26 JANUARY 2026
Complete Guide to Dress Lengths
Understanding the distinctions between popular dress lengths – from the playful mini to the elegant maxi – is the first step toward building a wardrobe that makes you feel elevated for every occasion.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dress lengths, ensuring you can find the perfect silhouette for your next event.
Why Does Dress Length Matter?
The length of your dress’s hemline can dramatically change the nature of the look and the occasion it’s suitable for: mini dresses are more playful and suitable for semi-formal gatherings, like cocktail hours and evenings out, while maxi dresses are generally more refined and better for formal events, such as wedding receptions or black-tie events.
You can also alter your silhouette and highlight different features depending on the length of your dress; mini dresses elongate the legs, giving the illusion of a taller frame, and midi dresses are typically cinched at the waist to create an hourglass fit.
How to Measure the Length of a Dress
To measure the length of your dress, you need to measure the standard dress length, taken from the highest point of the shoulder seam down to the hem for the total garment length, and the skirt length, measured from the natural waist down to the hem. Make sure to account for heels, as elevating the frame will make the dress sit shorter.
At MERABI, our lengths are designed with heels in mind. For our signature floor-length gowns, we recommend measuring from your hollow (the dip between your collarbones) to the floor while wearing your event shoes to ensure a flawless drape.
What Length is a Maxi Dress?
A maxi dress typically falls between the ankle and floor, anywhere between 50 and 60 inches depending on your height. It should ideally skim the top of your shoes or the floor when wearing heels. These elegant garments are usually reserved for formal events, such as weddings, decadent dinners, and black-tie affairs.
NADINE MERABI offers an eclectic selection of maxi dresses, including timeless pieces like our ROMY Black Dress, bolder designs like JENNIFER Gold, and romantic silhouettes like the JULIET White Floral Dress.
To elevate the already polished look of a maxi dress, pair it with pointed courts or strappy heels in a coordinating shade or neutral tones, such as black, white, brown or tan.
What Length is a Midi Dress?
Midi dresses are versatile garments, perfect for both formal and semi-formal events. They’re typically between 40 and 50 inches long, sitting below the knee but above the ankle. Our range of midi dresses includes hourglass fits, like the LARISSA Black Dress, ideal for intimate gatherings and flowing A-line dresses, like MADELINE, suitable for a semi-formal occasion like an outdoor wedding.
Like maxi dresses, midi dresses can be worn with heels to lengthen the legs and elongate the frame, though they pair just as well with pointed flats.
What Length is a Tea-Length Dress?
Often confused with a midi-length dress, tea dresses are slightly longer but shorter than maxi dresses, sitting above the ankle. They’re perfect for "Smart Casual" dress codes or daytime formal events, like garden parties or luncheons. Our HELENA Floral Dress thoughtfully blends the elegance of a longer dress with an airy, floating silhouette.
What Length is a Mini Dress?
The shortest of all dress lengths, mini dresses are usually between 30 and 35 inches long, sitting at the mid-thigh. Due to their shorter hemlines, many mini dresses feature structured fits and bold embellishments to balance the length and add volume. Our LOTTIE White Dress with its crystal waterfall beading creates a mesmerising evening reception look for a modern bride, while INES features a luxurious velvet construction with a crystal-trimmed neckline for unforgettable late-night affairs.