Deborah Chan
Wedding dress sizing is a confusing topic, and it's not uncommon for people to wonder why wedding dresses seem to run small. The short answer is yes, wedding dresses often run small. This isn't to confuse or make anyone feel insecure about their size. Bridal sizing is different from typical streetwear sizing, and it's based on outdated traditions. Over time, clothing manufacturers have assigned smaller numbers to the same measurements to flatter customers, but wedding sizes haven't undergone the same vanity sizing. This means that a person might wear a smaller size in their everyday clothes than in a wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do wedding dresses run small? | Yes, many wedding dresses do run small. |
| Why do wedding dresses run small? | Wedding dress sizing has a long history that hasn't changed much over time. European size traditions also tend to run smaller than American ones. |
| How does bridal sizing work? | Bridal sizing runs about two to three sizes larger than regular clothing. It differs from designer to designer and is based on the largest measurement. |
| How to determine wedding dress size? | Take your measurements at home or at a bridal salon, then compare them to the designer's wedding dress size chart. |
| Can a wedding dress be altered? | A wedding dress can be altered two sizes down while maintaining the integrity of the gown's construction. It can be let out by one size, and seamstresses can add a lace-up corset back or gusset for a comfortable fit. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizing differs from regular clothing
Another reason for the discrepancy is that clothing manufacturers have, over time, assigned smaller numbers to the same measurements to flatter their customers. This practice, known as "vanity sizing", is more prevalent in regular clothing than in the wedding industry, which has held on to more traditional sizing. As a result, a person's wedding dress size may be several sizes larger than their regular clothing size.
Additionally, bridal sizing differs from regular clothing in that it is based on a person's largest measurement rather than the average. For example, if a person's waist and bust measure an 8 but their hips measure a 12, a bridal size 12 dress would be ordered to ensure a perfect fit at the hips, and the seamstress would take in the rest of the dress. This approach ensures that the dress is highly customisable and can be tailored to the individual's body.
Furthermore, bridal sizing varies from designer to designer, and some designers may not have a size chart at all, creating fully custom dresses based on a person's measurements. It is important for individuals to reference a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing a wedding dress. While this can make wedding dress shopping a confusing and stressful experience, particularly for plus-size or midsize brides, there is a growing trend towards size-inclusive options in the bridal industry.
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European sizes tend to be smaller
Wedding dress sizing is a confusing affair, with many brides reporting that they have to buy dresses in larger sizes than their regular clothing. This is because wedding dress sizes tend to run small.
There are a few reasons for this phenomenon. Firstly, wedding dress sizing, particularly in Europe, has a long history that hasn't changed much over time. The wedding industry, particularly its leaders, has traditionally been based in Europe, and their dress size charts are smaller than American ones. This means that a bride who is a size 10 in regular clothing may find herself needing a size 14 wedding dress.
Secondly, bridal sizing differs from designer to designer, and there is no standard sizing chart. This means that a bride's size may vary depending on the designer of the dress. Without a professional stylist or accurate measurements, it can be challenging to determine the correct size.
Additionally, wedding dresses are often ordered to accommodate the largest measurement of the bride. This means that if a bride's bust, waist, and hip measurements vary significantly, the dress will be ordered to fit the largest measurement. This ensures that the seamstress can easily alter the dress to fit the bride's exact specifications.
It's important to note that sizing is just a number, and brides should not feel insecure or demoralized by the size of their wedding dress. With alterations and customisations, a skilled seamstress can ensure that the dress fits like a glove, regardless of the size on the tag.
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Designers don't accommodate split sizing
Wedding dress sizes are not the same as regular clothing sizes. Bridal sizing runs about two to three sizes larger than regular street clothing. For instance, a person who wears a size 4-6 in jeans is a bridal size 8-10, and a size 14-16 in regular clothing is a bridal size 18-20.
The reason for this discrepancy is that designers do not accommodate "split sizing". This means that if your bust is a size 4 but your hips are a size 8, you will be ordered a size 8 dress and it will be altered to fit your exact specifications. This is because the gown size you need is a function of both your measurements and the cut of the dress. For example, in an A-line or ballgown style, you could order a size 8 and tailor the waist, whereas in a fit-to-flare or mermaid style, you would need to order a size 12 to accommodate the hip measurement and tailor the top.
