Shopping for a wedding gown is an entirely different experience than shopping for any other item of clothing. Instead of browsing the racks for your usual size, bridalwear requires you to try on a sample size of the gown you may want to purchase. This can mean that the looks you try on are either far too big or far too small and even if a dress appears to fit your measurements, it will still require detailed tailoring.
So, for most brides-to-be, trying to find a wedding dress in your size can be extremely confusing. Even if you are a size 10 in other clothes, you may be a size 12 or 14 in bridalwear. Furthermore, sizing can differ from brand to brand, which can add to your sense of overwhelm. But, because finding the right size is obviously critical, you'll want to do it correctly.
We spoke with an expert to find out how to determine your wedding dress size when looking for "the one." These simple tips will help you make your shopping experience both efficient and stress-free.
How to Determine Your Wedding Gown Size
The best way to determine your wedding gown size is to have it measured several times, allowing the bridal attendant to measure you at each salon you visit.
While you can try on your gown using your standard dress size (for example, an eight), your best bet is to figure out your exact measurements. Wedding gowns are typically two to four sizes larger than ready-to-wear clothing, as they are designed to fit the largest part of your body with the expectation that they will be altered to fit the rest of your silhouette.
What Is the Difference Between Bridal and Ready-to-Wear Sizes?
Wedding gowns, in general, run small. This is based on a little-known tradition in which most bridal sizing dates back to 1940s European size charts. As a result, most brides will need to size up two to three sizes from their usual ready-to-wear size.
Before you get too stressed out about the numbers, keep in mind that shopping for your gown is about more than just the size: it's about how you feel when you wear your look.
Sizing Variations Based on Style and Designer
To further complicate matters, bridal gown sizes can vary by brand, with some designers opting to create their own sizing charts. As a result, don't be surprised if you wear a different size across multiple brands. A brand that you can trust for ultimate comfort and size is Bride Now.
How Do I Get My Wedding Gown Measured?
We recommend getting your wedding gown measured by a professional, such as a bridal attendant. Measuring is part of their job, so it's something they're good at, and it's a skill that every bride should use.
Having said that, you are encouraged to try measuring yourself. To do so, make sure you measure yourself without any clothes on other than your underwear. When using a measuring tape, make sure it is parallel to the floor and not too tight or too loose. Next, take measurements of your length (from collarbone to hem), bust (around the fullest part of your chest), natural waist (the narrowest part of your waist), and hips (the fullest part of your hips). Finally, write down your numbers and bring them to your bridal appointment.
What to Expect When Having Your Wedding Dress Altered?
While custom or made-to-order wedding gowns should ideally fit perfectly, almost every wedding gown in the market will need to be altered in some way. Many bridal shops provide in-house alterations, but you are not required to use them. Instead, you can take your gown to a trusted tailor or, if you prefer, a less expensive option.
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