Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress sizes are not the same as regular clothing sizes, and there is no universal size chart. Each designer has its own size chart, and sizes vary from designer to designer. For instance, a bride may be a size 10 in one designer, a size 8 in another, and a size 14 in another. Typically, one can expect to go up at least one size from their everyday clothing size when choosing a wedding dress. However, it depends on the style of the dress and the individual's body type. It is recommended to take measurements and consult size charts to determine the best fit. Additionally, alterations are often necessary to achieve a perfect fit, and seamstresses can make adjustments if significant weight loss or gain occurs before the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sizes a wedding dress can be taken in | A dress can change up to 4 sizes without losing structural integrity |
| Weight loss before wedding | A talented alterations specialist can work wonders. Seamstresses can find a way to make it fit regardless |
| Weight gain before wedding | Seamstresses may be able to add a lace-up corset back or gusset for a comfortable fit |
| How to measure | Use a soft, flexible measuring tape to get the fullest part of the bust, the smallest part of the waist, and the fullest part of the hips |
| Wedding dress sizing | Wedding dress sizing is not like typical street wear sizing. For instance, if you are a size 4-6 in jeans, you're a bridal size 8-10 |
| Wedding dress size charts | There is no universal size chart. Each designer has their own size chart |
| Wedding dress size compared to regular clothing size | You can expect to go up at least one size from your everyday clothing size |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizes vary by designer
Wedding dress sizes vary significantly by designer, and it is essential to understand how sizing works before booking an appointment or ordering a dress. Bridal sizing is notably different from regular clothing sizes and tends to run about two to four sizes larger than everyday clothing. This variation is due to vanity sizing, where clothing manufacturers assign smaller numbers to the same measurements to flatter their customers. For instance, Marilyn Monroe's measurements, which would be a modern-day size 6, would have been a size 12 in the past.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is recommended to take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. This process will help determine the best fit, although alterations are often still needed to ensure a perfect fit. Some designers offer custom sizing, while others do not provide a size chart, creating dresses based on your measurements after trying on a sample size.
The wide variety of body types makes it rare to find an exact fit with wedding dresses, and alterations are commonly required. It is easier to make a dress smaller than larger, so it is generally advised to order a size up if you are unsure. Sample sizes in bridal salons typically range from a bridal size 6 to 10, but it is a good idea to call ahead to check.
Additionally, the style of the dress also influences the size, and a dress with a larger cup size will generally be ordered to match the largest body measurement. While it can be challenging to navigate the various sizing charts and variations between designers, understanding your measurements and consulting experts can help ensure you find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
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Plus-size wedding dress designers
Wedding dress sizes are not standardised and are dependent on the designer. This means that you may not know your size until you choose your wedding dress. Typically, you can expect to go up at least one size from your usual clothing size. However, this depends on the style of the dress and your body type.
Rebecca Schoneveld
Founded on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability, Rebecca Schoneveld designs gowns with "female-empowering shapes", embracing every natural curve. Trying on dresses from this designer is meant to feel "welcoming, accessible, non-judgmental, warm and uplifting".
Loulette Bride
Started as a passion project by Marteal Mayer, Loulette Bride is an independent designer bridal boutique in Brooklyn, New York. The brand quickly grew into one of New York's premier destinations for sustainably made wedding gowns in inclusive size ranges. Loulette primarily uses natural and recycled materials in their designs and is known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Justin Alexander
A well-known name in bridal salons, Justin Alexander is another designer that offers plus-size wedding dresses.
Kleinfeld Bridal
Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City offers an extensive selection of plus-size wedding dresses and provides expert alterations services. Their team of seamstresses can add hand-beaded embellishments and make custom fittings to make each bride's wedding gown unique.
Other Designers
Other designers that offer plus-size wedding dresses include Morilee, Essence of Australia, Allure Bridals, Avery Austin, Olivia Bottega, Azazie, ELOQUII, and Ashley Stewart.
