Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of wedding planning, but it can also be stressful. One of the biggest challenges is finding a dress that fits. Wedding dresses often run small compared to everyday sizing, and sizing varies from brand to brand. Bridal designers often use older sizing models and don't employ vanity sizing. Wedding dresses are also designed to be altered, so they tend to be made to be taken in, not let out. It's important to take accurate measurements and consult the designer's size chart. It's also recommended to wear the right undergarments and shoes with the heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dresses being true to size | No |
| Bridal sizes | Run smaller than standard sizes |
| Reason for sizing difference | Historical standards, precision fit, vanity sizing |
| Importance of measurements | Measure in inches or centimetres |
| Choice of size | Go for the larger size |
| Designer-specific size charts | Each designer's size chart is slightly different |
| International size equivalents | Helpful when gowns are designed abroad |
| Right undergarments | Wear the ones you plan to wear on your wedding day |
| Heel height | Try on dresses with shoes of the same height as your wedding shoes |
| Stylist guidance | Trust their sizing recommendations |
| Alterations | Most wedding dresses are designed to be altered |
| Ordering size | Order a size that fits your current body |
| Mass-produced clothes | Made of stretchy material |
| Variation in sizing | Varies from brand to brand |
| Taking measurements | Easier with someone's help |
| Petite and tall ranges | Proportionally different |
| Height consideration | Essential when shopping for bridalwear |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dresses are often smaller than standard clothing sizes
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of wedding planning, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to sizing. Wedding dresses are often smaller than standard clothing sizes, and there are a few reasons for this discrepancy. Firstly, bridal designers often use older, traditional sizing models that haven't been updated with modern standards. This means that a bride might be surprised to find that the size they need for a wedding dress is larger than their usual size. For example, a bride who typically wears a UK size 12 might be surprised to be handed a size 16 wedding gown. However, it's important to remember that the number on the label is not as important as how the dress looks and feels.
Another reason for the sizing difference is that wedding gowns are designed to be altered to the wearer's body. They are created to be taken in rather than let out, so it's easier to start with a larger size and make it smaller as needed. This is why it's crucial to get your hands on the designer's specific size chart when buying a wedding dress, as sizes can vary significantly between designers. It's also important to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, ideally with the help of a flexible measuring tape and while wearing the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you're between sizes, it's generally recommended to go for the larger size, as it's easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
The sizing of wedding dresses can also be influenced by vanity sizing practices. Streetwear brands often inflate their sizes to make customers feel better, while bridal designers typically do not. This can lead to a significant difference in sizing between a bride's usual clothing and their wedding gown. Additionally, the style of the dress can also impact the sizing. For example, a dress with a corset back may have more leeway in terms of sizing compared to a fitted style.
It's worth noting that almost all wedding dresses will need some form of alteration to ensure a perfect fit. This is because every body is unique, and a dress that fits in one area may need adjustments in another. It's also important to consider the height of the wearer when selecting a dress, as petite and tall ranges differ proportionally to accommodate different body shapes. Ultimately, while it can be challenging to navigate the varying sizes of wedding dresses, taking accurate measurements and trusting the recommendations of bridal stylists can help ensure that a bride finds a dress that makes them look and feel their best on their special day.
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Bridal sizing varies from brand to brand
Firstly, bridal designers often use older, traditional sizing models that haven't been updated in decades. This means that bridal sizes tend to run smaller than high-street sizes. For example, if you're a size 12 on the high street, you might find yourself surprised to be handed a size 16 wedding gown. However, it's important to remember that the number on the label is just that – a number. What matters is how you look and feel in the dress.
Secondly, wedding gowns are designed to be altered to your body, so they're created to be taken in, not let out. This means that precision fit is a key consideration for bridal designers, and they typically don't engage in vanity sizing, unlike streetwear brands.
Thirdly, since many gowns are designed abroad, knowing your international size equivalents can be helpful. Some designers may vary slightly, so it's always a good idea to get your hands on the designer's specific size chart and take your measurements accordingly. It's also important to consider the style, fabric, and cut of the dress, as these can also impact the fit.
When trying on wedding dresses, it's essential to bring the right underwear and shoes that match the heel height you plan to wear on your big day. Trust the sizing recommendations of bridal stylists, and be open to trying on sizes that may surprise you. Remember, it's not about the number on the tag, but about finding the dress that makes you look and feel your best on your special day.
