George Boyle
Plus-size brides often face challenges when searching for a wedding dress due to limited options and exclusionary practices in the bridal industry. However, with increasing diversity in styles and access to designer-brand plus-size fashion, it is becoming easier for plus-size women to find flattering and comfortable gowns that make them feel confident and radiant. While sizing varies across designers and retailers, typically, any dress size 14 and above is considered a plus-size wedding gown. Understanding one's body shape is crucial to selecting a dress that accentuates the best features and creates a balanced silhouette. Online communities and representation play a vital role in empowering plus-size brides and making the wedding dress shopping experience more positive and relatable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plus-size wedding dress sizes | Typically range from 14 and above, with some selections offering up to size 30. |
| Wedding dress sizing | Significantly different from regular clothing sizing. |
| Importance of size | What matters most is how the gown fits and makes you feel. |
| Body types | Pear, apple, hourglass, and rectangular. |
| Flattering dress styles for plus-size brides | A-line, ballgown, sheath, mermaid, fit-and-flare, and boho styles. |
| Dress features | Support and shape the bust, accentuate and complement the body's shape, and have the right length. |
| Online communities | Can help make wedding dress shopping less stressful and more relatable by providing representation and inspiration. |
| Bridal shops | Some may not carry a selection of plus-size gowns, so it's important to research shops that cater to plus-size brides. |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal shops often don't cater to plus-size brides
The reality is that many bridal shops stock samples that fit only a small percentage of women. This can be incredibly discouraging for plus-size brides, who often have to deal with the disappointment of not being able to try on any dresses in their size.
Some bridal shops, like Della Curva in Los Angeles, are breaking this trend by providing a one-of-a-kind experience specifically for plus-size brides. Their stylists reject the idea that brides should lose weight before their wedding, instead focusing on giving their clients a confidence boost and ensuring they feel beautiful as they are.
However, plus-size brides often have to go out of their way to find these inclusive shops, and even then, some may find the options limited or above their budget. This can lead to a negative experience, with brides feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable trying on dresses that don't fit properly or flatter their body type.
It is important for bridal shops to recognize the need for size inclusivity and to cater to a wider range of body shapes and sizes. By providing a diverse selection of sample sizes and offering supportive and encouraging service, bridal shops can ensure that all brides, regardless of their size, feel confident and beautiful on their special day.
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Understanding your body type and shape
There are several methods to determine your body shape. One way is to use a body type calculator, which is based on the relationship between three points on your body: your shoulders/bust, waist, and hips. First, look at yourself straight on in a mirror and observe your proportions. Draw an imaginary line down from your shoulders to your hips and note where the line hits. Ask yourself: What is the widest part of my body—the bust, waist, or hips? Where do I have the most fit issues? Where do I first notice changes in my weight? What styles are/aren't typically flattering to my figure?
Another way to determine your body shape is by waist-hip ratio (WHR), which is calculated by dividing waist measurement by hip measurement. A higher WHR indicates more abdominal fat, which has been correlated with higher health risks, lower fertility, and lower cognitive ability. However, it's important to note that body shape is subjective and differs across cultures, and a person's body appearance and health cannot be assumed based on their body type.
Common body shapes include apple, banana, pear, and hourglass. Apple-shaped bodies have more weight around the waist, while pear-shaped bodies have more weight around the hips. Banana-shaped bodies are straight up and down with no major definition at the waistline and hips. Hourglass-shaped bodies have hip and bust measurements that are nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist. Other body types include triangle, rectangle, ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.
Once you understand your body type and shape, you can determine what clothing styles and silhouettes will work best for you. For example, if you have a prosthetic leg, you may want to look into adaptive clothing that accommodates your unique needs while remaining stylish.
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Dress styles that flatter your body
The first step to finding a dress that flatters your body is to identify your body shape. While traditional ideas around dressing for your body shape are restrictive, learning how to dress for your body shape can simplify daily closet decisions and build your style confidence.
For women with an apple body type, dresses that draw attention to the upper body are a good option. Belted styles, drop-waist dresses, swing dresses, dresses with an embellished top or an empire waist all fit this criterion. A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and dresses with full skirts are also great options, as they help conceal the midsection. Apple body types often have great legs, so shorter dresses can also be a good option.
