plus size wedding dresses

Everything You Need to Know about Wedding Dress Sizes and Fits

Wedding dress shopping can be fun and daunting at the same time, especially when it comes to choosing the right wedding dress size. We all know a size label can make or break our regular clothing shopping excursions in the terms of how we perceive the fittings. The same can be said when shopping for wedding dresses.

We have gathered information on how to find the right fit while keeping your self-confidence high.

How Do You Find Your Body Measurements?

When it comes to your size for a wedding dress, look beyond the label. Regardless of the style and design, a wedding dress size is influenced by the bust, waist, and hip measurements. Have an expert take your measurements using a flexible measuring tape.

When measuring the bust region for a bridal dress, wear an unpadded bra or the same bra you plan to wear on the special day. Place the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest for the best sizing.

For the waist measurement, use the portion known as your natural waist as this is the slimmest part of the waistline. This is where your mid-section will crease when bending to one side, approximately one inch above the belly button.

On average, the hips should be measured about 9” below the natural waist, known as the low hip region. Standing with the feet together, measure around the fullest part of the hip and buttocks

How Do You Get Your Wedding Dress Size?

When trying on wedding dresses, remember not all bridal dress sizes are the same.

After you’ve taken your bust, waist, and hip measurements, check the size charts for each dress designer. All wedding dress designers create their styles with their own particular sizing charts and model sizes. A size 12 from Vera Wang will fit differently than a size 12 from designer Hayley Paige.

Cross-referencing the size chart, find the size that best matches your measurements. If you are in between sizes (e.g., your bust is a size 10, your waist is a size 8, and your hips are a size 12), go with the size that matches your largest body measurement (e.g., size 12).

How Does Bridal Sizing Compare to Street Wear Sizing?

As we mentioned, wedding dress shopping can be difficult if you are trying to match your size in everyday clothing with the bridal gown size. Bridal sizes differ from street wear sizes.

The standard clothing size is designed for mass productions in which women of similar shapes and sizes can wear the same size. With wedding dresses, most are customized to an industry’s sizing.

In fact, most bridal gowns are made smaller than your typical dress. So, don’t be surprised if the size on your wedding dress label is one or two sizes larger than you normally wear. This is why you shouldn’t dwell on the number while trying on wedding dresses.

How Many Sizes Can You Take a Wedding Dress in?

Usually, a wedding dress may be altered down two sizes and up only one size, but this depends on the extent of the alternation required as well as the design of the dress.

Most brides may not find the perfect fit as most dresses will require alterations. In addition to the fitting at the bust, waist, and hips, focus on the length of the sleeves, straps, and fit of the shoulders. Note places that appear too loose or too tight. Standing straight, take a deep breath in and out. Any gapping material will need to be altered, if possible.

You’ll also want to pay close attention to the length of the dress. Most dresses come in a standard length, which can be altered to each bride’s exact height (with shoes on).

All wedding dress alterations should be done by a professional seamstress.

What Size Is Considered Plus Size in Wedding Dresses?

Plus size wedding dresses vary depending on the dress designer, but most plus sizes dresses are considered those that are sizes 14 to 28. As with all wedding dresses, the sizing depends on the waist, bust, and hips measurements.

Unfortunately, not all bridal boutiques carry sizes associated with plus-size clothing, as most only have samples sizes 8, 10, and 12.

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