Deborah Chan
Wedding dress sizing is a confusing topic, with many brides reporting that they have to buy dresses in larger sizes than they are used to. This is a common issue, with wedding dresses often running small compared to high street shops. This is due to a variety of factors, including the historical standards used by bridal designers, the need for a precision fit, and the lack of vanity sizing in the wedding dress industry. It's important to remember that sizes are just numbers and that a dress that fits well is more important than the number on the label.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dresses run small | Yes |
| Reason | European bridal sizing |
| Reason | Historical standards |
| Reason | Precision fit |
| Reason | Vanity sizing |
| Solution | Order the size that fits your largest measurement |
| Solution | Get a friend to help with measurements |
| Solution | Book a local seamstress for accurate measurements |
| Solution | Use virtual fitting tools |
| Solution | Wear the right undergarments |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizing history
Wedding dress sizing has a long history that has not changed much over time. Wedding dress sizes are generally smaller than regular street clothing sizes, with European sizes being smaller than American sizes. This is because the size guidelines are based on body types from decades ago, and while street clothing sizes have evolved with "vanity sizing" to fit the "average" woman, the wedding industry has stuck to past traditions.
European bridal sizing means that many women wear up to two sizes larger than their American size. For example, a woman who wears a size 4 in jeans may be prompted to try on a size 6 or 8 wedding dress. This is not because European women are smaller than American women, but because wedding dress size charts have not evolved with the changes in women's body types over time.
Bridal sizing also differs from designer to designer, and there is no universal size chart when it comes to wedding dresses. At bridal salons, measurements are generally taken of the bust, waist, and hips, and the dress is ordered to the largest measurement. Designers do not usually accommodate "split sizing", so a dress will be ordered to the larger size and altered to fit the customer's exact specifications.
While wedding dress sizing has not changed much over time, some companies, such as Kennedy Blue, have started to use American sizing for their wedding dresses. This means that a customer who wears a size 8 in regular clothing will likely measure into a size 8 wedding dress from Kennedy Blue.
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European size traditions
Traditionally, clothing sizes in Europe have been labelled using many different ad hoc size systems. This has resulted in a number of problems, such as the inability to adequately describe a good fit with a single number, as a good fit may require a match between two or three independent body dimensions. Ad hoc sizes have also changed over time due to changing demographics and increasing obesity rates, a phenomenon characterised in the media as "vanity sizing".
In 1996, the European standards committee CEN/TC 248/WG 10 began the process of designing a new, modern system of labelling clothes sizes, resulting in the standard EN. This standard defines the primary dimension for each type of garment. For example, while men's garments use chest girth, women's clothing is designed for a certain bust girth. For some garments, a single measure may not be sufficient, and so one or two "secondary dimensions" can be added to the label. The standard sizes and ranges for bust, waist and hip girth are based on a step of 4 cm, and for larger sizes, 5 cm (hip) or 6 cm (bust and waist). The European standard EN 13402 also defines bra sizes based on "bust girth" and "underbust girth".
Despite these attempts at standardisation, there is still no single, general standard for clothing sizes in Europe. Each European manufacturer uses its own, individual sizes, and the same measurements can translate into completely different size indications across companies. This makes buying clothes and shoes online difficult, and it is necessary to refer to the size tables of individual producers.
European sizes are also markedly different from US and UK sizes. For example, a US woman's size 8 is equivalent to a European size 38, which is four times larger. Similarly, a US woman's size S is equivalent to a European size 32.
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Measuring yourself accurately
Wedding dress sizes often run small, so it's important to take accurate measurements before placing an order. Here are some tips to help you measure yourself accurately:
- Remove bulky clothing: Take off any bulky clothing that might interfere with your measurements. It is recommended to wear only your underwear and a bra that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This ensures that your bust measurements reflect your typical body shape.
- Use a flexible measuring tape: Ensure you have a flexible measuring tape that can comfortably wrap around your body. Hold the tape snug against your body, but not too tight. Allow for a finger's width of space between your body and the tape.
- Check in a mirror: Stand in front of a full-length mirror as you measure. This allows you to ensure that the tape is straight and level across your body.
- Breathing and posture: Remember to breathe normally while taking measurements. Stand straight with your usual posture, keeping your arms down freely along your body.
