Franklin Dean
Wedding dress alterations are common, and dresses can be adjusted to be smaller or larger. However, letting out a wedding dress to make it bigger is more difficult and costly than taking one in, and sometimes it may not be possible depending on the structure and material of the dress. It is recommended to buy a dress that fits well at the time of purchase, and then have it taken in later if necessary, as this is a much simpler process. When buying a second-hand wedding dress, it is important to be mindful that it may have already been altered, and there may not be enough fabric to let it out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Letting a wedding dress out is more difficult than taking one in |
| Cost | More expensive than taking a dress in |
| Seam allowance | Wedding dresses have larger seam allowances so they can be let out, but the previous owner may have trimmed this |
| Fabric | The fabric may not match if the dress is let out |
| Stitch marks | Stitch marks from the original seam lines may be visible on delicate fabrics |
| Panels | Discreet panels can be added to make the dress bigger |
| Weight gain | Weight gain during the pandemic has been a common reason for needing to let out a wedding dress |
| Buying advice | It is recommended to buy a dress that fits now, rather than buying one that is too small and planning to let it out |
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What You'll Learn
- Cost implications: letting out a wedding dress is more expensive than taking it in
- Seam allowance: the amount of fabric in the seams impacts how much a dress can be let out
- Fabric and structure: the material and structure of the dress may limit how much it can be let out
- Colour: the fabric colour inside the seams may not match the rest of the dress
- Panels: discreet panels can be added to make a dress bigger
Cost implications: letting out a wedding dress is more expensive than taking it in
Wedding dresses can be altered to achieve the perfect fit. This can involve adjusting the size, adding or removing features, changing the style, or addressing weight changes. While letting out a wedding dress is possible, it is more challenging and costly compared to taking it in.
The process of letting out a dress involves making it bigger by utilizing the extra fabric within the seams. Wedding dresses often have larger seam allowances, allowing for some expansion. However, the previous owner may have altered the dress, reducing the available fabric for subsequent adjustments. In such cases, additional fabric may need to be sourced, increasing the cost.
The complexity of letting out a dress depends on its structure, material, and the desired amount of adjustment. Some dresses may only need minor expansions, utilizing the existing seam allowances. However, significant size increases may require the addition of discreet panels, introducing challenges in fabric matching and potentially impacting the overall appearance.
The cost of letting out a wedding dress can be substantial. The type of fabric, the complexity of the dress's structure, and the extent of the required adjustments all influence the price. A plain satin bodice alteration, for instance, was priced at $500. The addition of fabric panels can further increase the cost, especially if they require custom fabrication to match the original dress.
In contrast, taking in a wedding dress is generally considered easier and more affordable. This process involves reducing the size by adjusting the seams and removing excess fabric. While still requiring professional expertise, it often entails fewer complexities and less additional material, resulting in lower overall costs for the bride.
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Seam allowance: the amount of fabric in the seams impacts how much a dress can be let out
Wedding dresses can be altered to achieve the perfect fit. They can be taken in to reduce the size or let out to increase it. However, letting out a wedding dress is more challenging and expensive than taking it in. The process may be impossible, depending on the dress's structure and material.
The amount of fabric in the seams, known as the seam allowance, determines how much a wedding dress can be let out. Wedding dresses usually have larger seam allowances, specifically to allow for alterations. A standard seam allowance is 5/8", but a wedding dress may have up to 1" of extra fabric in the seams. This means that a wedding dress can typically be let out by around 1-2 cm on each side, increasing the size by one without any structural changes.
However, the previous owner of a second-hand dress may have trimmed the seam allowance when they had alterations made. Therefore, it is essential to ask the seller about the seam allowance's size and consistency and request photos of the inside of the bodice. The colour of the fabric in the seam may also differ from the rest of the dress, making it obvious that alterations have been made.
If there is insufficient fabric in the seams to let the dress out, discreet panels can be added to make it bigger. A good seamstress can add panels, but fabric matching may be an issue. This type of alteration can be costly, and the stitch marks from the original seam lines may still be visible on delicate fabrics.
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Fabric and structure: the material and structure of the dress may limit how much it can be let out
The fabric and structure of a wedding dress play a significant role in determining whether it can be let out and by how much. Firstly, the type of fabric impacts the silhouette and structure of the dress. For instance, Mikado, a popular bridal fabric, has a thicker structure, making it ideal for A-line or ballgown silhouettes. On the other hand, chiffon, a lightweight fabric, is often used as an overlay or accent detail due to its sheer and transparent style. The fabric chosen should complement the desired silhouette and structure of the dress.
Secondly, the structure of the dress itself can limit how much it can be let out. Intricate designs with heavy beading, lace overlays, and boning often restrict alterations. Simple silhouettes with minimal embellishment generally allow for more flexibility, typically accommodating up to 1-3 inches of expansion in the bodice and skirt. Additionally, the internal construction of the dress, including the presence of built-in shapewear or boning, may require further adjustments when letting out the dress.
The amount of fabric available in the seams, known as seam allowances, is another critical factor. Most dresses can be let out by 1-2 inches, with some accommodating up to 3 inches, depending on the seam allowances. Dresses with corset backs or zippers can also provide some flexibility in sizing. However, if the seam allowances are insufficient, small fabric inserts called gussets can be added to increase the size while maintaining the dress's polished appearance.
Lastly, the fabric's pattern and texture can impact the feasibility of letting out the dress. Unique fabrics like lace or satin can be challenging to match, making it difficult to find additional fabric for larger adjustments. Therefore, it is essential to consider the fabric type and structure when assessing the possibility of letting out a wedding dress.
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Colour: the fabric colour inside the seams may not match the rest of the dress
Colour is an important consideration when letting out a wedding dress. The fabric colour inside the seams may not match the rest of the dress, which could be noticeable and affect the overall appearance. This is a common issue when altering dresses, as the fabric inside the seams may have been exposed to different conditions and experiences discolouration over time.
To address this, it is recommended to consult a skilled seamstress or bridal alterations specialist. They may suggest adding additional fabric panels that complement the dress's colour and style. These panels can be seamlessly integrated into the dress, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
However, it is important to note that fabric matching can be challenging. The exact shade and texture of the original fabric may be difficult to replicate, especially if the dress is older or has been exposed to sunlight or other discolouring agents. In such cases, a skilled seamstress may be able to suggest alternative solutions, such as using a contrasting fabric that complements the original colour or employing creative design techniques to incorporate the colour discrepancy into the dress's overall design.
The cost of alterations should also be considered. Letting out a dress typically requires more extensive modifications, and the need for additional fabric or specialised techniques can increase the overall expense. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple seamstresses or alteration specialists to understand the potential costs involved.
While colour matching can be a challenge, it should not deter you from pursuing alterations. A skilled seamstress will work with you to find the best solution, ensuring your dress fits perfectly and complements your unique style. It is always recommended to consult a professional who can assess the specific requirements of your dress and provide tailored advice. A new wedding dress will usually have a larger seam allowance specifically so it can be let out.
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Panels: discreet panels can be added to make a dress bigger
Wedding dresses can be let out, but the process is not always straightforward. It is usually easier to take a dress in than to let it out, and the extent to which a dress can be let out depends on several factors. These include the original design of the dress, the available fabric, and the skill of the seamstress.
Discreet panels can be added to make a wedding dress bigger. Fabric matching may be an issue, but the fabric does not necessarily need to match to still look good. Fabric from the hem can sometimes be used, or fabric can be sourced from a supplier. Panels can be added to the sides of a dress or in the form of a "modesty panel" at the back.
If the bodice of the dress is made of panels, a seamstress can simply add another panel or two. Alternatively, a diamond gusset can be added to the side seams to make the bust of a dress bigger without removing the sleeves or changing the waistline or neckline. This alteration starts under the armpit and ends at the waist seam. If the entire dress needs to be bigger, side panels can be added, but this will involve altering the waist, bust, and sleeves as well.
If the dress has a side zipper, it may be easier to add a zipper to provide additional room, rather than adding a fabric panel. To add a zipper, first, remove the existing one carefully using a seam ripper, then choose a location for the new zipper, such as a side seam. Once the zipper is removed, you can add additional fabric to the open area, choosing a fabric that matches or complements the dress material.
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