The Bentley + Lace Size Guide
Understanding Our Base Sizing
Couture sizing made simple — understand base sizing, size ranges, and how to choose the perfect fit.
What Is Base Sizing?
Your gown’s blueprint.
At Bentley + Lace, every gown is intentionally crafted with couture construction, designed to photograph beautifully and fit comfortably. Because our pieces are not based on mass-produced retail sizing, our sizing approach is unique — and wonderfully flexible.
This guide walks you through base sizing, size ranges, measurements, and fit expectations so you can choose your gown with total confidence.
Each gown begins with a base size, which reflects the original proportions the design was drafted around — including height, waist placement, bodice shape, and overall silhouette.
Base sizing is not a retail size.
It does not guarantee an exact fit.
Instead, it shows the intended proportions and height range the gown was built for.
Think of base sizing as the foundation of each design:
- Where the waist should visually land
- How long the skirt is intended to fall
- The natural shape and proportion of the bodice
- The age/size group the silhouette originally suits
Base Sizing Categories
Understanding the foundation of our rental sizing system
Baby Couture Dresses
Designed for petite proportions, shorter torsos, and soft shaping that flatters babies and toddlers during milestone sessions. (6 month–24 month)
2–8 Years
A highly versatile range with flexible proportions and silhouettes that adapt well to a wide variety of children's heights and body types.
10–12 Years
Created for preteens who fall between child and teen sizing. These gowns offer slightly more defined shaping while maintaining multi-size comfort.
Teen & Adult
Adult gowns are a stunning choice even when sizing down. Their refined structure and drape allow for graceful adjustments, and most styles can be expertly clamped to achieve a flawless, custom-tailored appearance on younger or smaller frames.
Base sizing reflects the gown’s original design proportions. For the most accurate fit, always compare your measurements to the garment’s exact specs listed on the product page.
While many of our teen and adult gowns can be sized down beautifully — and can often be gently clamped for a seamless, tailored appearance — we believe a gown should always look as though it was intentionally designed for the client wearing it. Even if a larger gown can technically size down, the overall proportion, waist placement, and silhouette should still read as the correct, intended size to preserve the couture look and ensure the final images feel timeless and refined.
The Visual Difference: A Well-Fitted Gown
Couture elegance matters.
A gown should:
- Look tailored and intentional
- Have a waistline that sits exactly where designed
- Enhance movement, portrait posing, and comfort
- Flatter the proportions of the wearer
A gown should not:
- Be overly large, droopy, or visually boxy
- Sit too high or low at the waist
Pull tightly, gap, or distort the silhouette - Distract from the photo’s beauty
A well-fitted gown photographs like it was custom-made — even as a rental piece.
If Your Child Is Between Sizes:
This is common — and we make it easy.
- Start with garment measurements
- Check the shoulder-to-waist alignment
- Ensure the length works for the intended pose or shoe choice
- When in doubt, choose the gown whose proportions match the body best, not the age
Every body is unique — we are here to help guide you.
Measurement Guide
Follow these simple steps for accurate size guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about renting with Bentley + Lace.
Your Pre-Rental Fit Checklist
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Take updated measurements
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Compare your measurements to the exact garment specs listed on the product page
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Check the gown's base sizing to confirm intended proportions
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Confirm the length works for your portrait session type
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Review the size range to understand fit flexibility
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Reach out if you're unsure — we're always here to help
Why Clients Trust Our Rental Designs
Couture craftsmanship and unforgettable details — here’s what customers are saying.
“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.”
"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."
“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.”
"Finally — a rental brand that understands real children’s proportions. So many rental shops run tiny or unpredictable. Bentley + Lace sizing is based on couture sizing, not clothing tags, and it shows in the fit. Worth every penny."
“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."
“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.”
“My daughter felt comfortable the entire session. The fit was secure but never tight. She played, twirled, and posed without a single complaint. That’s how you know a gown is truly couture.”
“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.”
Visit Our Studio
Little Elm, TX 75068
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- December–January: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM