First Communion Dress Size Chart & Sizing Guide

Choosing the correct First Communion dress size is an important part of finding a beautiful, comfortable fit for your daughter’s special day. First Communion dresses are formalwear, and their sizing may differ from the everyday clothing size your child normally wears.

At Christian Expressions, we recommend measuring your child before ordering and comparing her measurements with the size chart provided for the specific dress you are considering.

Do not select a First Communion dress based only on your child’s age or regular clothing size.

Browse our complete collection of First Communion Dresses for Girls.

How to Measure for a First Communion Dress

Before using a First Communion dress size chart, take three important measurements: chest, waist and dress length.

Use a soft measuring tape and have your child stand naturally while you measure.

Chest Measurement

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your child’s chest.

Keep the tape:

Level across the back
Under the arms
Snug but not tight
Comfortable enough for normal breathing

Record the actual chest measurement in inches.

Waist Measurement

Measure around your child’s natural waist, generally around the belly-button area.

Do not pull the measuring tape tightly.

Record the actual waist measurement so you can compare it with the size chart for the dress.

Dress Length Measurement

Place the measuring tape at the top of the shoulder and measure down toward the desired hemline.

For a full-length First Communion dress, measure approximately to the ankle.

For a tea-length First Communion dress, the finished hem generally falls higher on the leg.

For more detailed measuring instructions, visit our How to Measure for a First Communion Dress guide.

First Communion Dress Size Chart

Important: Christian Expressions carries First Communion dresses from multiple designers and manufacturers. Each manufacturer may use different measurements for the same numbered size.

Always check the size chart shown on the individual product page before ordering.

First Communion Dress Measuring Diagram

KEEP YOUR EXISTING FIRST COMMUNION DRESS MEASURING IMAGE HERE

The measuring diagram shows the three primary measurements used when selecting a First Communion dress:

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest.

Waist: Measure around the natural waist.

Length: Measure from the top of the shoulder down to the ankle for a full-length dress or approximately six inches higher for many tea-length styles.

The size charts used on many of our dresses are based on actual dress measurements, so your child’s measurements should not exceed the measurements shown for the size you select.

How to Use a First Communion Dress Size Chart

Once you have your child’s measurements:

Find the size chart for the specific dress you would like to purchase.
Locate your child’s chest measurement.
Compare her waist measurement.
Check the dress length.
Select the size that most closely accommodates all of her measurements.

If one measurement falls into a larger size than the others, pay particular attention to the largest critical measurement, especially the chest or waist.

For example, if your daughter’s waist fits a size 6 but her chest requires a size 8, the size 8 may be the more appropriate choice.

A dress that is slightly roomy can often be altered. A dress that is too small through the chest or waist is much more difficult to adjust.

Do not select a size whose listed measurements are smaller than your child’s actual measurements.

What If My Daughter Is Between First Communion Dress Sizes?

It is very common for a child’s measurements to fall between two sizes.

Children have different body proportions, so your daughter may have:

A chest measurement corresponding to one size
A waist measurement corresponding to another size
A dress-length measurement corresponding to a third size

When this happens, select the size that comfortably accommodates the largest important body measurement.

Minor alterations can usually be made if another area of the dress is slightly roomy.

My Daughter Normally Wears Size 7. Should I Buy Size 6 or Size 8?

This is one of the most common questions parents have when shopping for a First Communion dress.

Many children’s formalwear manufacturers offer primarily even-numbered sizes. As a result, a girl who normally wears a size 7 may be choosing between a Communion dress size 6 and size 8.

Do not automatically order a size 8 simply because it is the next numbered size.

Instead:

Measure her chest.
Measure her waist.
Measure from the top of her shoulder to the desired hem.
Compare those measurements with the size chart for the specific dress.

If her measurements comfortably fall within the size 6 measurements, a size 6 may fit.

If her chest or waist is larger than the size 6 dress measurements, size 8 may be the better option.

Actual measurements are more important than the number printed on the size label.

You can also browse our First Communion Dresses and compare styles available in the sizes you need.

Do First Communion Dresses Run Small?

There is no universal answer because First Communion dress sizing varies by designer.

A size 8 from one manufacturer may have different chest, waist or length measurements than a size 8 from another manufacturer.

That is why it is important to review the size chart associated with the specific First Communion dress you are ordering.

Never assume that because your daughter wore one size in a previous formal dress, she will need exactly the same size in every Communion dress.

Should I Size Up for a First Communion Dress?

Not automatically.

Parents sometimes order a significantly larger dress because they are concerned their daughter will grow before First Communion.

A small amount of growing room may be helpful if the ceremony is still several months away, but ordering a dress that is much too large can create other fitting problems.

An oversized Communion dress may have:

Drooping shoulders
Oversized armholes
A loose neckline
A waistline that falls too low
Excessive skirt length
A bodice that does not sit correctly

Choose the size that most closely accommodates your daughter’s measurements and consider how much time remains before the ceremony.

Full-Length First Communion Dress Sizing

A traditional full-length First Communion dress should fall gracefully toward the ankle or floor without becoming a tripping hazard.

When checking the finished length, have your daughter wear the shoes she expects to wear on First Communion Day.

Even a small heel can affect where the hem falls.

Browse our complete selection of First Communion Dresses for Girls.

Tea-Length First Communion Dress Sizing

A tea-length Communion dress falls higher than a traditional full-length gown and can provide excellent freedom of movement for younger girls.

When measuring for a tea-length style, pay close attention to the finished length listed for the individual dress.