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Bridal designers use older, traditional sizing models
Bridal designers often use older, traditional sizing models that haven’t been updated in decades. This is one of the reasons why wedding dresses are often not true to size. Bridal gowns typically run one to two sizes smaller than what you’d find on the high street. For instance, if you’re usually a UK size 12, you might be surprised to find that your wedding dress is a size 16. However, it’s important to remember that the number on the label doesn’t matter as much as how you look and feel in the dress.
The variation in sizing between different shops and designers can be frustrating for brides-to-be. This is especially true when it comes to wedding dresses, as they are often more fitted and structured than mass-produced clothing. It's common for women to find that they need to buy a larger size than they usually would in order to accommodate their largest measurement, such as their bust or hips. This can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that sizes are just numbers and that body shapes vary considerably.
Additionally, wedding dresses are typically designed to be altered to fit the individual, so they are created to be taken in rather than let out. This means that it's generally advisable to order a size that fits your current body, rather than your "goal weight". A skilled seamstress can take in a dress to ensure a perfect fit. However, it's worth noting that made-to-order dresses may require more extensive alterations than mass-produced ones.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it's important to take your measurements and consult the designer's specific size chart, as each one is slightly different. It can also be helpful to know your international size equivalents, as many gowns are designed abroad. While it can be upsetting to see a larger size than you're used to, it's crucial to keep in mind that this is not a reflection on your value or worth.
Ultimately, while bridal sizing can be confusing and frustrating, the most important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your wedding day.
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Gowns are designed to be altered to your body
Wedding dresses are often not true to size, with bridal gowns typically running one to two sizes smaller than what you’d find on the high street. This can be stressful for brides, who are faced with the challenge of squeezing into too-small samples and the disappointment of being assigned a larger size than they are used to.
However, it's important to remember that sizes are just numbers. Gowns are designed to be altered to your body, so they’re created to be taken in, not let out. This means that the number on the label is irrelevant compared to how you look and feel in the dress. Bridal designers often use older, traditional sizing models that haven’t been updated in decades, and vanity sizing is less common in the bridal industry. Streetwear brands often inflate sizes to make customers feel better, but bridal designers typically don’t.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is crucial to obtain accurate measurements. Take measurements in inches or centimetres using a flexible measuring tape, and wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you are between sizes, opt for the larger size, as it is much easier for a seamstress to take a dress in than to let it out.
Additionally, consider the height of your heels when trying on dresses, as the correct length is essential for the perfect fit. Most bridalwear stores will measure you themselves, but it is helpful to take your own measurements, especially if you need to order a dress online. Remember, the most important thing is how you feel in the dress, not the number on the label.
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Vanity sizing doesn't apply to wedding dresses
Wedding dresses are often not true to size, with bridal sizing running about two to three sizes larger than regular clothing. This means that a bride who usually wears a size 12 might need to buy a bridal size 16 or 18. This is due to a variety of reasons, including historical standards, precision fit, and the fact that vanity sizing doesn't apply to wedding dresses.
Vanity sizing refers to the practice of using larger size labels on smaller-sized garments to make customers feel better about their purchases. While it is common in streetwear brands, it is not typically practised by bridal designers. Bridal gowns are designed to be altered and taken in, rather than let out, so the number on the label is less important than how the dress fits and flatters the bride's body.
The sizing of wedding dresses can vary significantly from designer to designer, and it is essential to reference a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing. Some designers may use older, traditional sizing models that haven't been updated in decades, which can result in dresses that seem to run small. Additionally, since many gowns are designed abroad, knowing your international size equivalents can be helpful.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is crucial to take accurate measurements and consult with bridal stylists or consultants who can guide you in choosing the right size. It is also recommended to order a size that fits your current body rather than your "goal weight," as dresses are typically easier to take in than to let out.
While the number on the label may be surprising or even offensive to some brides, it is important to remember that the fit and how you look and feel in the dress are much more important. The number on the label will not be seen by anyone else, and a skilled seamstress can ensure that your dress is altered to flatter your unique body shape.
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Frequently asked questions
No, wedding dresses are not true to size. Bridal sizing often runs small compared to high street shops, and sizes vary from brand to brand.
There are a few reasons for this sizing difference: historical standards, precision fit, and vanity sizing. Bridal designers often use older, traditional sizing models that haven't been updated, and gowns are designed to be altered to your body, so they're made to be taken in, not let out. Streetwear brands often inflate sizes to make customers feel better, but bridal designers typically don't.
When buying a wedding dress, it's important to take your measurements and consult the designer's specific size chart, as each one is slightly different. If you're between sizes, go for the larger size, as it's easier to take a dress in than to let it out. You should also wear the right undergarments to your fitting and match your heel height to the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day.
