: long sleeves marked 34-inch sleeves or shorter usually run short on tall frames. Check sleeve length in the product description.
Plus-size (XL, XXL, 3X)
Look for: styles cut specifically for our plus-size size chart, which has proportional grading (larger bust and hips as size increases, not just a linear size-up). These are marked "curve" or "plus" on the product page.
Avoid: styles marked standard sizing that only go up to XL. These tend to be graded linearly and may not fit proportionally.
Tip: wrap dresses and empire waist are the most forgiving. A-line and bodycon work when the fabric has stretch.
Pregnant or post-pregnancy
Empire waist, wrap, and shift dresses accommodate changing sizes. Avoid fitted bodices.
Busty (D cup and above)
Look for: adjustable straps, wrap bodices, V-necks, and dresses marked with a "tall bodice." Avoid halter necks (usually too short from neck to under-bust) and strapless without a built-in bra.
Tip: a well-fitted bra under the dress matters more than the dress itself. Invest in one good strapless or convertible bra in nude and one in black.
Exceptions: styles that run small or large
A few styles in our range don't fit true to size. The list below is what we've seen from customer feedback and fit tests. Product pages are flagged with the fit note.
Runs small (size up one)
- The Lenna Bodysuit Dress
- The Vera Corset Midi
- All satin bias-cut slip dresses
- The Juliet Lace Mini Dress
- Any piece marked "fitted" in a non-stretch fabric
Runs large (size down one)
- The Marlowe Oversized Shirtdress
- The Summer Linen Maxi (the drape is intentional but reads loose)
- Knit sweater dresses from our winter drop (they stretch with wear)
When to consult us before ordering
If you're wearing a size that borders XL and XXL, pregnant and not sure, between petite and standard, or buying for a specific event where returns aren't possible (destination wedding): message us with the dress name, your measurements (bust, waist, hip), and height. We have fit data on every dress and can tell you the best size. Response within 24 hours.
Contact: hello@shopiebay.com.
Our return policy, in plain language
- 30 days from delivery to return.
- Free returns on U.S. orders via prepaid label.
- Dress must be unworn, unwashed, tags attached.
- Refund issued within 5 to 7 business days of us receiving the return.
- Final sale items and custom alterations are non-returnable.
Shop with confidence
Frequently asked
Is Shopiebay sizing American or European?
American sizing. Our size chart uses U.S. measurements.
What if my measurements fall into two different sizes (e.g., medium bust, small waist)?
Order the larger size and tailor the smaller measurement. It's easier and cheaper than the other way around.
Can I exchange instead of returning?
Yes. Initiate a return for the wrong size and place a new order for the correct size. Exchange processing takes 7 to 10 days total; direct re-order is faster.
Do you offer alterations?
No, but any local tailor can handle a dress hem, waist-take-in, or strap adjustment for $15 to $50 depending on complexity.
How do I find my size if I've never bought from you before?
Measure yourself against the size chart above. Order your closest size. If it doesn't fit, return it free.
For more fit-related reading, see our wedding guest guide and how to style a maxi dress.