The history of wedding dress sizing is partly to blame for this issue. Wedding dress size charts are based on those designed as the ready-to-wear clothing industry was taking off. A nationwide study of women's measurements was conducted by the Works Progress Administration, but participants were mostly working-class white women, and the measurements of women of colour were systematically excluded. The data was therefore skewed towards smaller bodies, and "standard" size charts were derived from this data. While updates have been made, size standards were abandoned 40 years ago, and fashion schools have been slow to add inclusivity to their technical design classes. As a result, designers continue to use these outdated charts, and bridal sizing has not kept up with modern times.
This issue is not unique to wedding dresses, and it is important to remember that sizing is just a number. However, it can be frustrating and discouraging for brides-to-be, who may feel insecure or stressed about finding their dream dress. It is recommended that brides stay open-minded about adjustments, pinning, and modifications, and do their research on size-inclusive options and designers that can offer custom sizing.
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Street sizes differ from bridal sizes
Wedding dress sizing is different from standard, ready-to-wear sizing. Bridal sizes are based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which hasn't changed much since. As a result, bridal sizes tend to be two to three sizes larger than regular dress sizes. For example, a bride who wears a size 12 in regular clothing would be a bridal size 18.
The sizing also varies depending on the fabric and silhouette of the gown. For instance, an A-line dress doesn't hug the hips, so a bridal stylist may choose a size that fits the bust and waist with less emphasis on the hip measurement.
Bridal sample sizes generally range from a bridal size 6 to 10, which typically translates to a street size 2 to 6. However, bridal sizing can differ even further from typical bridal sizes, depending on the designer. Each wedding dress designer, especially those who specialize in custom-made gowns, often has their own unique sizing chart. This means that a bride can be a size 12 in one wedding dress designer and a size 14 in another.
Wedding dresses are also expected to be altered to ensure a perfect fit on the wedding day. A bride's stylist may recommend a larger size during the fitting so that there is enough material to alter and take in later.
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Sample sizes may not reflect your size
Wedding dress sizing is a whole different ball game compared to regular clothing sizes. Bridal sizing typically runs smaller than everyday clothing sizes, and this difference is more pronounced when compared to American sizes, as the wedding industry has traditionally followed European size charts, which tend to be smaller.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is important to remember that sample sizes may not reflect your size. Bridal salons usually carry a limited number of sample sizes for try-on appointments, and these samples may not accommodate curvy or plus-size brides. Some designers are completely custom and do not follow a standard size chart, so your dress will be made based on your measurements after trying on a sample size.
When taking measurements, stylists will often determine your size based on your largest measurement to ensure that the dress fits you perfectly and can be easily altered if needed. This means that if your bust and waist measure an 8 but your hips are a 12, the stylist might order a size 12. This approach ensures that the dress can be tailored to your body, and once alterations are complete, the dress will be unique to you and not conform to a standard size.
It is also worth noting that bridal sizing differs from designer to designer, so it is essential to reference a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing a wedding dress. This variation in sizing across designers can be confusing and frustrating for brides-to-be, especially when sample sizes do not align with their body measurements.
To navigate the world of wedding dress sizes, it is recommended to take accurate measurements at home or seek professional measurements at a bridal salon. By comparing these measurements to the designer's size chart, you can make a more informed decision about your dress size, even if the sample size you try on is not an exact match.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wedding dresses tend to run small. This is because the wedding industry is stuck on past traditions, and European size traditions run smaller than American ones. However, bridal sizing is not like typical streetwear sizing, and it differs from designer to designer.
Wedding dress sizing hasn't evolved as much as regular clothing sizing. Manufacturers assign smaller numbers to the same measurements to flatter their customers. Wedding dress sizes also vary between designers, and dresses are ordered according to the largest measurement of the wearer.
It is recommended that you take your measurements at home or at a bridal salon and compare them to the designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart. When ordering online, it is important to measure yourself accurately, and consider having someone help you take your measurements.
