Finding the right size for your child can sometimes be tricky, particularly when shopping online. At A Little Lacey, we provide individual garment measurements on our product pages wherever possible to help you choose the best fit.
Our girls, tween and baby clothing is available across a range of styles and fits, so we recommend checking the size chart for the individual item rather than choosing a size based only on your child's age or usual clothing size.
How to measure and choose the best size for your child.
Our size charts show the measurements of the actual garment, measured from the outside. They are not body measurements.
For the best fit, measure your child and compare her measurements with the size chart shown on the individual product page.
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the measuring tape comfortably level around the body.
Measure around the natural waistline. For children who carry more through the tummy, measure around the fullest part of the waist or tummy where the dress will sit.
Our garment dress length is generally measured from the shoulder down to the hem unless otherwise stated on the individual product page.
For full-length dresses, comparing the listed dress length with your child's shoulder-to-ankle measurement can be particularly helpful.
As our size charts are garment measurements, the dress will generally need to measure slightly larger than your child's body measurements.
As a general guide, allowing approximately 3–5cm of room through the chest and waist can provide a comfortable fit. The ideal amount will vary depending on the style of the dress and how fitted you would like it to be.
Styles with features such as tie-back sashes, lace-up backs, elastic waists or adjustable straps may provide additional flexibility in fit.
Children's sizing can vary considerably between brands and even between different dress styles. A child who normally wears a size 8, for example, may find a size 7, 8 or 10 is the better fit depending on the design and her individual measurements.
For this reason, we recommend using the individual size chart on the product page as your main guide.
Please also allow approximately 1–2cm variation in garment measurements due to the manufacturing and measuring process.
We are always happy to help with sizing before you order.
Simply send us your child's:
Our team can compare these measurements with the garment measurements and help guide you towards the size we think would be the best option.
We recommend trying dresses on carefully as soon as they arrive, particularly when they are being purchased for a wedding, First Communion, Confirmation, graduation, birthday or other upcoming special occasion.
When trying on a dress, please take care to keep it clean and ensure makeup, fake tan, food, perfume, pet hair or other marks do not come into contact with the garment.
If you need another size, eligible full-priced items can be returned in accordance with our Shipping & Returns policy.
Simple care tips to help keep your A Little Lacey pieces looking beautiful.
Many A Little Lacey dresses feature delicate fabrics and details including chiffon, satin, tulle, lace, embroidery, sequins, pearls, bows and decorative trims. Taking a little extra care when cleaning, steaming and storing your dress will help keep it looking beautiful.
Always check the care label attached to your garment before washing or cleaning. Care requirements can vary between styles depending on the fabric composition, lining and embellishments, so the instructions on the individual garment should always take priority over the general guidance below.
Chiffon is a lightweight, delicate fabric that should be handled gently. Avoid rubbing, wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage its soft finish and shape.
If the garment care label permits washing, use cool water and a gentle detergent. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach and high heat. Allow the garment to air dry naturally rather than using a tumble dryer.
Light creasing can usually be relaxed by hanging the dress or carefully using a garment steamer on a low setting. Keep the steamer a safe distance from the fabric and avoid concentrating heat in one area.
Satin has a smooth surface that can mark, snag or develop water spots if not handled carefully. Keep satin away from rough jewellery, Velcro and other surfaces that may catch the fabric.
Follow the garment care label when cleaning and avoid rubbing individual marks aggressively. Do not use high heat on satin, as excessive heat may affect the finish of the fabric.
For creases, steaming from a safe distance is generally gentler than pressing directly onto the fabric. If ironing is permitted by the care label, use a low temperature and take particular care around seams, trims and embellishments.
Tulle is delicate and can catch or tear if pulled against jewellery, rough surfaces or sharp objects. Handle tulle skirts and sleeves gently and avoid pulling individual layers.
Do not wring or twist tulle. If cleaning is permitted by the garment care label, use cool water and gentle handling and allow the garment to air dry naturally.
To remove creases, hang the dress and allow the tulle layers to fall naturally. A garment steamer may be used carefully from a distance where suitable, but avoid direct or prolonged heat as tulle can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Many of our dresses are fully lined with 100% cotton for softness and comfort against the skin.
Cotton is generally more durable than delicate outer fabrics, however the care instructions for the complete garment should still be followed. A dress with a cotton lining may also contain chiffon, tulle, lace or embellishments that require more delicate care.
Avoid assuming that a dress can be machine washed simply because it has a cotton lining. Always follow the care label for the complete garment.
Lace, embroidery, pearls, sequins, appliqué and decorative trims should be treated with extra care. Avoid pulling loose threads or rubbing embellished areas.
Keep these details away from jewellery, Velcro and rough surfaces that may catch them. When steaming, avoid directing concentrated heat or steam onto pearls, sequins, glued embellishments or decorative trims.
Some dresses may develop light creasing while folded for shipping. We recommend unpacking and hanging your dress as soon as possible, as many light creases will relax naturally.
Where suitable for the fabric, a garment steamer can be used carefully from a safe distance. Start with the lowest effective setting and avoid applying direct heat to delicate fabrics, lace, tulle, pearls, sequins or other embellishments.
Store dresses in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Allow full skirts, tulle and delicate fabrics enough space so they are not heavily crushed or caught against other garments.
For special occasion dresses being stored before an event, we recommend hanging the dress where appropriate and checking it several days before the occasion so there is plenty of time for any light creasing to relax.
Choosing a special dress should be exciting. If you're unsure about sizing, length, garment care or which style may suit your child best, please contact our team and we'll be happy to help.