Explore our Tea-Length First Communion Dresses.

Plus Size First Communion Dress Sizing

If standard sizing does not provide the best proportions for your daughter, consider a dress specifically designed in extended or plus sizing.

A properly proportioned plus-size Communion dress may provide a better fit through the:

Chest
Waist
Shoulders
Armholes
Bodice
Skirt

Rather than simply purchasing a standard-size dress several sizes larger, compare your child’s measurements with the measurements of dresses designed in plus sizes.

Browse our Plus Size First Communion Dresses.

How Much Growing Room Should I Allow?

The amount of growing room needed depends partly on how far in advance you are purchasing the dress.

If First Communion is several months away, consider your child’s normal growth pattern.

However, avoid guessing or intentionally ordering a dress several sizes larger.

Take accurate measurements when ordering, and measure your daughter again before any final alterations.

If you are shopping well in advance, it is also helpful to leave enough time to select her First Communion Veil and Girls First Communion Shoes.

First Communion Dress Alterations

Even when you select the closest available size, minor alterations may sometimes be needed.

Children rarely match every measurement on a manufacturer’s size chart perfectly.

Common First Communion dress alterations may include:

Shortening the hem
Taking in the waist
Adjusting the shoulders
Adjusting sleeves
Minor bodice alterations

Allow enough time before First Communion Day for any alterations that may be required.

First Communion Dress Measuring Checklist

Before ordering your daughter’s Communion dress, make sure you have:

✓ Measured around the fullest part of her chest
✓ Measured around her natural waist
✓ Measured from the shoulder to the desired hem
✓ Written the measurements down in inches
✓ Checked the size chart for the specific dress
✓ Compared all three measurements
✓ Checked the finished dress length
✓ Considered how soon First Communion Day is
✓ Allowed time for possible alterations

Measure twice before ordering.

Taking a few extra minutes to measure carefully can make selecting the correct First Communion dress size much easier.

Need Help Choosing a First Communion Dress Size?

Ordering a special-occasion dress online can sometimes feel difficult, especially when your daughter falls between sizes.

Christian Expressions has been helping families prepare for First Communion since 1996, and we are happy to help you compare your child’s measurements with the dress you are considering.

Before contacting us for sizing assistance, please have the following information ready:

Child’s chest measurement
Child’s waist measurement
Length from the top of the shoulder to the ankle
Product name or product number of the dress

Because different designers use different size charts, knowing the exact dress you are considering helps us provide more useful sizing guidance.

Please remember: We can help identify the closest available size, but children come in different shapes and proportions, and additional alterations may sometimes be required.

First Communion Dress Size FAQs

What size First Communion dress should I buy?

Choose your daughter’s Communion dress size by comparing her chest, waist and dress-length measurements with the size chart for the specific dress. Do not rely only on age or everyday clothing size.

What if my daughter normally wears a size 7?

If the Communion dress is available in sizes 6 and 8, compare your daughter’s actual measurements with both sizes. Some girls who normally wear size 7 may fit size 6, while others may need size 8.

Should I buy a First Communion dress one size larger?

Not automatically. Choose the size that most closely accommodates your child’s measurements. If she falls between sizes, make sure the dress is not smaller than her largest critical measurement.

Do First Communion dresses run true to size?

Sizing varies among designers and manufacturers. Always review the size chart for the individual dress before ordering.

How do I measure my daughter for a First Communion dress?

Measure around the fullest part of her chest, around her natural waist and from the top of her shoulder to the desired hemline. See our complete How to Measure for a First Communion Dress guide for step-by-step instructions.

What if my daughter is between sizes?

Compare all measurements and pay particular attention to the largest chest or waist measurement. A slightly roomy dress may be altered, while a dress that is too small is more difficult to correct.

How long should a First Communion dress be?

A traditional full-length Communion dress generally falls toward the ankle or floor without dragging excessively. Tea-length dresses fall higher on the leg.

Should she wear her Communion shoes when checking dress length?

Yes. Have your daughter wear her planned Communion shoes when checking the final dress length because the shoes can change where the hem falls.

When should I measure my daughter?

Take fresh measurements when you are ready to order. If several months pass before First Communion, measure her again before final alterations.

Shop First Communion Dresses with Confidence

Once you have your daughter’s measurements, you are ready to begin shopping.

Explore our complete collection of First Communion Dresses for Girls, including traditional and contemporary styles in lace, satin, tulle and other beautiful fabrics.

You can also shop:

Christian Expressions — Helping families prepare for First Communion since 1996.

Taking a moment to measure your child will save time and money!

How to measure:

chest: wrap measuring tape around widest part of chest

waist: wrap measuring tape around belly button area

length: place measuring tape at top of shoulder and bring down to ankle (for long length) or approx. 6 inches higher (for tea length).

Then compare to our sizing chart. Our chart is based on the measurement of the dress itself.

Children come in all shapes and sizes. If your child doesn’t fit into any one particular size, please select the largest size closest to her measurements. Additional alterations may be required.

We purchase from many first communion dress designers and each company uses a different size chart so it is important to review the size chart shown in the product description of the dress you wish to order. Be sure to select the size closest to your child’s measurements but don’t select a size where the measurements are smaller than your child’s.
If you need assistance with sizing, please contact us anytime. We will need your child’s measurements (chest, waist, length from top of shoulder to ankle) and the product number of the dress you wish to order.

Text us anytime 401-308-3448
Live Chat when available
Email: [email protected]