- Bust measurements: Take three key bust measurements: over the bust, bust, and under the bust. For the over-bust measurement, keep the tape straight and measure just under your armpits. For the bust measurement, find the fullest part of your bust (often the nipples) and ensure the tape is straight across. For the under-bust measurement, measure where the elastic of your bra sits.
- Waist measurement: Measure your waist at the narrowest part of your torso. If you have trouble locating your waist, stand tall and lean to one side—the point where your body bends is your waist. You can also try tying a piece of string or ribbon around your waist to mark the spot.
- Hip measurements: Measure the high hip by wrapping the tape around the top of your hip bone. For the full hip measurement, stand straight and pull the tape across the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom.
- Upper arm measurement: Measure the circumference of your upper arm at the fullest part, typically the bicep area.
- Hollow to hem: If you're ordering a custom dress, you may need to provide a hollow-to-hem measurement. Measure from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of the dress (the hem). Wear your bridal shoes or shoes of similar height to get an accurate measurement.
- Consider your largest measurement: If you fall between two sizes, choose the size that fits your largest measurement. It's easier for a seamstress to take in fabric than to add more.
Remember, bridal sizing often differs from street clothing sizes, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size for your wedding dress. Accurate measurements will help ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
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Bridal store experiences
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting moment for many brides-to-be, but it can also be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to dress sizes.
Many bridal shops in the UK still follow the European size tradition, which tends to run smaller than American sizes. This means that a bride who usually wears a UK size 10 may find herself trying on a size 14 or even larger in a bridal store. This discrepancy between street clothing sizes and bridal sizing can be quite shocking and demoralising for some brides, especially those who are already self-conscious about their bodies.
It's important for brides to remember that these size differences are due to outdated industry standards rather than a reflection of their own body image. Bridal sizing has not evolved in the same way that street clothing sizes have, which often employ vanity sizing to fit the "average" woman. As a result, a UK size 4 in street clothing may correspond to a size 6 or even 8 in wedding dresses.
To navigate this confusing sizing landscape, it's recommended that brides take accurate measurements before ordering a dress, seeking professional help if needed. They should also keep in mind that alterations are common with wedding dresses, so ordering a larger size is often preferable.
Some bridal shops, like Wed2B, offer off-the-rack dresses with consistent sizing, which can be a more positive experience for plus-size brides. Online shops like Lovely Bride, with locations in the US and UK, also offer a wide range of sizes and designs from various designers, allowing brides to find a dress that makes them feel comfortable and confident.
Ultimately, while the bridal store experience can be challenging due to inconsistent and outdated sizing, brides should focus on finding a dress that makes them feel amazing, regardless of the number on the tag.
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International size equivalents
Wedding dress sizes differ from regular clothing sizes, with bridal sizing running about two to three sizes larger than regular street clothing. This is because bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which hasn't changed with the times.
Wedding dress sizes can be found in UK, US, or European sizes. For example, a UK size 12 wedding dress would be a US size 14 (UK 18). A bride who wears a size 12 in regular clothing would be around a bridal size 18.
Each wedding dress designer may have their own unique size chart, so it is important to carefully compare your own measurements to the size chart provided by the designer. It is recommended to take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, and then compare them to the size chart of the dress. Remember that it is easier to alter a dress to make it smaller rather than larger, so it is generally advised to order a size up if you are unsure.
It is also important to note that even with accurate measurements and following the designer's size chart, dresses may still require alterations to achieve a perfect fit. Therefore, it is good to have a tailor or a professional dress fitter to help with any necessary adjustments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wedding dresses in the UK typically run small. This is due to the historical standards of bridal designers, who often use older, traditional sizing models that haven't been updated.
Bridal sizing often uses different standards than regular clothing. Over time, street clothing sizes have changed to fit the "average" sized woman, while wedding gowns have not kept up with these changes.
When ordering a wedding dress, it is important to refer to the designer's specific size chart. It is also recommended to take accurate measurements with a flexible measuring tape and consider getting assistance from a professional stylist or a local seamstress.
If you are between sizes, it is generally recommended to order the size that fits your largest measurement. It is easier to take a dress in than to let it out, and alterations can be made to ensure a comfortable fit.
It is important to remember that sizes are just numbers and should not affect your self-worth. The number on the label is insignificant compared to how you look and feel in the dress. Focus on finding a dress that fits well and makes you feel amazing.