For those with an hourglass figure, the waist should be accentuated. Wrap dresses with belted waists are a great option. Fitted and darted shirts and dresses, V-necks or sweetheart necklines that draw the eye to the bust line, sheaths and tops in fabrics that drape and hug your curves, or fitted bodices and flared skirts can also be flattering.
Pear-shaped women should emphasise their waist, regardless of its size. Wearing a tailored piece, like a blazer that nips in at the waist, or a peplum top, will instantly make the midsection look smaller. Pear shapes can also balance their proportions with A-line or ball gown silhouettes, with detailing and embellishments on the bodice to draw attention upwards.
For athletic body types with bigger busts, thick straps, halter tops, dresses with ruching and draping, U-necklines, and V-necklines will all help play up the curves of your body and make your bust look its best. If you want to give your body a more feminine shape, pick out a dress with a cinched midsection.
Additionally, certain fabrics and textures can be more flattering for different body shapes. Chiffon, for example, is a lightweight, airy fabric that drapes beautifully and creates a soft, romantic look. It is perfect for outdoor or summer weddings and works well for A-line or empire waist dresses. Organza, a lightweight, crisp fabric, is great for creating full skirts and layered looks. Tulle is perfect for brides looking for a fairytale look with a bit of whimsy. Lace can be used all over or as an overlay for added texture, creating a beautiful, detailed look without overwhelming your figure.
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Wedding dress sizing is different from regular sizing
Each designer has their own unique sizing chart, which varies significantly from regular clothing sizes. This makes it essential for brides to refer to a designer's bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing a wedding dress. The most accurate way to determine one's wedding dress size is by taking measurements and comparing them to the designer's chart. However, it is important to note that bridal salons usually only carry a few sample sizes, typically ranging from bridal size 6 to 10.
The variation in bridal sizing can be quite confusing, especially with the addition of European and Australian designers, whose sizing differs significantly from American sizing. For example, a bride may find herself ordering a size two to three sizes up from her usual size when choosing a gown from these designers. This inconsistency in sizing across designers and regions further highlights the importance of focusing on how the dress fits and makes one feel, rather than getting caught up in the numbers.
While it can be challenging to navigate the world of bridal sizing, it is important to remember that every body is unique. Embracing one's unique measurements and trusting in the expertise of tailors can help alleviate the stress associated with finding the perfect wedding dress. Ultimately, the most important thing is how the bride feels in the dress on their wedding day, not the number on a hidden tag.
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Altering a wedding dress to fit your body
The number of fittings you'll need will depend on the number of changes required, but most brides should expect to attend two to three fittings. The first fitting will typically last about an hour, as the tailor or seamstress assesses the dress and the alterations needed. During this appointment, the fitter will start pinning and tucking the fabric to sculpt it to your body. At the second fitting, you should have a better idea of how the gown will fit, and any last-minute modifications can be made at the third fitting.
There are many different alterations that can be made to a wedding dress to ensure it fits your body perfectly. The most common alteration is hemming the length of the dress to ensure the bride can walk and dance with ease. Other common alterations include taking in the dress at the waist, hips, or bust to create a more fitted silhouette, adjusting straps, and adding a bustle to a long train so it's easier to move around during the reception. Alterations can also include adding design elements like lace or beading, reshaping the silhouette, or changing the fabric to better suit your vision.
It's recommended that you start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments. The cost of alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the changes and the seamstress's schedule, ranging from $50 to $1,000 or more. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee that covers all alterations. It's important to do your research and seek a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns and the specific type of dress you're wearing.
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Frequently asked questions
Many bridal shops do not carry plus-size gowns, but there are shops that do. It is important to research what bridal shops carry plus-size samples before scheduling an appointment with them. Some brands that offer extended sizes include Stella York, All Who Wander, and Essense of Australia.
There are many styles of plus-size wedding dresses, including ballgowns, A-line, leaf-inspired laces, long sleeve styles, and curve-hugging fit-and-flare silhouettes. The best style for you will depend on your body type. For example, if you have an apple-shaped body, you may want to look for an empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline.
A gown that fits perfectly should support and shape the bust, accentuate and complement the body’s shape, and be long enough to cover the shoes without being too long. It is important to note that bridal gown sizing can be different from the size you’re used to wearing, so don’t focus too much on the number.
