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YOUR GUIDE TO BENTLEY + LACE RENTAL SIZING

A better fit starts with the gown’s exact measurements.

Bentley + Lace rentals are designed to photograph beautifully — not fit like standard retail clothing. This guide explains how to compare exact garment measurements, understand our Flex-Fit construction, and adjust corset-style backs with confidence.

Bentley and Lace flexible fit rental gown
Elastic-back fit rule of thumb Many elastic-back gowns can flex up approximately 3 inches or size down approximately 2 inches while still photographing beautifully. Always start with that individual gown’s listed measurements.
EXACT GOWN MEASUREMENTS FIRST COUTURE — NOT RETAIL SIZING FLEX-FIT ELASTIC BACKS ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER TIES CORSET-STYLE SUPPORT POLISHED FIT — NOT A HUGE SIZE RANGE
UNDERSTANDING FIT

Start with the gown’s exact measurements.

Every rental product page includes the gown’s true garment measurements. These measurements matter more than the size label because our rentals are couture pieces with intentionally designed fit ranges.

Bentley and Lace rental fit guide
The listing wins. Use the exact garment measurements and fit notes on the individual rental product page before reserving.
HOW OUR FIT WORKS

Sizing is our rental superpower.

Bentley + Lace rentals are couture pieces, not standard retail clothing. Each rental product page includes the gown’s true garment specs. Those measurements matter more than the size label because the gown already exists — and the goal is a secure, polished silhouette that looks close to custom in photographs.

+3" Typical stretch-up range for many elastic-back gowns.
−2" Often still polished when sizing down within the gown’s construction.
This is a rule of thumb, not a universal guarantee. Structured, fixed, fitted, or specialty silhouettes may require much more precise measurements. Always follow the specs and notes on that individual gown.
UNDERSTANDING FLEX-FIT

Sizing is our rental superpower.

Our rental gowns use couture construction techniques that create useful multi-size flexibility without sacrificing the polished silhouette you want in photographs.

01

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

Torso + Height Flexibility
Many children’s and tween gowns use shoulder ties that connect through loops at the elastic back. The ties can lengthen or shorten the bodice placement, helping the waist sit correctly across different torso lengths and heights.
02

Flex-Fit Elastic Backs + Waists

Our Signature Rental Advantage
Elastic construction expands and contracts comfortably while maintaining a secure silhouette. This is one of the primary ways a Bentley + Lace rental can accommodate more than one base size without losing the shape that makes the gown photograph beautifully.
03

Corset-Style Backs

Adjustable Support
Adjustable corset-style backs can cinch in or open several inches depending on the design. The lacing creates personalized structure and support without relying on rigid zippers or bulky hardware.
04

Structured or Fixed Styles

Precise Fit Required
Not every gown is designed to flex. Some structured bodices, fixed waists, fitted silhouettes, or specialty constructions have minimal stretch and should be selected strictly from the listed garment measurements — especially bust or chest, waist, hips, and shoulder-to-waist.
05

Boys Suspenders + Suits

Growth-Friendly Adjustment
Adjustable suspenders and elastic waistbands help boys pieces accommodate different proportions and small growth changes while preserving a neat, tailored appearance.
WHY NOT MAKE ONE GOWN FIT EVERYONE?

Because flexibility should never replace shape.

A rental that is designed to fit an enormous size range can lose the waist placement, bodice shape, proportion, and support that make a couture gown photograph beautifully.

Our fit ranges are intentional. We build in useful flexibility through elastic, ties, and corset-style construction — but we still want the finished gown to look polished, secure, and close to custom on the wearer.

ADJUSTABLE FIT GUIDE

How to tie the criss-cross corset back.

Our adjustable corset-style backs allow flexibility in fit, structure, and support. There is more than one correct way to lace the back depending on the wearer and the finished look you want.

01

Position the shoulder straps

The satin shoulder straps begin at the front of the gown and extend toward the back.

  • They may fall straight down first and then criss-cross.
  • Or they may begin criss-crossing immediately at the upper back.

Both methods can be correct depending on the fit and look you need.

02

Lace through the fabric loops

Thread the satin straps through the satin loops along the back of the bodice.

  • Creates the corset-style closure
  • Allows the bodice to tighten or loosen
  • Avoids rigid metal hardware

The straps act as both shoulder support and lacing.

03

Use the middle loops for support

The middle loops are part of the structure — they are not decorative.

  • Help shape and tighten the bodice
  • Add stability
  • Assist with the weight of the skirt
  • Keep the bodice secure without stiffness
04

Tie at the waist

After lacing through the loops, secure the straps through the waistline loops and finish in a bow.

