George Boyle
Wedding dress sizing can be a confusing and stressful experience for brides-to-be. It's important to remember that bridal sizing differs from the fit of your everyday clothes, and sizes can vary from designer to designer. At your bridal appointment, your stylist will take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and order a dress size that accommodates your largest measurement. It's recommended to order a dress size that matches your body measurements, as it's easier to take a dress in than to expand it. Ultimately, you should feel confident and beautiful in your skin, and not let a number define your worth or how much you deserve to be celebrated on your wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridal sizing | Often differs from typical street wear sizing |
| Designers have their own sizing charts | |
| Sizing can vary from designer to designer | |
| Determining size | Based on largest measurement (bust, waist, hips) |
| Order the size that accommodates the largest measurement | |
| It's easier to take in a dress than expand the size | |
| Don't order a dress size smaller than body measurements | |
| Order based on bust measurement | |
| Sample sizes | Don't be deterred by sample sizes |
| Bridal boutiques cater to a wide range of sizes |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal sizing is different from street sizing
Another reason for the difference between bridal and street sizing is that bridal designers and dressmakers often use pattern-making techniques from the past. It can be difficult and time-consuming for them to transition to modern-day sizing. As a result, each designer might use a different size chart, and there is no universal size chart for wedding dresses. This means that a bride might be a size 10 in one designer and a size 14 in another, which is perfectly normal.
Additionally, bridal sizing often takes into account the largest measurement of the bride, such as the hips, rather than the average of all measurements, as is typically done with street clothing. This is because it is easier for a seamstress to remove fabric from a dress than to add it. So, if a bride's waist and bust measure an 8, but her hips measure a 12, a stylist might order a size 12 to ensure the dress fits perfectly at the hips, and then take in the rest of the dress.
Finally, wedding dresses are expected to be altered to ensure a perfect fit, which is not usually the case with everyday clothing. Bridal stylists may recommend a larger size during the fitting so that there is enough material to alter and take in later. Therefore, it is important for brides-to-be to remember that bridal sizing is not about the number but about their measurements, and that alterations will ensure their dress fits them perfectly on their wedding day.
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Wedding dress sizes are based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s
Wedding dress shopping can be a fun and exciting experience for brides-to-be, but it can also be confusing and stressful, especially when it comes to sizing. Wedding dress sizes are often not the same as regular clothing sizes, and a bride may find herself needing a larger size than she usually wears. This is because wedding dress sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which has remained unchanged while ready-to-wear sizing has been adjusted over the years. As a result, bridal sizing often runs one or two sizes smaller than what women typically wear. This can be confusing and even discouraging for brides, but it's important to remember that size is just a number and it doesn't define you.
So, why do wedding dresses use outdated sizing? Well, it's not because designers want to confuse or insecure. It's simply because the wedding industry, particularly when it comes to bridal designers and dressmakers, has been slow to adapt to modern sizing. Many leaders in the industry have always been based in Europe, and even American companies often have European designers, so they continue to use European bridal sizing. This sizing is based on body types from decades ago, and as women's bodies have evolved, the dress sizes have not.
When it comes to finding the right size for your wedding day, it's important to remember that bridal sizing is often based on your largest measurement. Your stylist will measure your bust, waist, and hips, and the dress will be ordered to fit the largest of these measurements. This is done because it is easier for a seamstress to take fabric away from a dress than it is to add fabric. So, if your bust and waist measure a size 8 but your hips are a size 12, your stylist may order a size 12 and alter the rest of the dress to fit perfectly.
Additionally, it's worth noting that bridal sizing can vary from designer to designer, and custom made-to-order gowns may have their own unique sizing charts. This means that you may be a different size in dresses from different designers. Bridal shops typically order a few different sizes for brides to try on during their appointments, and alterations are commonly needed to achieve the perfect fit. It's recommended to budget for alterations and to book a seamstress well in advance to ensure your dress is ready in time for your special day.
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Designers don't accommodate split sizing
Wedding dress sizing is not standardised and can be confusing. Sizing can vary from designer to designer, and bridal sizing differs from the fit of everyday clothes. It is common for brides to be a different or "split" size across their bust, waist, and hip measurements. This is especially true for petite brides, who may require a smaller top and a larger skirt size.
