SemSem Size Guide: US to UK Sizes and How Each Style Fits

SemSem cuts in US sizes, so a SemSem US 4 is a UK 8 and an EU 36. Most gowns run from US 0 to 14 (UK 4 to 18); a few start at US 00 (UK 2). Kaftans and shirt dresses come in Small, Medium and Large. Use the chart below, then check the fit note for the style you want; every size we stock is on the product page at SemSem at Coveti, and the SemSem dresses guide explains each style.

Key facts

• SemSem sizing: US numeric sizes on gowns, separates and jumpsuits
• Conversion: add 4 to the US size for UK, add 32 for EU (US 4 = UK 8 = EU 36)
• Letter sizes: S, M and L on kaftans and silk shirt dresses
• Fit overall: true to size; size to the bust on bustier styles
• Made to order: about two to three weeks for many gowns

SemSem size chart: US to UK and EU

On Coveti, numeric SemSem sizes are shown in UK sizes, so the size you select is already converted. SemSem does not publish a garment measurement chart, so we give fit notes by style instead.

Letter sizes: kaftans and shirt dresses

The Navy Silk Chiffon Kaftan Dress and the silk shirt dresses, in camel and burgundy, come in Small, Medium and Large. Small covers roughly UK 6 to 10, Medium UK 10 to 14 and Large UK 14 to 18. These are loose cuts, so take your usual letter size; size down only if you want a closer line at the shoulder.

How each SemSem style fits

Plissé gowns and skirts

Heat pressed pleats open over the body, so plissé is the most forgiving SemSem fabric. Take your usual size in the Gold Pleated Metallic Lamé Gown and in the Gold Sunray Plissé Maxi Skirt. If you are between sizes, take the smaller.

Bustier and strapless styles

Size to your bust. A strapless bodice has to grip, so if your bust is a size above your waist, choose the bust size and have the waist taken in. This applies to the Engineered Plissé Bustier Maxi Dress in Navy, the Plissé Lamé Strapless Maxi Dress in Metallic and the Cutout Sequined Tulle Bustier Top in Silver.

One shoulder styles

The single strap carries the dress. It should feel snug, not tight. If you are between sizes in the One-Shoulder Silk Metallic Plissé Gown, take the smaller one.

Sequin and tulle

Sequins add no stretch. Take your usual size, and choose the larger one if you are between sizes in the Pleated Gold Sequin Tulle Gown.

Silk slip dresses

Bias cut silk follows the body. The Indigo Crystal Embellished Silk Dress fits true to size; size up for a looser drape.

Trousers and jumpsuits

The Pleated Wide Leg Trousers sit at the natural waist with a wide pleated leg. Take your usual size; the length suits a heel.

Length and height

SemSem gowns are cut to the floor for a wearer in a heel. If you are under 5 feet 4 (163 cm), plan on hemming the longer gowns, which is simple on chiffon and charmeuse but best left as is on plissé, where the pleated edge cannot be recut. Choose a midi like the Asymmetric Sequined Tulle Midi Dress in Silver instead.

Frequently asked questions

Does SemSem run small?

No. SemSem runs true to standard US sizing. Size to the bust on bustier styles, and take the smaller size on one shoulder styles if you are between sizes.

What is a SemSem size 4 in UK?

A SemSem US 4 is a UK 8 and an EU 36.

What size is SemSem Small?

SemSem Small covers about UK 6 to 10, Medium UK 10 to 14 and Large UK 14 to 18. These sizes are used on kaftans and shirt dresses.

Can a SemSem plissé gown be hemmed?

Not easily. The pleats are heat set and the pleated edge cannot be recut cleanly. If you are petite, choose a midi length.

How long does a made to order SemSem dress take?

SemSem quotes about two to three weeks for made to order gowns from its New York atelier. Check the estimate on the Coveti product page.