How to Figure Out Your Custom Wedding Dress Size
Choosing the right size for your custom wedding dress is crucial for ensuring a beautiful, flattering, and comfortable fit. Wedding dress sizing can feel confusing, especially since bridal sizing often differs from standard ready-to-wear clothing. This guide will walk you through the key steps to determine your correct wedding dress size and help you understand the differences between bridal and everyday sizing.
How to Measure for a Wedding Dress
1. Measure Your Bust
Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape stays straight across your back and isn’t too tight or too loose.
2. Measure Your Waist
Identify the smallest part of your waist, typically located above your belly button and below your ribcage. Wrap the tape around this area for an accurate measurement.
3. Measure Your Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, which is usually about 7–9 inches below your waist.
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Determine Your Dress Size
4. Compare with the Designer's Size Chart
Once you’ve taken your measurements, compare them to the size chart provided by the bridal designer or boutique. Each designer uses their own sizing, so always refer to their specific chart.
5. Choose the Size Based on Your Largest Measurement
If your bust, waist, and hip measurements fall into different size categories, choose the size that aligns with your largest measurement. This allows room for alterations to adjust the dress where needed.
Additional Fit Considerations
6. Consider Your Body Shape
Your body shape can influence which dress styles will be most flattering:
Hourglass: Highlight your waistline
Pear-shaped: Try A-line or ball gown styles
Apple-shaped: Look for empire waist designs
Understanding your body shape helps you choose a dress that complements your figure.
7. Consult a Professional
If you're unsure about measuring yourself or interpreting sizing charts, visit a bridal salon. Bridal consultants are experienced in determining the right size and helping you find a dress that fits beautifully.
Understanding Bridal vs. Ready-to-Wear Sizing
Bridal Sizes Run Smaller
Bridal sizing usually runs smaller than ready-to-wear sizes. A person who typically wears a size 6 in everyday clothes might need a size 10 or 12 in bridal sizing.
Reasons for the Size Difference
Vanity Sizing in Ready-to-Wear: Everyday brands often use smaller labels to make sizes seem more flattering.
Standardized Bridal Sizing: Bridal designers tend to use more accurate and consistent measurements.
Designer Size Charts Vary
Each bridal designer has their own sizing system and chart, making it essential to rely on the specific chart for the brand you're considering.
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Dress Construction Affects Fit
Wedding dresses often feature:
Built-in support
Corseting and boning
Heavy or structured fabrics
These elements influence how a dress fits and why sizing may differ from regular clothes.
Alterations Are Normal and Expected
Most wedding dresses require alterations to achieve a perfect fit. Seamstresses can adjust the gown to your body, allowing you to:
Choose a size based on your largest measurement
Tailor the rest of the gown for a flawless fit
FAQs
1. Why is bridal sizing different from regular clothing?
Bridal sizing uses standard measurements and avoids vanity sizing, resulting in numerically higher sizes than everyday clothes.
2. What if my measurements fall into different size categories?
Choose the size that matches your largest measurement and use alterations to fit the other areas.
3. Do I need to wear shapewear when measuring?
It’s not necessary, but if you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, wear it during fittings for a more accurate fit.
4. How early should I get measured?
Start 9–12 months before your wedding to ensure you have time for ordering and alterations.
5. Will I need alterations even if the dress is made to size?
Yes. Alterations are almost always required, even with custom dresses, to achieve a perfect fit.
Conclusion
Determining your custom wedding dress size takes careful measurement, awareness of bridal sizing standards, and often some professional guidance. Don’t stress about the number on the label focus on how the dress feels and looks on you.
To ensure the best experience and access to a range of beautiful options, visit Estelle Bridal. Their expert consultants are ready to guide you every step of the way.
