Understanding Fit:
Your Guide to Bentley + Lace Rental Sizing
Because every child and client is unique, and couture sizing respects those differences.
A perfect gown begins with the perfect measurement — and we make it beautifully simple.
At Bentley + Lace, every rental piece is thoughtfully designed to fit beautifully across a range of sizes. Because our gowns are couture—not retail—our sizing and construction methods are intentionally different from standard store-bought clothing.
This guide will help you understand how our rental garments are designed to fit, what makes them unique, and how to ensure the best possible fit for your child, teen, or adult client.
Why Bentley + Lace Rentals Don’t Follow Standard Retail Sizing
Our gowns are not made using typical retail size charts.
Instead, each piece is handmade using couture construction methods that:
- Allow multi-size flexibility
- Support editorial posing and photography movement
- Ensure a longer lifespan for rental rotations
- Provide a generous fit range without compromising shape
Because of this, your usual clothing size (4, 6, 8, etc.) will not reflect how a Bentley + Lace gown fits.
The only accurate way to choose a rental is by using measurements.
Each rental product page includes the gown’s exact garment measurements.
These measurements reflect the gown itself — not the body wearing it — ensuring the most accurate fit selection possible.
Sizing Is Our Rental Superpower
Our rental gowns are handcrafted with couture construction techniques that allow multi-size flexibility, adjustable features, and secure comfortable fits. Because our gowns do not follow standard retail sizing, the garment measurements listed on each product page are the key to selecting the correct fit.
Adjustable Shoulder Straps
Many of our children's and tween gowns include shoulder tie straps that tie into the elastic-backed loops. These allow the bodice to lengthen or shorten for proper placement and provide flexible fit across different heights and torso lengths.
Flex-Fit Elastic Waists
Elasticized waists expand and contract comfortably, offering generous multi-size flexibility while keeping a secure and flattering silhouette ideal for movement and posing.
Corseted Backs (Teens + Adults)
Adjustable corseted backs can cinch in or expand several inches, creating a supportive, personalized fit across a range of body shapes.
Structured or Fixed Styles
Some gowns have minimal stretch and require more precise sizing. These must be selected strictly using the garment's listed measurements, especially bust and shoulder-to-waist.
Boys Suspenders + Suits
Boys pieces feature adjustable suspenders and elastic waistbands that accommodate growth spurts and varying body types while maintaining a polished, tailored appearance.
Measurement Guide
Follow these simple steps for accurate measurements
How to Measure
Height
Measure from the top of the head to the floor, standing barefoot with heels together.
Couture Tip
Use a book to create a straight line across the head — this gives a perfect vertical guide and ensures gowns hit at the right length.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Couture Tip
Make sure arms are relaxed at their sides. Tensed arms lift the tape and add extra inches.
Waist
Measure around the natural waistline, typically the narrowest part of the torso.
Couture Tip
Bend slightly side to side — the natural crease that forms is the true waistline.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of the hips, keeping the tape level and snug.
Couture Tip
Roll the tape gently around the fullest part of the hips and seat. If unsure, wiggle the tape up and down slightly — it will naturally settle at the fullest point.
Shoulder to Waist
Measure from the top of the shoulder down to the natural waistline.
Couture Tip
Keep the tape vertical — not curved along the body. A straight measurement ensures the bodice proportions fit beautifully.
Shoulder to Knee
Measure from the top of the shoulder straight down to the center of the knee.
Couture Tip
Stand naturally. Knees that are bent or locked can shorten or overextend this measurement.
Shoulder to Ankle
Measure from the top of the shoulder down to the ankle bone.
Couture Tip
Measure barefoot for accuracy. This keeps gowns from being unintentionally short or long.
Waist to Mid-Thigh
Measure from the natural waistline down to the middle of the thigh.
Couture Tip
This measurement guides petal and layered skirts — aim for a gentle, relaxed standing posture to avoid pulling the tape too far down.
Waist to Floor
Measure from the natural waistline straight down to the floor.
Couture Tip
If wearing heels or platform shoes, add that height here for a perfect drape.
Inseam
Measure from the top of the inner thigh down to the ankle bone.
Couture Tip
Keep the leg straight but not stiff. A soft, natural stance allows the tape to follow the true inner line of the leg.
Arm Length
Measure from the shoulder point down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone.
Couture Tip
Have your child extend their arm slightly to the side rather than straight forward — this gives the most accurate couture sleeve length.
Shoulder Width
Measure across the back from one shoulder point to the other.
Couture Tip
Ensure shoulders are relaxed and not raised — even a small shrug can add extra width.
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck where a necklace would naturally sit.
Couture Tip
Place one finger under the tape for comfort — this ensures necklines feel elegant and never tight.
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.”
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Little Elm, TX 75068
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- December–January: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM