Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, as they rarely match the size you are in regular clothing. Bridal sizing differs from the fit of your everyday clothes, and sizing can vary from designer to designer. Bridal sizing also tends to run small. A bride who normally wears a size 6 in everyday clothing may find herself fitting into a size 8 or 10 in bridal wear. Wedding dress sizes also differ from designer to designer, with some designers being completely custom and not having a size chart at all. So, can a wedding dress size 8 be made a size 2?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridal sizing | Generally larger than street sizing |
| Bridal size 8 | Equivalent to street size 4-6 |
| Bridal size 2 | Equivalent to street size 7/8 |
| Sample sizes | Range from bridal size 6 to 10 |
| Custom gowns | Sized based on measurements, no standard chart |
| Alterations | Can be altered 2 sizes down, let out by 1 size |
| Split sizing | Designers don't accommodate, order to largest measurement |
| Standard sizing | Dates back to World War II standards |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizes are not standardised
The lack of standardisation in wedding dress sizes can be attributed to various factors, including the structure of bridal garments and the fact that bridal designers do not have one universal sizing chart. This can be confusing and stressful for brides-to-be, especially those who may have body image concerns. It is not uncommon for a person who wears a street size 7/8 to have to order a size 12 wedding dress.
The wide variation in sizes across different designers is further complicated by the fact that some designers are completely custom and do not have a size chart at all. In these cases, the dress is made based on the customer's measurements after trying on a sample size in-store or at a bridal salon.
To ensure the best fit, it is recommended that brides consult with a bridal stylist or an authorised retailer before ordering their dress. The stylist will take the bride's measurements and use them to determine the appropriate size on the designer's size chart. It is important to remember that bridal sizing is just a number and does not define a person's worth or beauty. The most important thing is to feel confident and beautiful in the dress, regardless of the size on the tag.
In terms of altering a wedding dress, it is typically possible to adjust a wedding dress by two sizes down while still maintaining the integrity of the gown's construction. However, letting out a dress is more challenging, as there is only so much extra fabric in the seams to work with. In some cases, a lace-up corset back or gusset may be added to accommodate larger sizes.
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Bridal sizing differs from street sizing
The lack of standardisation in bridal sizing means that a bride may be a size 12 in one wedding dress designer and a size 14 in another. This can be confusing for brides-to-be, especially when taking into account that bridal sizing also differs from country to country. For example, European and Australian sizing differs significantly from American sizing, with a bride needing to order a size two to three sizes up from what they are used to.
The unique nature of bridal sizing means that tailoring is often required to achieve the perfect fit. A skilled tailor can make adjustments to the dress, ensuring that it flatters the bride's body shape and allows for ease of movement. It is recommended that brides call their bridal salon before their appointment to ask about sample sizes, as bridal sample sizes generally range from a bridal size 6 to 10, which typically translates to a street size 2 to 6.
Ultimately, it is important to focus on how the dress fits and feels rather than the number on the tag. A bride should feel confident and beautiful in their wedding dress, and the size they wear should not define their worth or how much they deserve to be celebrated on their special day.
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Designers have their own size charts
The world of wedding dress sizes can be confusing. Bridal sizing is not standardised and differs from the fit of regular clothes. Wedding dress designers, especially those who create custom gowns, often have their own unique sizing charts. This means that a bride may be a size 12 in one designer's gown and a size 14 in another's—and this is perfectly normal.
The sizing charts used by designers are often seen as a brand asset. Garment fit can be used as a marketing tool or to aid positioning and competition. For instance, some brands may be known for their inclusive sizing, which can attract customers. Size charts are also used to help customers understand what size to buy and to create consistent sizing across a brand.
Designers may base their size charts on their professional experience of fitting people and getting to know particular body shapes. For example, a designer may have spent a lot of time fitting bodies with larger-than-average busts, so their sizing may skew towards a C or F cup. They may also notice trends such as gains in the waistline measurement with overall size.
Creating a well-rounded and researched size chart involves several elements and costs. These include career research, fit model measurements, fit form measurements, and garment sample measurements. For a startup fashion brand, developing an internal size chart can cost around $5,000 and take about 30 days.
It is important to note that a size chart is a living, breathing document that can be revised and tweaked as a designer learns and grows. It is a guiding document that helps define the ideal customer body type and ensures consistent fit across the brand.
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Dresses can be altered to fit
Bridal sizing is very different from everyday clothing sizes. A bride who normally wears a size 6 in everyday clothing may find herself fitting into a size 8 or 10 in bridal wear. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including the structure of bridal garments, as well as the fact that bridal designers do not have one universal sizing chart. In fact, almost every designer's sizing chart is slightly different from the next. For example, a bride may be a size 4 on top but her hip measurement calls for an 8. In this case, a bridal manager will order a size 8 and alter it to fit her exact specifications.
It is important to remember that bridal sizing is not standardized and does not define your worth or beauty. Every body is unique, so embrace your unique measurements, and trust that your tailor will work their magic to ensure that your gown fits flawlessly.
When it comes to alterations, a wedding dress can typically be altered two sizes down while still keeping the integrity of the gown's construction. A dress can be let out by only one size. However, if you need to go up several dress sizes, your seamstress may be able to add a lace-up corset back or gusset for a comfortable fit.
It is much easier to take in a dress than it is to expand the size, as there is only so much extra fabric in the seams to work with. For example, if your hips are your largest measurement, you should order the size dress that will fit your hips, and then during the alterations process, the bust and waist can be taken in if needed.
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Focus on how the dress fits, not the number
It is completely normal for bridal sizes to differ from your regular clothing size. Wedding dresses typically run small, and a size difference of two sizes is pretty standard. For instance, if you wear a regular size 10, you might find that a size 12 wedding dress fits you perfectly. Bridal sizing is not standardized, and it differs from designer to designer. Each designer has their own size chart, so a bridal size 10 in one designer might not have the same dimensions as a bridal size 10 in another. This can be confusing, but it's important to remember that the size is just a number.
When it comes to wedding dress sizes, focus on how the dress fits your body and makes you feel, rather than the number on the tag. Bridal stylists will take your measurements and help you determine the right size to order based on the designer's size chart. Your dress will be ordered according to your largest measurement, and alterations can be made to ensure a perfect fit. It's much easier to take a dress in than to try to expand it, so don't be tempted to order a size down with the intention of losing weight before your wedding.
Additionally, sample sizes in bridal salons typically range from a bridal size 6 to 10, which corresponds to a street size 2 to 6. So, if you're trying on a sample gown, don't be surprised if you need a different size than what you usually wear. The important thing is to find a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Remember, every body is unique, and your tailor will work their magic to ensure that your gown fits you flawlessly. Embrace your unique measurements and trust that, with the right alterations, your wedding dress will look and feel amazing, regardless of the number on the tag.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a wedding dress size 8 cannot be made into a size 2. A wedding dress can typically be altered by two sizes down while maintaining the integrity of the gown's construction.
Wedding dresses can only be let out by one size. This is because there is only so much extra fabric in the seams to work with.
You should order the size that accommodates your largest measurement. For example, if your hips are your largest measurement, you should order a size that fits your hips, and then the bust and waist can be taken in if needed.
Wedding dress sizes are not standardised and differ from the fit of your everyday clothes. Bridal sizing charts vary from designer to designer, and also differ based on region.
A bridal stylist will help you determine which size to order based on your measurements and the designer's size chart.
