Understanding Fit:
Your Guide to Bentley + Lace Rental Sizing
Because every child and client is unique, and couture sizing respects those differences.
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 will help you choose the best rental fit with confidence.
At Bentley + Lace, our rental gowns are couture pieces, not standard retail clothing. That means they are not chosen by a basic store size tag.
Each rental product page includes the gown’s exact garment measurements. These are the gown’s true specs — not a general body size estimate.
Our rentals are designed to look polished and close to custom in photos, so they are not meant to fit a huge size range. The best fit starts by comparing your measurements to the exact specs listed on the product page.
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.
Start with the gown’s exact measurements.
Every rental product page includes the gown’s actual specs. These measurements matter more than the size label because our gowns are couture pieces, not standard retail clothing.
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.
How to Tie the Criss-Cross Corset Back
Our gowns are designed with an adjustable corset-style back that allows flexibility in fit, structure, and support. There is more than one correct way to tie the back, depending on the look and level of support you need.
Simple steps
Adjust, lace, secure.
Follow these steps as a guide. The back can be adjusted for comfort, support, and the look you want in photos.
Step 1: Position the shoulder straps
The satin shoulder straps begin at the front of the gown and extend to the back.
They may:
- Fall straight down first, then criss-cross
- Begin by criss-crossing immediately at the upper back
Both methods are correct and allow for fit adjustment.
Step 2: Lace through the fabric loops
The satin shoulder straps are threaded through the satin loops along the back of the bodice.
These loops are designed to:
- Create a corset-style closure
- Allow the bodice to tighten or loosen
- Avoid metal or rigid hardware
The straps function as both shoulder support and lacing.
Step 3: Use the middle loops for structure & support
The middle loops play an important structural role.
When the straps pass through these loops, they:
- Help tighten and shape the bodice
- Provide added structure and stability
- Assist in supporting the weight of the skirt
- Keep the bodice secure without stiffness
This allows the gown to remain soft while offering strength where needed.
Step 4: Tie at the waist
After lacing through the loops, tie the straps through the waistline loops into a bow.
This final tie:
- Secures the fit
- Supports the bodice and skirt together
- Creates a clean, elegant back finish
- Allows easy adjustment across sizes
The result: a gown that adapts to different body shapes, offers adjustable structure, supports the skirting, and photographs beautifully—without zippers, grommets, or bulk.
Measurement Guide
Follow these simple steps for accurate measurements
How to Measure
For the most accurate fit, please follow these simple measurement guidelines. Take measurements over undergarments only.
Height
Measure from the top of the head to the floor while standing barefoot with heels together.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape level and comfortable.
Waist
Measure around the natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of the hips, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight.
Shoulder to Waist
Measure from the top of the shoulder down to the natural waistline.
Shoulder to Knee
Measure from the top of the shoulder straight down to the center of the knee.
Shoulder to Ankle
Measure from the top of the shoulder down to the ankle bone.
Waist to Mid-Thigh
Measure from the natural waistline down to the middle of the thigh.
Waist to Floor
Measure from the natural waistline straight down to the floor.
Inseam
Measure from the top of the inner thigh down to the ankle bone.
Arm Length
Measure from the shoulder point down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone.
Shoulder Width
Measure across the back from one shoulder point to the other.
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck where a necklace would naturally sit.
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.”