How to Choose the Right Size in Lole Dresses Without Trying Them On

Quick Answer

Measure your bust, waist, and hips over the undergarments you plan to wear, then compare those numbers to the Lole size chart for the specific dress. If you fall between two sizes, size up for a relaxed style like the Olivie Swing Dress and stay true to size for structured or fitted silhouettes. When in doubt, check the product's fit description and available options before ordering.

Ordering a dress online without trying it on feels risky, but it doesn't have to be. The trick is to stop guessing and start measuring. A soft tape measure and five minutes give you more reliable information than any label ever will.

This guide answers the most common questions about Lole dress sizing so you can order once and get it right. We'll cover what to measure, how to read a size chart, what to do when you're between sizes, and how specific Lole styles like the Olivie Swing Dress fit.

What Should I Measure Before Choosing a Dress Size?

You need three numbers: bust, waist, and hip. Measure your bust at the fullest point, your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button), and your hips at the widest point. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and wear the undergarments you'd wear with the dress.

Write the numbers down and compare them to the size chart for the specific dress you're considering. If your measurements span two sizes, use the largest measurement as your starting point. Dresses with an A-line or relaxed fit, like the Olivie Swing Dress, give you more room through the hips, so you may be able to size down if you prefer a closer fit.

• Measure over light clothing or undergarments, not thick layers.
• Keep the tape parallel to the floor for accurate hip and waist readings.
• Re-measure twice to catch any slipping tape.

How Do I Read a Lole Dress Size Chart?

Lole's size chart lists body measurements, not garment measurements. That means the numbers tell you what your body should measure, not what the dress measures flat. Find the row where your bust, waist, and hip measurements all fall within the same size range. If one measurement falls into the next size up, that's usually the size to choose.

Pay attention to the fit description on each product page. A dress described as 'relaxed' or 'A-line' will fit differently from one described as 'fitted' or 'bodycon.' The Olivie Swing Dress, for example, has an A-line fit and a scoop neckline, which gives more ease through the torso and hips than a straight-cut dress.

• Size charts are based on body measurements, not flat-lay garment measurements.
• If your bust, waist, and hip span two sizes, choose the larger size for comfort.
• Check the product description for fit keywords like relaxed, fitted, or swing.

What If I'm Between Two Sizes?

Being between sizes is normal. For a relaxed or swing dress, size down if you want a closer fit or size up if you prefer a looser, flowy look. For a fitted dress, size up to avoid pulling across the bust or hips, then have it tailored if needed.

Fabric matters too. Lightweight, stretchy fabrics forgive a little more than structured woven fabrics. The Olivie Swing Dress is made with lightweight fabric for a cool feel, so it drapes rather than clings. That gives you a bit more flexibility if your measurements land between sizes.

• Relaxed styles: size down for a closer fit, size up for extra room.
• Fitted styles: size up, then tailor if necessary.
• Stretchy fabrics are more forgiving than structured ones.

Can I Use a Dress I Already Own to Find My Size?

Yes. Lay a dress you already own and love flat on a bed. Measure across the chest (armpit to armpit), across the waist, and across the hips, then double each number. Compare those doubled numbers to the garment measurements if the product page provides them, or to your body measurements if it doesn't.

This method works best when the dress you're measuring has a similar fit to the one you're considering. A swing dress won't measure the same as a fitted sheath, even if they're the same size on the label. Use your body measurements as the primary guide and your existing dress as a sanity check.

• Measure flat, then double for circumference.
• Match the fit style of your reference dress to the one you're buying.
• Use body measurements as your main reference, not the label size.

What If the Dress Doesn't Fit When It Arrives?

Check the return policy before you order. Most online retailers accept returns on unworn dresses with tags attached, but the window and conditions vary. If you're unsure between two sizes, ordering both and returning one is a common strategy, though it ties up funds temporarily.

If the dress is slightly too big, a tailor can often take in the waist or straps. If it's too small, there's less you can do without major alterations. That's why sizing up is usually the safer bet when you're on the fence, especially for dresses with limited stretch.

• Review the return window and condition requirements before ordering.
• Ordering two sizes is an option if returns are free and easy.
• Slightly too big is easier to fix than too small.

Dress Sizing Checklist

Measure yourself first

Take your bust, waist, and hip measurements over the undergarments you'll wear with the dress. Write the numbers down before you open the size chart.

Match to the size chart

Find the size where all three measurements fall within the same range. If they span two sizes, start with the larger one. The size chart reflects body measurements, not garment measurements.

Consider the fit style

Relaxed and A-line dresses like the Olivie Swing Dress give more ease than fitted styles. Adjust your size choice accordingly. When in doubt, size up for fitted dresses and stay true to size for relaxed ones.

Check the return policy

Know the return window and condition requirements before ordering, especially if you're considering ordering two sizes. A clear return plan makes online dress shopping far less stressful.

Lole Dress Fit Notes

• Olivie Swing Dress: A-line fit with two hand pockets and a scoop neckline, made with lightweight fabric for a cool feel and all-day comfort. The A-line shape gives more room through the hips and waist, so if you're between sizes you may prefer your usual size or one down for a closer fit.
• Olivie Tech Trousers: Relaxed fit, mid-rise waist, wide legs adjustable at the hem, pull-on style, water-repellent finish, discreet cargo pocket, and UPF 50+ protection. If you're building a full outfit around a dress, these trousers show how Lole handles relaxed fits. The adjustable hem and pull-on waist mean you can fine-tune the fit without tailoring.

Choosing a Lole dress size online comes down to three things: accurate measurements, a careful read of the size chart, and a realistic look at the dress's fit description. Do that, and you'll skip the guesswork and get a dress that fits the first time.