Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and bridal sizing often differs from everyday clothing sizes. It's important to remember that sizes vary depending on the designer and your exact measurements. Before booking appointments, it's recommended to research designers and their size charts. When taking measurements, it's best to focus on the bust, waist, and hips, and then compare these numbers to the designer's size chart. It's also good to keep in mind that alterations are often needed, and it's easier to take in a dress than to let it out. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day, regardless of the size on the tag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridal sizing compared to street clothing | Bridal sizing runs about two to four sizes larger than regular clothing sizes |
| Difference between wedding gown and streetwear sizes | Bridal sample sizes range from 6 to 10, which translates to street sizes 2 to 6 |
| Designer-specific sizing | Each designer has their own sizing chart, which can vary even within design collections |
| Determining size | Wedding dress size is determined by bust, waist, and hip measurements, ordering based on the largest of these |
| Measurement technique | Measurements should be taken with a soft, flexible measuring tape, ideally by another person |
| Measurement areas | Measurements are taken at the fullest part of the bust, the narrowest part of the waist, and the fullest part of the hips and bottom |
| Alterations | Every wedding dress requires alterations to ensure a perfect fit |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal sizing differs from street sizing
Wedding dress designers, especially those who specialize in custom made-to-order gowns, frequently have their own sizing charts. This means that bridal sizing often differs even further than typical bridal sizes. So, don't be alarmed if you are a size 12 in one wedding dress designer and a size 14 in another—this is completely normal.
When shopping at a bridal store, your bridal stylist will assist in measuring and choosing the ideal wedding dress size for you. During your bridal appointment, measurements are usually taken at the bust, waist, and hips and compared to the wedding dress size chart. Your stylist will then choose the size closest to your measurements, ensuring that no area is too small, and a tailor or seamstress will take care of the rest when your gown comes in and you get your alterations done.
It is good to remember that bridal sizing is not standardized and does not define your worth or beauty. It is essential to focus on how the dress fits and feels rather than getting hung up on the number on the tag, which will not represent your shape.
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Sizing varies by designer
Each designer has different measurements for their sizing, and bridal sizing charts are not always easily accessible. Some designers may also have different sizing between their collections. Wedding dress sizes also vary by country, with European and Australian sizes differing from American sizes.
It is recommended that brides take their measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. This can be done at home or at a bridal salon. Brides can also call bridal salons in advance to ask about sample sizes.
It is important to note that wedding dress sizes are typically larger than regular clothing sizes, and bridal sizes are often not standardised, so the number on the tag is not indicative of one's body size or worth.
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Sample sizes
When shopping for a wedding dress, it's recommended to call your bridal salon ahead of time to inquire about the sample sizes they have available. This will give you an idea of what to expect and whether you'll need to request specific samples in your size. Some bridal boutiques offer a wide range of sample sizes, from 20 to 32, ensuring that brides of various body types can find a dress that flatters them.
It's worth noting that bridal boutiques order their sample gowns in sizes that cater to a variety of body types. This means that the sample size you try on may not be an exact match to your body but will fall somewhere in the middle of the size chart. Your individual dress will be ordered based on your unique body measurements, which typically include your bust, waist, and hips.
When trying on sample sizes, keep in mind that it's generally easier to alter a dress to make it smaller than to let it out. Therefore, if you're deciding between two sizes, opting for the larger one and having it tailored to your exact specifications is often the best approach. This ensures that you don't compromise the integrity of the gown's construction.
Additionally, some designers may not accommodate "split sizing," where different parts of your body may require different sizes. In such cases, your stylist may order a size that fits the largest measurement and then tailor the rest of the dress to fit your body perfectly. Ultimately, your wedding dress may not have a standard "size" but will instead be customized to your unique body shape.
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Taking your measurements
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and sizing can vary from designer to designer. Bridal sizing often runs two to four sizes larger than your regular clothing size. It's therefore important to take your measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart.
To take your measurements, use a soft, flexible measuring tape. For the most accurate results, it's best to have someone else measure you.
Bust
- Measure around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust.
- Alternatively, measure from the centre of your collarbone to the hem.
Waist
- Stand up straight and bend to the side to find the natural waist.
- Measure around the narrowest part of your waist.
Hips
- Stand with your feet together.
- Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.
Write down your measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. You can then order your dress according to the largest measurement.
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Alterations
Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of the dress shopping process. Even if your dress feels great when you first try it on, small adjustments can make your gown fit like a glove and give you confidence on your wedding day.
The number of fittings you'll need depends on the number of changes your wedding dress requires, but most brides will need two to three fittings. Your first fitting will typically be two to three months before the wedding, with the final fitting one to two weeks before the big day. This gives your seamstress time to make any necessary adjustments and also means your body is unlikely to change shape before the wedding.
During your fitting, your seamstress will go over every aspect of the dress, from the bust and waist to the hips, hem, and sleeves. They may also make adjustments to the straps, sides, and length of the dress. These changes are usually easy to make, but if your dress has lace trimmings, it's important to check whether these can be altered without being damaged.
Most wedding dresses can be altered by two sizes down and one size up. If you need to take more than three sizes in, the dress could be recut. It's also possible to make a dress bigger, but this is more difficult and may require creative solutions, such as adding side panels.
The cost of alterations varies depending on the work required. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on alterations.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress sizes vary depending on the designer and your exact measurements. Bridal sizing often runs two to four sizes larger than your regular clothing size. Your stylist will help you determine which size to order based on your measurements and the designer's size guide.
You will need to measure your bust, waist, and hips. You should measure around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips and bottom. It is recommended to have someone help you take these measurements for more accuracy.
It is generally recommended to size up and have the dress altered to fit you perfectly. It is much easier to take in a dress than to let it out, and you don't want the dress to be too big as it can ruin its integrity.
