Adrianna Papell

Adrianna Papell Size Guide

How to Measure Yourself

For the most accurate sizing, follow these steps. Take measurements whilst wearing the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress.

1. Bust: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and centre it on your back so it's level all the way around. This is the most critical measurement for Adrianna Papell's fitted gowns and beaded bodices.
2. Waist: Run the measuring tape around your natural waistline, keeping it parallel with the floor. To find your natural waist, bend to one side and locate where your torso naturally indents. Adrianna Papell designs often feature a tailored, close fit through the waist for a flattering silhouette.
3. Hips: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping it parallel to the floor all the way around. This is especially important when selecting column gowns or fitted jumpsuits.
4. Stand Correctly: Keep your feet together, your body relaxed, and your arms at your sides whilst taking measurements to ensure accuracy.
5. Double-Check: Take each measurement twice to verify consistency. Keep your tape measure snug but not tight—there should be no pinching or excess slack.

Women's Standard Size Chart

Adrianna Papell's standard women's sizing runs from XS to XXL (sizes 0–20). Most customers find eveningwear runs half a size small, particularly in beaded gowns.

UK Size	US Size	EU Size	Bust (inches)	Waist (inches)	Hips (inches)
6	2	34	33.5	26.5	36.5
8	4	36	34.5	27.5	37.5
10	6	38	35.5	28.5	38.5
12	8	40	36.5	29.5	39.5
14	10	42	37.5	30.5	40.5
16	12	44	39	32	42
18	14	46	40.5	33.5	43.5
20	16	48	42	35	45

Petite sizing is available for women with a shorter frame (typically under 5'4"). Petite garments are proportioned with shorter torsos and inseams.

Petite Size	US Equivalent	EU Size	Bust (inches)	Waist (inches)	Hips (inches)
PXS (0P)	0	32	31	25	34
PS (2P)	2	34	32	26	36
PS (4P)	4	36	34	27	37
PM (6P)	6	38	35	28	38
PM (8P)	8	40	36	29	39
PM (10P)	10	42	37	30	40
PL (12P)	12	44	38.5	31.5	41.5
PL (14P)	14	46	40	33	43
PXL (16P)	16	48	41.5	34.5	44.5
PXL (18P)	18	50	43.5	36.5	46.5
PXXL (20P)	20	52	45.5	38.5	48.5

Plus-size garments (sizes 14W–28W) are designed with plus-size proportions and fit more generously than straight-size equivalents. A plus-size 14W will fit considerably more roomy than a straight-size 14.

Plus Size	US Equivalent	EU Size	Bust (inches)	Waist (inches)	Hips (inches)
14W	14	46	43	37	47.5
16W	16	48	44.5	38.5	49
18W	18	50	46	40	50.5
20W	20	52	48	42	52.5
22W	22	54	50	44	54.5
24W	24	56	52	46	56.5
26W	26	58	54	48	58.5
28W	28	60	57	51	61.5
30W	30	62	60	54	64.5

Product-Specific Sizing Guidance

Adrianna Papell's signature beaded and hand-embellished gowns are the brand's most iconic styles. These garments feature little stretch and are designed for a snug, flattering fit through the bust and bodice.

• Fit Note: Beaded evening dresses tend to run half a size small, particularly in petite and fitted silhouettes. The structured beading and lack of stretch mean sizing accuracy is crucial.
• Material: Most evening gowns use beaded mesh, structured satin, and embellished crepe with minimal to no stretch. Always check the product page for fabric stretch ratings (0–4 scale).
• Common Fit Issues: Zip difficulties and pinching at the bust are common with gowns. If you're between sizes, consider sizing up to avoid these issues.
• Worth Buying: Timeless navy, champagne, and blush-toned gowns in classic silhouettes offer excellent investment pieces for weddings and formal events.

Cocktail dresses often feature stretchy materials such as ruched jersey and wrap-style construction, making them more forgiving than beaded gowns.

• Fit Note: Cocktail dresses tend to be more consistent in sizing compared to formal gowns, but waist and bust proportions can vary between styles.
• Stretch Fabrics: Many cocktail styles include stretch crepe, knit jersey, and ruched fabrics that provide flexibility. Check the stretch scale on the product page before ordering.
• Silhouette Options: Wrap dresses and adjustable ruched styles are particularly forgiving and recommended if you're between sizes.
• Worth Buying: Ruched and wrap-style cocktail dresses with adjustable features offer excellent versatility.

Adrianna Papell jumpsuits offer a more modern, relaxed silhouette compared to dresses, but sizing depends heavily on torso length and hip width.

• Fit Note: Unstructured jumpsuits can run large, whilst fitted crepe styles may be closer to standard sizing. Wide-leg jumpsuits with stretch crepe are particularly popular.
• Torso Length: This is a critical measurement for jumpsuits that dress sizing doesn't capture. Refer to individual product pages for inseam and torso length information.
• Prioritise Hip & Waist: When selecting a jumpsuit size, prioritise waist and hip measurements over bust, as the garment construction differs from dresses.
• Worth Buying: Wide-leg jumpsuits with stretch crepe fabrics that feature structured bodices offer modern elegance and comfort.

These styles are typically structured with jackets or wrap features and offer a more traditional, tailored aesthetic.

