Why are wedding dresses larger?

Question

I'm a size 14 / 16 want to order my wedding dress online but should I order a bigger size I've heard other have why is this?

Answer 1

Go get actual measurements taken by a seamstress and order it using those measurements. When it arrives that same seamstress can do the alterations.

Answer 2

Order based on the measurements of the size chart - not the actual size. Every designer is different. Some run small and others run big. My bridesmaid had to order a size 22-24 when she is a size 16. You never know. That's why they have the bust/waist/hip measurements. Oh and don't subscribe to the losing weight before the wedding due to stress. I eat when I am stressed and I gained weight before the wedding. It was almost too tight. Get a dress that will fit you or slightly larger - they can always take it in but they can't let it out!

Answer 3

Wedding dresses tend to run *smaller*.

One reason for this is because they are still "true" sizes.

Due to the obesity crisis, it is now "normal" to be overweight (which is why we are so unhealthy). Clothing manufacturers know women are happier buying a size 6 rather than a 10, and thus have "adjusted" clothing sizes in the past few years. A size 7 today is more like a size 10 from a few years back (give or take).

Wedding gowns are very close to original dress sizes from the 1950's. I barely fit into a size 10 wedding gown sample. I normally am a size 5-6 or 7-8 in regular clothes. I am thin but curvy. Marilyn Monroe, who was shapely and not fat by any means, was a size 12 back in the '50's. Very few size 12's today look like that, because a size 12 today is much larger.

When you get fitted, be prepared to go up a few dress sizes!

Answer 4

Because thats the real size! Within the last 20 years, sizes have changed. That's why when people say that Marilyn Monroe was a size 14, they're not lying! But shopping in a modern store, she would probably be more like a size 6. It's also why there is such thing as size 0 and size 00, that wasn't always the case. It's called vanity sizing and wedding dresses don't have this.

Answer 5

Oh I know what ur gettin at! I ordered my wedding dress in June (getting married in december) and I was a size 14 all round in my clothes and theyve ordered me a size 18 wedding dress!!!!! I was so upset but the dress fitter assured me that altho our street sizing has come down, wedding dresses are measured in Victorian sizes still so a size 8 person is a size 12 and a size 14 person is a size 18!!!! dont fret its just a number they measurer the dress for what you are now but your dress can be taken in if you lose weight and you can cut out the size tag! I certainly will!!!!!! good luck xxx

Answer 6

The number is larger but the actual size is smaller. It depends on the manufacturer but most use European sizes.

You should go to a dress shop and either have your measurement taken or try on dresses to fin your size. If you are ordering online buy even larger than what fits you so that you can have it altered to fit you exactly.

Answer 7

I've been told by the bridal shop that it's because they use European sizing, which is smaller than American sizing. I normally wear the same size as you, but my wedding dress is a size 20! I knew this in advance, so I didn't get upset...I know how I'm built, and they have to get the dress to fit the largest part of you, which, for me, is the chest, by far, and I'll have to have the rest really taken in.

Answer 8

I think thats true. Im normally a 0, but the smallest was 2, and when I put it on I swear it was more like a 6 or 8! So I had to have major alterations. But all makers have different sizing. Its probably best if you get the measurements, rather than using your regular clothes size.

Answer 9

If the dress you like is also available in a bridal shop you could try one on there to get the size you need and then order it online.

Answer 10

I don't think that support is the issue here. A strapless dress will bring the focus to your breasts, and overwhelm that Total Bride Image. You don't want to be seen as "That Bride with the lovely cleavage", which is what the wedding photagrapher's camera will reflect. Consider trying on some strapless gowns and have a friend snap pictures......This will give you an image other than the mirror. (and Congratulations!)