When shopping for a plus-size wedding dress, it is recommended to do some research on designers and bridal shops in your area that cater to plus-size brides. It is also important to take your measurements and consider the dress length. Remember, it is easier to make a dress smaller than it is to make it larger, so if in doubt, order a size up and plan for alterations.
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How to take your measurements
Wedding dress sizing is not standardised, so it is important to take your measurements before choosing a dress. It is recommended that you have someone to assist you when taking your measurements and that you use a soft, flexible measuring tape. Stand straight with your arms down and adopt your usual posture.
If your wedding dress is entirely fitted, you will need to take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If your dress is A-line or a ball gown, the most important measurements are your bust and waist. When ordering a custom dress, you will also need to know how to take your hollow-to-hem measurement. To do this, measure from the centre of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem). It is important to wear your bridal shoes or shoes of the same height to ensure proper measurements.
To measure your bust, pass the measuring tape around your back and up to the front at the level of the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level in a straight line and do not make it too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body. Breathe normally and remember that your waist is the smallest part of your torso, not around your belly button or across your hipbones.
For your hip measurement, stand with your feet together, side by side, and touching. Take the measurement at the thickest part of your bottom. Again, you want it to be snug but not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist for comfort when sitting.
It is important to remember that your body will change between the time of your measurements and your wedding day. This is why alterations are important and are usually done very close to the wedding date.
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Wedding dress alterations
Wedding dress sizing is a complex affair. There is no universal size chart, and sizes vary from designer to designer. This means that you may not know your size until you choose your wedding dress. Wedding dress sizes also tend to run small. For instance, Marilyn Monroe's measurements would correspond to a modern-day size 6, but she wore a size 12 on average.
Given the unique sizing of wedding dresses, alterations are typically recommended to achieve a perfect fit. It is easier to make a dress smaller than it is to make it larger, so it is recommended that you order a size up and then get it altered to fit your body. Bridal boutiques will either have an in-house seamstress or will be able to recommend a trusted tailor.
It is important to book your alterations well in advance as seamstresses are becoming harder to find. Ideally, you should attend your wedding dress fitting no later than three months before the wedding, allowing time for two to three fittings.
It is also recommended that you pick out your shoes before your first fitting, as a small difference in heel height can affect the hem of your dress.
Finally, it is worth noting that alterations can be expensive, especially if your dress has a lot of beading, embroidery, or appliqués.
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Wedding dress sizing vs. street sizing
Wedding dress sizing is different from regular street sizing. Wedding dresses tend to run smaller than regular clothing sizes. This means that you might have to go up a few sizes from your regular clothing size when shopping for a wedding dress.
The difference in sizing is due to vanity sizing, which is the practice of assigning smaller numbers to the same measurements to flatter customers. For example, Marilyn Monroe's dress size would be a modern-day size 4 or 6, but her measurements would correspond to a size 12.
The sizing of a wedding dress also depends on the designer. Each designer has different measurements for their sizing, and some designers may not have a size chart at all, creating a custom dress based on your measurements. This can make it challenging to determine your size before trying on dresses. Bridal sample sizes generally range from a bridal size 6 to 10, which typically translates to a street size 2 to 6.
Additionally, the style of the dress can also affect the sizing. A fitted gown with a mermaid silhouette, for instance, may require you to size up compared to a flowy A-line dress. It is recommended to take your measurements and refer to the size chart of the designer before purchasing a wedding dress. If you are in between sizes, it is usually better to size up, as it is easier to make a dress smaller than larger.
Keep in mind that alterations are often needed to ensure your wedding dress fits perfectly. By ordering your dress well in advance of your wedding, you can allow time for these alterations to be made.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you order a size up from your everyday clothing size. However, this depends on the style of the dress and your body type.
A talented alterations specialist can work wonders! A dress can typically change up to 4 sizes without losing structural integrity.
A wedding dress can only be let out by one size. However, your seamstress may be able to add a lace-up corset back or gusset for a comfortable fit.
There is no universal size chart for wedding dresses. Each designer has its own size chart. When you say yes to your dress, your bridal stylist will take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and order the dress according to your largest measurement.
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape to get the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your natural waist, and the fullest part of your hips.
