George Boyle
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing and are often different from regular street sizing. Bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which tends to run smaller than US street sizes. When shopping for a wedding dress, it's common to find that your size varies across different designers, as each one has its own size chart. To determine your wedding dress size, your stylist will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and the largest of these three measurements will be used to select your size. It's important to remember that most wedding dresses will require some alterations for a perfect fit, so don't stress too much about the size number and focus on finding a dress that makes you feel amazing!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Determining wedding dress size | A bridal stylist will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and determine the size based on your largest measurement. |
| Wedding dress sizing | Wedding dress sizing is different from regular street sizing. Bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s. |
| Sizing up | Wedding dresses tend to run small, so it is recommended to size up. |
| Alterations | Alterations can be costly. It is easier to take in a dress than to let it out. |
| Sample sizes | Sample sizes tend to be stretched and are more difficult and expensive to let out. |
| In-house alterations | Bridal shops with in-house alterations may recommend a larger size to increase alteration costs. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizes are different from regular sizes
When you find your dream dress, a bridal manager will take three key measurements: your bust, waist, and hips. Your dress will then be ordered to match your largest measurement. This is because designers do not accommodate "split sizing", meaning that if your bust is a size 4, but your hips are a size 8, the dress will be ordered as a size 8 and altered to fit your exact specifications.
It's worth noting that even if you order your dress to match your largest measurement, most wedding dresses will still require some alterations to fit you perfectly. It's also important not to order a size smaller than your body measurements with the intention of losing weight or toning up before your wedding. This can be problematic if your dress is fitted, as you may gain muscle mass and end up with larger body measurements than when you initially ordered your dress.
When measuring yourself, make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and not too tight or too loose. Additionally, look at the garment's specific size chart, as brands vary. Measure from the centre of the collarbone to the hem, the fullest part of the chest, the narrowest part of the waist, and the fullest part of the hips.
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Your size may vary across designers
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and it's normal for a bride to be told she is a larger number in wedding dresses than she normally wears. This is because bridal sizing differs from the fit of everyday clothes, and sizing can vary from designer to designer. There is no universal sizing chart for bridal designers, and each designer's sizing chart may be slightly different from the next. For instance, European and Australian sizing differs significantly from American sizing, and a bride may find herself ordering two to three sizes up from her usual size.
When it comes to ordering your wedding dress, it's important to be mindful of any major weight fluctuations you anticipate before your wedding day. If this isn't the case, you can rely on your stylist's original recommendation. They will take into account your largest measurement, which may result in a larger size than you expected. This is because it is easier for the seamstress to remove fabric than to add it.
It's worth noting that some designers are completely custom and don't have a size chart. In these cases, your dress will be made based on your measurements after trying on a sample size. Even if you know your measurements, it's still recommended that you don't order a dress size smaller than your body measurements. This is because you may end up gaining muscle mass and growing in your body measurements, or you may gain weight due to the stress of wedding planning. It's always better to err on the side of ordering a slightly bigger size than a smaller one, as alterations fees are not based on the amount of fabric removed from a dress.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that the size is just a number, and what matters most is how you feel in your dress on your wedding day. Choose a gown that makes you feel beautiful, and your bridal stylist and tailor will help you achieve the perfect fit.
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Bridal salons will take your measurements
When you go for your bridal appointment, your stylist will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and the dress will be ordered according to your largest measurement. This is because designers do not accommodate "split sizing", so if your bust is a size 4 but your hips a size 8, the dress will be ordered as a size 8 and altered to fit your exact specifications.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't order a dress size smaller than your body measurements, even if you plan to lose weight before the wedding. This is because you might end up gaining muscle mass and still require alterations. It's also best not to order a size smaller to save money on alterations, as alterations fees are not based on the amount of fabric removed.
When taking your measurements, make sure you're wearing the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day, as even a bra or nylon tights can add volume. Stand straight with your usual posture and keep your arms down. The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and comfortable around your body—not too tight.
If your dress is entirely fitted, you'll need to consider all three measurements: bust, waist, and hips. If your dress is A-line or a ball gown, the most important measurements are your bust and waist.
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Samples tend to be stretched and are harder to let out
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and it's normal for the gowns you try on not to fit perfectly. Samples tend to be stretched and are harder to let out, so it's important to be mindful of this when trying on dresses.
When you try on a sample gown, it may have been stretched out by previous try-ons, making it harder to get a sense of your true size. The sample gown may have become stretched out over time, and as a result, it may be harder to let out the fabric and return it to its original size. This is a common issue, and it's why many bridal boutiques carry a range of dress styles for you to try rather than the same dress in multiple sizes.
To address this issue, it's recommended that you take your measurements and consult a size chart to determine your size in a particular brand or designer. You can also work with a bridal stylist, who will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and help you determine the best size for you. They will ensure that your dress is ordered correctly and can advise on alterations.
It's important not to order a size down as motivation to lose weight or tone up before your wedding. Your body measurements may change in ways you don't expect, and it's generally best to err on the side of ordering a dress that's a bit bigger rather than smaller. Alterations can always be made, and there's no need to add the extra stress of needing to fit into a smaller size.
In conclusion, when trying on wedding dresses, keep in mind that samples may be stretched out and harder to let out. Instead, focus on taking accurate measurements, consulting with bridal stylists, and ordering a size that's true to your body, with alterations as needed.
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Don't order a size smaller than your body measurements
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, and it's normal for a bride to be told she is a larger number in wedding dresses than she normally wears. It's important to remember that bridal sizing is not standardised and does not define your worth or beauty. Every body is unique, so embrace your unique measurements.
While it's common for brides to want to lose weight before their wedding, it's not recommended to order a dress size smaller than your body measurements. There are a few reasons why this may not be the best idea. Firstly, even if you end up losing weight, your body measurements might actually increase due to gaining muscle mass. This can be a problem if your dress is fitted, as it might end up being too tight. Secondly, the stress of wedding planning may cause you to gain weight, leaving you with a dress that's too small.
Additionally, designer size charts and dresses may vary slightly, and dresses can sometimes come a little bigger or smaller than what's on the size chart. It's generally better to err on the side of a bigger size than a smaller one. Alteration fees are typically not based on the amount of fabric removed, so ordering a smaller size won't save you money in the long run.
When determining your wedding dress size, it's best to seek the help of expert bridal stylists, who will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and determine the size based on your largest measurement. Remember, the most important thing is how you feel in your dress on your special day, not the number on the tag.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress sizes are often different from regular street sizing. Bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which tends to run smaller than US street sizing. Each designer has their own size chart, so it's best to refer to the specific size chart of the dress you're interested in.
Wedding dress sizes differ by running about one to four sizes larger than regular dress sizes. This is because bridal designers in the wedding industry continue to follow older and more traditional size charts, which run smaller than regular clothing.
We do not recommend ordering a dress size smaller than your body measurements. Even if you end up losing weight, you might gain muscle mass, which could result in larger body measurements. It's also much easier to take in a dress than to let it out.
If you're visiting a bridal salon, your stylist will take your measurements. If you're shopping online, you can take your own measurements and refer to the designer's size guide. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and not too tight or too loose. Measure from the centre of the collarbone to the hem, around the fullest part of the chest, the narrowest part of waist, and the fullest part of the hips.
If you're between two sizes, it's generally recommended to go for the larger size and have it altered to fit you.