• Fit Note: Sizing can feel traditional (tighter than modern brands). If you're between sizes, consider sizing up for comfort, especially in jacket-and-dress combinations.
• Jacket Construction: Jackets provide structure and support, making proper bust sizing essential.
• Worth Buying: Neutral-toned jacket-and-dress combos in sophisticated designs make excellent investment pieces.

Do Adrianna Papell Dresses Run Small or Large?

On average, Adrianna Papell dresses run small, particularly formal and beaded styles. The most common sizing issues occur with:

• Bust and waist areas in beaded gowns and evening wear
• Fitted styles without stretch fabrics
• Petite and tailored options that have minimal ease

Cocktail dresses and styles with stretch fabrics tend to fit more true to size. Always refer to individual product fit notes and customer reviews before ordering.

Sizing Tips & Recommendations

• Prioritise Bust & Waist: For Adrianna Papell gowns, the bust is the most critical measurement area. Many customers struggle with zip issues because the bust doesn't fit properly. Measure carefully and refer to the size chart before ordering.
• Check Fabric Stretch Ratings: Every Adrianna Papell product page includes a fabric stretch scale (0–4 points). Non-stretch beaded garments (0–1) will fit more snugly than jersey or crepe styles (3–4). Consider sizing up for zero-stretch fabrics if you prefer comfort.
• Account for Undergarments: Take measurements whilst wearing the bra and shapewear you plan to wear with your dress. Different undergarments can add 0.5–1 inch to your bust and waist measurements.
• Petite vs. Standard Sizing: Don't automatically assume petite sizing if you're under 5'4"—consider purchasing standard sizes if your proportions are average. Petite lengths can look too short on taller women, and standard lengths can overwhelm shorter figures. Check inseam and bodice length on product pages.
• In-Between Sizing Strategy: If you fall between sizes, order down for a fitted look and order up for a relaxed silhouette. Remember that Adrianna Papell offers free exchanges for up to 60 days after delivery, so you can always switch sizes if needed.
• Review Product-Specific Notes: Individual styles may have fit variations due to design details. Always check the "Fit" section at the top of the product page for notes such as "runs small" or "generous through the hips." Customer reviews are also valuable for identifying sizing patterns.
• Plus-Size Proportioning: Plus-size garments (14W–30W) are designed based on plus-size proportions, not simply scaled-up straight sizes. A plus-size 14W fits considerably more roomy than a straight-size 14. Don't assume you need a straight size just because you fall within the overlapping range.
• Fabric Type Matters: Beaded mesh and structured satin offer no give, whilst crepe, jersey, and ruched fabrics provide stretch. A fitted beaded gown may require sizing up compared to a crepe cocktail dress in the same silhouette.
• Natural Waist Identification: Finding your true natural waist is essential for Adrianna Papell's tailored dresses. Bend to one side and locate where your torso naturally indents. Many people measure their high hip or low hip instead, leading to incorrect sizing.
• Use the Size Questionnaire: Adrianna Papell offers a size quiz on their website that guides you through sizing in under 30 seconds. This tool can be valuable if you're still unsure after reviewing the size chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Adrianna Papell's standard and plus sizes?

All straight-size garments extend to size 20, whilst plus-size ranges from 14W to 30W. Although there is size overlap, plus-size garments are designed with plus-size proportions and fit more generously than their straight-size equivalents. A plus-size 14W will fit considerably roomier than a straight-size 14.

Should I order a petite size if I'm under 5'4"?

Not necessarily. Petite sizing is ideal if you have shorter proportions throughout (shorter torso, shorter arms, shorter inseam). However, if you're simply shorter but have average proportions, standard sizing may be better. Always check the inseam and bodice length on product pages before deciding. You can contact customer service for guidance if uncertain.

How do I know if a particular style will stretch?

Adrianna Papell notes fabric stretch on a 4-point scale on every product page under the "Size & Fit" section. A rating of 0–1 indicates little to no stretch (ideal for structural gowns), whilst 3–4 indicates significant stretch (common in jersey and crepe cocktail dresses).

What should I do if I'm between sizes?

Consider your preferred fit: ordering up gives a looser, more relaxed silhouette, whilst ordering down results in a tighter, more fitted look. For beaded gowns without stretch, sizing up is recommended to avoid zip issues and pinching. Remember that exchanges are always free for 60 days, so you can switch sizes if needed.

Do Adrianna Papell garments fit true to size?

Adrianna Papell designs all garments using their published size chart, but differences in silhouette, fabric type, and construction can result in variations. Most formal and beaded styles run slightly small. If other customers have noted fit differences for a specific style, those notes appear in the "Fit" section on the product page.

How should I measure for a jumpsuit?

Measure your bust, waist, and hips as you would for a dress. However, also note your inseam (from the inside of your ankle to your crotch when standing) and torso length (from your shoulder to your natural waistline). These measurements are crucial for jumpsuit fit and are provided on individual product pages. Many customers ignore these and receive jumpsuits that are too long or too short in the torso.

How can I get help with sizing?

Adrianna Papell's customer service team is available to help you find your perfect fit. You can contact them through the website, use the size questionnaire for immediate guidance, or reach out directly with specific questions about a particular style or your measurements.