Getting Your Dress Length Right

Lolita skirts can range in length from below the knee to a few inches above the knee, but you don't want to get much shorter than that! Lolita is a conservative fashion that isn't mean't to have a lot of skin showing.

photo credit: innocent world stock photos

The standard length for a lolita dress is around 86-93cm. For us tall girls, an 86cm dress can look more like a shirt than a dress! So lets look at some ways that we can make sure we get our dress length right.

Here are 5 ways to make sure your skirt is long enough...

1. Stick to Brands That Offer Long Lengths

Some brands lean towards the longer end of the standard range, and some even offer dresses in tea-length along with their standard length dresses. Tea length is generally 10-20cm longer than the standard length which can make all the difference for someone tall! I buy almost all my dresses in tea length as they are just a tiny bit above my knee. For a list of brands that offer longer length dresses, click here or see the 'Where to Buy' tab!

2. Use an Underskirt

Your dream dress may not be offered in a length that works for you, but there is still hope! You can wear an underskirt underneath the dress to add extra length to it. An underskirt is a staple for any tall lolita! It is a simple, frilly skirt that is worn over your petticoat and under your your dress. One difference between an underskirt and a petticoat is that the underskirt is meant to be seen. On a final note, make sure that the colour of your underskirt matches the rest of your outfit. It is generally best to go for a neutral colour underskirt such as white, beige, or black. For a list of brands that make underskirts, click here of see the 'Where to Buy' tab!

photo credit: aliceartimesia on tumblr (photo has been altered)

3. Buy From Brands That do Custom Sizing

There are some brands such as Baby the Stars Shine Bright or Angelic Pretty that only offer one size for their dresses. But there are many others that offer S, M, or L options and even some that will do custom sizing! Buying a larger size will often give you an extra few centimeters of length if custom sizing is not an option. As most lolita brands are Asian, their size L won't be as large as a size L in America. Be sure to double check the exact measurements to make sure you get a proper fit.

*link to come for a list of brands that do custom sizing*


4. Sew Your Own Dresses

This takes more skill, but many lolitas sew their own dresses! When you sew your own dress you can customize it exactly how you want. This blog post on F Yeah Lolita contains links to many different tutorials on how you can sew your own lolita pieces. Here are some hand made outfits from other bloggers:

A handmade dress by kaninchenherz on blogspot.

A handmade dress by bunny queen on blogspot.

5. Lengthen The Straps


If you are wearing a jumper skirt, some will have adjustable straps (the back of the straps are buttoned). You can lengthen the straps by removing the button from the strap and sewing it further down the strap. This usually adds an extra inch or two to the length. You can also unbutton the straps and turn the JSK into a halter-style dress by tying the straps behind your neck, which also adds a few inches. If neither of these methods is enough, you can sew an extra section of fabric onto the back of the straps (or have a tailor do it) to add even more length.



Some final tips...

• Remember that wearing a petticoat under your skirt makes it shorter by at least a couple inches (depending on the amount of poof). If your dress is short before you add a petticoat, it might be best to use an underskirt! 
• Make sure you double check the length that others will see by putting on your dress and petticoat and standing as far away from a full length mirror as you can. The length you see on yourself when looking from a distance is how you will appear to other people. When you look at yourself in a mirror up close you will be looking down on the dress and it will appear longer (tip from F Yeah Lolita).
• Do not substitute bloomers or your petticoat for extra length. 
• Make sure you read the measurements of a dress carefully, sometimes it will state it is 92cm but that includes 3cm of lace (making the dress even shorter). 

Thank you for reading! 

If you have anything else to add about dress lengths please comment below!