
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Givenchy's Claire Waight Keller. The dress received mixed reviews, with some people admiring it for its simplicity and timelessness, while others criticised it for being ill-fitting. Markle's reception dress, however, was widely praised. The reason for the loose fit of the wedding dress may have been to allow the bride to move around comfortably, given the stiff and thick fabric used. Markle is also known to have styled herself frequently, and it is unclear if she had a stylist at the time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thick and stiff fabric | Triple silk organza |
| Fabric choice | Fabric was prone to wrinkles |
| Design | Long flat neckline |
| Fittings | Multiple fittings, mostly done by Clare |
| Comfort | To allow the bride to move around and be comfortable |
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What You'll Learn

Thick, stiff fabric
The fabric of Meghan Markle's wedding dress has been described as "extremely thick and stiff", comprising triple silk organza for the underskirt, which does not allow for much stretch. Markle and designer Claire Waight Keller of Givenchy may have chosen a looser cut to allow Markle to move and breathe more comfortably in the dress.
The thick, stiff fabric may have been a key factor in the perception that the dress did not fit Markle well. The bodice, in particular, has been criticised for being too loose. If the dress had been skin-tight, it may have restricted Markle's movement, given the constricting nature of the fabric. However, a skin-tight cut may have better flattered her figure.
The choice of fabric may have been a deliberate one, prioritising comfort and ease of movement over a tighter, more figure-hugging fit. Markle reportedly had multiple fittings, mostly done by Clare, to ensure secrecy. However, the thick fabric, combined with the loose cut, may have contributed to a perception of poor fit, particularly when compared to the more fitted wedding dresses of other royal brides, such as Kate Middleton.
The fabric's thickness and stiffness may also have contributed to the dress's wrinkled appearance, which has been noted as a criticism of the design. Markle's choice of fabric and cut may have been influenced by her personal style and preference for comfort, as she has continued to experience criticism for ill-fitting outfits during her royal duties.
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Conservative cut
It has been suggested that Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed with a conservative cut to allow the bride to move and breathe comfortably. The fabric used to make the dress and the underskirt was thick, stiff, and did not allow for much stretch. If the dress had been skin-tight, there is a chance that Meghan would not have been able to sit comfortably in the car or during the service, or freely move her arms due to the constricting nature of the fabric.
The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller of the fashion house Givenchy. It featured a bateau neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. While some found the dress lovely, others criticised it for being "ill-fitting", "plain", and "underwhelming".
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was notably different from the more form-fitting styles typically seen on royal brides. The conservative cut of the dress may have been a deliberate choice to prioritise comfort and ease of movement, but it also meant that the thick and stiff fabric did not flatter her figure as well as a more tailored style might have.
Some have speculated that the poor fit of the dress may be due to the secrecy surrounding the design process, with most fittings kept private and handled by Clare Waight Keller herself. The choice of fabric may not have been the best suited for the desired cut, as a different fabric with more stretch could have provided a more flattering silhouette while still allowing for comfort and movement.
Despite the criticism, it is important to remember that the bride's comfort and personal style preferences are paramount on her wedding day. Meghan Markle's choice of a conservative cut for her wedding dress may not have been the most conventionally flattering, but it allowed her to move freely and feel comfortable throughout the ceremony and celebrations.
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Poor tailoring
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Givenchy's Claire Waight Keller. While the dress was admired by some, others considered it "ill-fitting". The bodice, in particular, has been described as too loose, with the skirt also being deemed too roomy.
Some have speculated that the poor fit was due to the thick, stiff fabric used, which did not allow for much stretch. Markle and Keller may have chosen a more conservative cut to allow the bride to move freely and sit comfortably. However, this decision may have resulted in an unflattering silhouette, especially given Markle's relatively short neck and wide shoulders.
The choice of fabric has also been questioned, with some suggesting that a different material would have better complemented the desired looser fit. Markle's preference for styling herself, as well as the secrecy surrounding the dress fittings, may have also contributed to the poor tailoring.
The reception dress, however, was widely praised for its elegance and for showcasing Markle's toned arms and elegant neck.
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Flattering design
While Meghan Markle's wedding dress was widely admired, some critics questioned why the dress did not fit her perfectly. The dress had a loose-fitting waist and sleeves, which some commentators suggested could have been more fitted.
One possible explanation for the loose fit is that Markle wanted a dress that would allow her to move freely and comfortably throughout the day. The fabric of the dress was thick and stiff with little stretch, and a skin-tight cut may have restricted her movement. Markle reportedly had multiple fittings, and the designer, Clare Waight Keller, may have chosen a more conservative cut to allow Markle comfort and flexibility.
Markle's wedding dress may also have been a stylistic choice, reflecting her personal preference for comfort and freedom of movement. Markle frequently styled herself and did her own hair and makeup, indicating a strong sense of personal style.
The choice of fabric may also have contributed to the perception of a poor fit. The thick, stiff fabric of the dress was prone to wrinkling, which can give the appearance of ill-fit. A different fabric choice may have better accentuated Markle's figure and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.
Ultimately, the decision to prioritise comfort and mobility over a skin-tight fit may have been a deliberate choice by both Markle and the designer, reflecting Markle's personal style and priorities for her wedding day.
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Multiple fittings
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Givenchy's Claire Waight Keller. The dress was subject to multiple fittings, mostly conducted in secret by Clare. However, despite the fittings, the dress was still deemed to fit Markle poorly.
The poor fit has been attributed to the thick and stiff fabric used, which did not allow for much stretch. Markle and Keller may have chosen a more conservative cut to allow the bride to move comfortably, but this resulted in some wriggle room in the waist and sleeves.
Some commentators have criticised the dress for not fitting well, particularly as Markle had seen the dress multiple times and undergone several fittings. However, others have defended the fit, suggesting that a skin-tight cut would have been uncomfortable and restrictive for the bride.
Markle's choice of a French fashion house for her wedding dress to a British prince was also criticised, with some suggesting she should have chosen an American, UK, or Canadian designer instead. The dress's design and fabric choice were also questioned, with some believing it was never going to flatter Markle's figure.
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Frequently asked questions
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Givenchy's Claire Waight Keller. The dress was criticised for not being fitted enough at the waist and sleeves. Some speculate that the thick, stiff fabric of the dress, coupled with its conservative cut, was chosen to allow Markle to move and breathe comfortably.
Meghan Markle frequently styled herself while she was a royal. She reportedly did her own hair and makeup, and chose her own outfits. Markle did have multiple fittings for her wedding dress, but these were kept secret and mostly done by Clare, the designer.
While some critics described the dress as "ill-fitting", others admired it for its timelessness and simplicity. Markle's reception dress, also by Givenchy, was widely praised.











