However, designers typically do not accommodate split sizing. This means that, for example, if your bust and waist measurements are a size 8 but your hip measurement is a size 12, you will need to order a size 12 dress and have the top altered to fit. This can result in costly alterations, especially for standard dresses.
Some designers, such as Alexandra Grecco, do offer split sizing, but this is not the norm. In most cases, bridal stylists will help determine which size to order based on your measurements and the specific designer's sizing chart. It is important to remember that almost all wedding dresses require alterations to ensure a perfect fit.
The lack of standardised sizing in the bridal industry is due to several factors. Fashion schools have been slow to incorporate inclusivity in their technical design classes, and many designers continue to draft patterns for a size 6 model with an hourglass figure. Additionally, the sizing charts used today are based on nationwide studies conducted in the early days of the ready-to-wear clothing industry, which excluded the measurements of women of colour and were skewed towards smaller body sizes.
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Wedding dresses often need to be hemmed
Wedding dress sizing is different from typical streetwear sizing, and bridal sizing can even differ between designers. This means that brides often need to have their wedding dresses altered to achieve the perfect fit.
During a bridal appointment, a stylist will take a bride's measurements, focusing on the bust, waist, and hips. The stylist will then refer to the designer's size chart to determine the best size for the bride. It is recommended that brides order the size that accommodates their largest measurement. For example, if a bride's hip measurement is the largest, she should order a size that fits her hips, and the bust and waist can be taken in during alterations if needed. This is because it is easier for a seamstress to remove fabric from a dress than it is to add fabric.
While bridal boutiques carry a range of sample sizes, they may use clips, pins, or special undergarments to help a bride visualize what a dress will look like in the correct size. Bridal shops may also order a few different sizes of a gown for brides to try on. Once the bride finds a gown she loves, the shop will order the dress in the correct size from the designer.
Even when a bride orders the correct size, alterations are often needed to ensure a seamless fit. This may involve hemming the dress to adjust the length. It is best to order a size that is a bit bigger than smaller, as it is difficult to expand the size of a dress due to the limited amount of extra fabric in the seams.
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Weight fluctuations can impact sizing
Wedding dress sizing can be confusing, and it's normal for brides to be told they are a larger number in wedding dresses than they usually are when shopping for regular clothes. This is because bridal sizing is based on your largest measurement, which is usually the hip measurement, instead of the average like you would with street clothes. It's also important to note that sizing can vary from designer to designer, and even custom-made gowns will likely need alterations.
Weight fluctuations can impact dress sizing, as changes in body weight can alter your measurements. If you experience weight gain or loss, you may need to reassess your dress size and consider going up or down a size. This is because weight gain or loss can result in changes in body shape, and different weight distributions can require different dress sizes. For example, individuals with an hourglass figure may find that weight is distributed evenly across their body, making it easier to find a size that fits well. On the other hand, those with a pear-shaped body may need a dress size that accommodates their lower body measurements.
When ordering your wedding dress, it is important to let your stylist know if you are planning on any major weight fluctuations before your wedding date. This will help them make the necessary adjustments to ensure your dress fits you perfectly. If you are ordering a larger dress, keep in mind that significant modifications may cause it to look different from the original design. For instance, your seamstress may need to remove some of the lace, beading, or other details to make the dress fit like a glove.
It is recommended to give at least nine months for your dress to arrive once you've ordered it, and to take into account any potential weight fluctuations during this time. Remember, what matters most is your comfort and that you feel beautiful and confident on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress sizes are often three sizes larger than regular dress sizes. This is because bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s. Designers and dressmakers are accustomed to pattern-making from the past, making it time-consuming to transfer to modern-day sizing.
Your stylist will help you determine which size to order based on your measurements and the designer. They will likely order a few different sizes for you to try on. The dress will then be altered to fit you perfectly.
You can order a larger dress, but keep in mind that major modifications may cause it to look different from the original design. Your seamstress may need to remove some of the lace, beading, or other details. It is recommended to go with your stylist's suggestion.