  • Secures the fit
  • Connects bodice and skirt support
  • Creates a polished back finish
  • Allows easy final adjustment
The result: an adjustable gown that can adapt to different body shapes, provide support, and photograph beautifully — without zippers, grommets, or unnecessary bulk.
MEASUREMENT GUIDE

Measure the wearer. Then compare to the gown.

Accurate body measurements tell you what to compare. The exact measurements on the individual rental listing tell you whether that finished gown is the right fit.

QUICK RENTAL MEASUREMENT REFRESHER

Measure the wearer. Then compare to the gown.

Take measurements over undergarments or close-fitting clothing. Keep the tape level, comfortably against the body, and do not add extra inches yourself.

01
Height
Top of head to floor while standing barefoot and naturally.
02
Chest / Bust
Around the fullest part, with the tape level across the back.
03
Natural Waist
Around the true natural waist — not automatically the waistband of pants.
04
Hips
Around the fullest part of the hips and seat, keeping the tape level.
05
Shoulder to Waist
Shoulder near the neckline down the front to the natural waist.
06
Required Length
Use the relevant knee, ankle, waist-to-floor, or other length measurement for the silhouette.
Quick fit note: the product listing’s exact garment measurements are the final fit reference for a rental. Your body measurements tell you what to compare; the gown’s measurements tell you what you are actually reserving.
REAL BENTLEY + LACE MOMENTS

Why clients trust our rental fit.

Couture craftsmanship, clear measurements, and adjustable construction help take the guesswork out of reserving.

The sizing guide took all the guesswork out of renting. I was nervous about getting the right fit, but the Bentley + Lace measurement guide made everything so simple. The gown fit my daughter like it was made just for her. Truly couture.
Melissa R.
Their multi-size flexibility is magic. As a photographer, I rent gowns often. Bentley + Lace is the only brand where the sizing is consistently reliable. The adjustable bodices and flexible fit make every session stress-free.
Alyssa M., Photographer
I followed the measurement steps and the fit was PERFECT. I’m not a sewer or a fashion pro, but the guide walked me through everything clearly. The gown draped beautifully and photographed like a dream.
Danielle P.
Finally — a rental brand that understands real children’s proportions. Bentley + Lace sizing is based on couture sizing, not clothing tags, and it shows in the fit.
Tasha L.
The elastic and adjustable features saved the day. My daughter had a growth spurt right before our photos. Thankfully, the adjustable back and generous length meant the gown still fit flawlessly.
Brenda C., Momma
As a photographer, I trust their sizing 100%. I’ve rented gowns from dozens of places, and Bentley + Lace has the most accurate fit info by far. Their measurement charts and descriptions are spot-on.
Kelly H. Photography
My daughter felt comfortable the entire session. The fit was secure but never tight. She played, twirled, and posed without a single complaint.
Emily S.
The measurement guide is pure genius. It took me less than five minutes to measure my daughter. The couture tips made me feel confident, and the gown arrived fitting exactly as expected.
Rachel V.
Swipe or scroll for more kind words →
RENTAL FIT QUESTIONS

Before you reserve.

The size label is only the beginning. The individual gown measurements and construction notes are what tell you how that rental can actually fit.

Should I choose a rental by the size label?

Use the size label as a general guide, but choose the rental from the exact garment measurements and fit notes listed on that individual product page.

Does every elastic-back gown fit 3 inches larger and 2 inches smaller?

No. The +3 inch / -2 inch guideline is a general rule of thumb for many elastic-back styles, not a universal guarantee. Always use the individual gown measurements, construction, and fit notes first.

Why don’t Bentley + Lace rentals fit a huge size range?

Very broad size ranges can cause the bodice, waist, support, and overall silhouette to lose shape. Bentley + Lace fit ranges are intentionally designed to provide useful flexibility while keeping the gown polished and close to custom in photographs.

What if the gown has a structured or fixed bodice?

Structured or fixed styles may have little or no stretch. Select those gowns strictly from the exact listed measurements, especially chest or bust, waist, hips when relevant, and shoulder-to-waist.

Can the corset back be laced more than one way?

Yes. Depending on the gown and wearer, the shoulder straps may fall straight down before crossing or may begin criss-crossing higher on the back. The goal is a secure, supported bodice and a clean finished look.

What measurements should I compare first for a rental?

Chest or bust, waist, and the relevant gown length are often the first measurements to compare. Fitted silhouettes may also require careful hip measurements. Follow the individual product listing for the measurements that matter most for that gown.

What if I am between sizes or still unsure?

Send Bentley + Lace the wearer’s current measurements, the rental gown you are considering, and your session or event date before checkout so we can help you review the best available fit.

READY TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT?

Shop the measurements — not just the size tag.

Measure the wearer, open the gown you love, and compare those numbers with the exact garment specs. If you are between sizes or unsure, send us the measurements before checkout and we can help.