Summary
- Bridal sizing runs smaller than your normal size
- Your wedding dress size is not the same as everyday clothing
- Designers cut on different size charts
- Accurate measurements must be taken at your bridal store
- Your seamstress will help with an exact fit
Have you shopped for wedding dresses and been shocked? You’re not alone. Bridal gowns run 1-2 sizes smaller than your regular size and this is why.
How Bridal Gown Sizing Works: Size Charts
Bridal designers in the wedding industry continue to follow older and more traditional size charts, which run smaller than regular clothing. These charts date back to the mid-20th century when clothing was more tailored and body proportions were different compared to today. Additionally, many designers continue to follow European sizing which runs smaller than the US street size.
When you are wedding dress shopping, it can become even more confusing because each designer has their own size chart. You may fit in a size 10 in one designer, an 8 in another, and a 14 and another. Unfortunately, there is no universal size chart.
As you can see, the measurements are different for these designers. One designer starts at size 0, the others start at a size 2. Additionally, the chart on the left has smaller measurements for the size 2 than the one on the right starting at a size 0!
Measuring For Your Correct Wedding Dress Size
When you say yes to your dress, your bridal stylist will take your body measurements. They will use a measuring tape to get the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your natural waist, and the fullest part of your hips. The tape measure must be in the right place to get the accurate size numbers. For instance, the fullest part of the hips may be around the upper thighs, or around the rear end, not where the hip bones are. The waist measurement must be taken at the smallest part.
Then, taking into account the shape of your dress, they will look at your designers wedding dress size chart. There is a high likelihood that these numbers will fall into multiple sizes, as it is rare that a bride fits perfectly into one exact size.
When a bride is between sizes, to get the proper dress size we must look at the largest measurement. For our example, let’s say our bride measures to a 10 bust, 12 waist, and a 14 hip. This means the hip measurement is the largest. At this point we would look at the silhouette of the dress.
If the dress is a sheath, fit & flare, or mermaid, the right size is the 14 and the bride would have to have alterations to take down the bust and waist. Ordering a smaller size would be problematic with this type of dress because when it is too tight in the hips it will pull and wrinkle, ride up, and will be nearly impossible to sit down.
However, the bride has chosen an a line dress or a ball gown, we would recommend the size 12 as there will be plenty of room in the hips. The size 12 would also require less alterations in the bust.
Let’s say the bust is the largest size. In this case, it would not matter what style she chose, we would absolutely recommend the size that properly fits the bust. The rest of the dress can be taken down.
Your Wedding Dress Size & Alterations
Proper sizing is the most important thing when ordering your wedding dress.
Alterations can be very costly and therefore it is in your best interest to question the sizing being recommended, especially when bridal shops have in-house alterations (they make more money from alterations that would not have been needed if they ordered the correct size!) If you are uncomfortable with the size recommended or measurements taken, ask for it to be done again and have a family member or best friend involved in the process.
Most bridal gowns are constructed to allow for adjustments. Some offer a seam allowance for let-outs and can expand anywhere from an inch to several inches (this is not recommended as a sizing strategy) in the event of bride needs a little more room.
In alterations, your seamstress will tailor your gown to your individual body shape and assist with the fit by adjusting or replacing the bust cups, making strap adjustments, along with a proper hem and bustle.
Custom Wedding Dress Size
Some designers will offer custom measurements for a fee. This is a great option if a bride has a large bust and smaller hips, or vice versa. Ordering for the largest measurement is not the best option if you can get custom. The fee for custom measurements will be less than altering it after the fact.
The drawback of custom is that you need to stay about the same size until your wedding day. If you are intent on losing weight before your wedding and want a made-to-measure gown, consider ordering your dress closer to your wedding date and getting measured just before ordering.
Some designers will also offer a custom length for a fee. For this measurement, you must commit to a pair of heels to wear with your gown. If you are measured with a 4′ heel, but decide to wear flats instead, you will need to pay for a hem on top of the custom length you already paid for.
I Lost/Gained Weight After Being Measured
This does happen. Brides may go on a weight loss journey, possibly start a new medication that changed her size, or any number of stressful events that can cause weight loss or gain. If this happens, be realistic, and don’t panic when your dress arrives. Explain what has happened, see how your dress fits, and your bridal dress shop will advise with the best course of action. There are a number of solutions, depending on your situation! Go in as soon as your dress arrives so a plan can be made in plenty of time.
Practical Advice
- Do not worry or care about the number size of your dress. The way wedding dress sizing works means you will have a larger size than your usual dress size. It does not matter. What matters is you get the dress that you love, knowing your seamstress will make it a perfect fit. When your guests see you walking down the aisle, the last thing they are going to wonder is what size dress you have.
- The best time to shop for wedding gowns is 9-12 months prior to your wedding. The production process of wedding dresses takes 4-5 months to arrive (NOT the 9 months you may have been told!) so you will have plenty of extra time to have the dress fitted properly. If you have lost or gained weight in the meantime, let the bridal store know in advance. The fewer fittings needed the better as it changes the integrity of the dress every time it is worked on.
Know Before You Go: Best Tips For Your Bridal Appointment
- Understand how bridal sizing works
- Wedding dress sizes can be up to 2-3 sizes larger than your regular size
- Be involved when having your bridal measurements taken, and the size chosen
- Your dress silhouette will be taken into account when choosing your size
- Every wedding dress designer has their own size chart, there is no standard dress size in bridal
- Ask the bridal stores you visit for their sample size range; make sure they have dresses in different styles in your size to try
At Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo, we want the best for our brides. We want you to be confident and understand our suggestions and ideas, and we always listen to your concerns. We do not offer in-house alterations, we instead refer a well vetted and trusted list of local seamstresses. We support these women owned small businesses. It is in our best interest as well as our brides, to get the best fit possible. We have had many brides who needed nothing but a bustle. The joy from those brides is the best thank you we could receive! We have also had brides lose 40 pounds and four sizes, and we were able to solve that problem with little expense to the bride. There will always be a solution.
Understanding wedding dress sizing will allow you to have a more relaxed shopping experience. We cannot stress enough not to worry about your gown size! Rather, try on many different dress styles to find the wedding dress of your dreams for your big day. Reach out if you have more questions about wedding dress sizing. Or better yet, visit us in person and let us find that perfect one for you!