How Long Is a Tea Length Dress?

 

Tea Length at a Glance

Emily Post referred to this skirt length as "tea length" because it was the type of skirt women wore to high tea in the 1920s, according to Glamour. Despite its distinct retro history, it is an excellent skirt length for today. If you're out shopping and want to know if a skirt or dress is tea length, follow these guidelines:

• A tea length dress's bottom hem falls around mid-calf and sometimes slightly lower. According to Sew Guide, when you try one on and look in the mirror, the hem should be about halfway between your knees and ankles.
• Tea length gowns are unquestionably longer than street length gowns. A-line skirts are popular, but fitted tea length skirts are also available.
• There aren't many "rules" that apply to this length and style aside from the general mid-calf length. Scoop-necks, V-necks, and other necklines are available. Sleeve lengths range from none to short sleeves to three-quarter sleeves.

How to Measure a Tea Length Dress

Because everyone's heights and leg lengths differ, a tea length dress will not fit everyone perfectly right off the rack. Use this method to measure if you need to make alterations or if you want to sew your own tea length gown.

1. Have the person who will wear the dress stand barefoot in front of you.
2. Measure the height of the person from the floor to the top of the head.
3. Consult this chart to determine the proper tea length for your height. Measure the full length of the dress from the hollow at the base of the throat to the desired hem location.

Overall Height	Tea Length Dress Measurement
5' 3" or shorter	44" from hollow of throat to hem of dress
5' 3" to 5' 8"	46" from hollow of throat to hem of dress
5' 8" or taller	49" from hollow of throat to hem of dress

Retro Glamor

Tea length dresses were popular during Hollywood's golden age, so try one on if you want to feel like a retro starlet. Just keep in mind that this isn't the most flattering length on its own, as it tends to make the person wearing the dress appear shorter than she is. Experimenting with different heel heights and wearing an updo hairstyle can help you offset this effect and find a length that works for your body type.