Choosing the perfect wedding dress is not just about finding a dress that fits your style and personality, it’s also important to find a dress that fits your body type. Many brides have concerns about the fit of the dress, particularly when it comes to the sizing. One common question that arises while shopping for a wedding dress is, “How many sizes can you take in on a wedding dress?”.
Factors that Affect Wedding Dress Sizing
Wedding dress sizing is a bit different than regular dress sizes. It’s based on measurements and not the size tag on the dress. Therefore, it’s important to take accurate measurements that include bust, waist, and hip measurements before ordering the dress.
Another factor that affects wedding dress sizing is the designer or manufacturer of the dress. Each designer or manufacturer has their own sizing chart, so what might be a size 6 in one designer could be a size 8 in another. It’s essential to pay close attention to the sizing chart of each designer before making a purchase.
Thirdly, it’s important to consider the style of the dress when it comes to sizing. Some dresses are more forgiving in terms of sizing, while others are more restrictive. For example, a fitted mermaid-style dress may be more challenging to alter than a flowing A-line dress.
How Many Sizes Can You Take in on a Wedding Dress?
Typically, a wedding gown can be altered about 2-4 sizes down without losing the integrity of the dress. So, if you’re a size 14, you could have the dress altered to fit a size 10. This is because most wedding dresses are designed with enough seam allowance to be taken in or let out a considerable amount.
On the other hand, if the gown is unaltered, it will usually have about an inch of wiggle room on each side seam to be let out. This is good news for brides who find themselves in a situation where they need to go up a size or two.
It’s important to note that taking in a dress is usually easier than letting it out. It’s much easier to remove excess fabric than to add more in. Therefore, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and order a size up from what you think you’ll need, and then have the dress altered accordingly.
What to Do if the Dress Doesn’t Fit?
If you find yourself in a situation where the dress is too big or too small, don’t panic. There are a few options available to you.
Firstly, if the dress is too big, you could have it taken in or altered by a professional seamstress. This is a relatively simple process that involves taking in the excess fabric to fit your body.
Alternatively, if the dress is too small, you could explore the option of letting it out. However, as previously mentioned, this is a more complicated process and might not be possible, depending on the style of the dress. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to order a new dress in the correct size, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Conclusion
When it comes to wedding dresses, sizing can be a concern for brides. It’s essential to take accurate measurements and pay close attention to sizing charts before making a purchase. Most wedding dresses can be altered 2-4 sizes down without losing the integrity of the dress. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and be prepared for the possibility of needing alterations or a new dress. By following these tips, you can ensure that you find the perfect wedding dress that fits both your style and your body type.
FAQ
Can you alter a wedding dress by two sizes?
Most brides want their wedding day to be perfect. The dress is one of the essential elements of the day, and finding the perfect style and fit can be a challenge. But what if the dress fits perfectly in every way, except for the size? Is it possible to alter a wedding dress by two sizes?
The answer is that it depends on the design and structure of the dress. Many wedding dresses are created with room for alterations. They are made with a few extra inches of fabric at the seams to allow for a slight adjustment. Therefore, most wedding dresses can be altered by a couple of sizes without major work being done. Changing the size slightly will take some effort, but it’s possible in most cases. Suppose the dress is too big or too small in several areas, such as the bust, waist, hips, or length. In that case, it may require more work and time.
Before deciding to alter the dress, it is essential to consult with a trusted and experienced tailor or seamstress. They can provide an honest assessment of whether it’s possible to alter the dress to the desired size and what the cost and time frame will be. They can also offer suggestions on how to adjust the dress while maintaining its original style and design. For example, they may recommend adding a corset back to the dress, which will allow for some adjustment to the size without having to make significant changes to the dress’s original structure.
It’s also important to consider the dress’s fabric, beading, lace, and any other embellishments that may be affected by alterations. Some materials may be more challenging to work with than others. Therefore, it’s essential to select a tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding dresses and delicate fabrics. They can provide valuable insights into the best way to handle the dress’s specific design, fabric, and embellishments.
Altering a wedding dress by two sizes is possible in most cases. It’s essential to seek advice from an experienced tailor or seamstress, consider the dress’s design, fabric and embellishments, and be prepared to pay for the cost of the alterations. With proper planning and care, it’s possible to make the necessary adjustments to ensure your wedding dress fits you perfectly on your special day.
How do you fix a wedding dress that is too big?
When it comes to making sure that your wedding dress is the perfect fit, alterations are one of the most important steps you can take. However, sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, and you may find that your wedding dress is too big. But don’t worry, there are several ways to fix this issue.
The first step is to take your dress to an experienced tailor or seamstress. They will be able to determine exactly how much fabric needs to be taken in to ensure that your dress fits perfectly. They can also make sure that any beading or details on the dress are preserved during the alteration process.
If your dress is too big in the bust area, one solution is to add some bra cups to fill out the space. This will help make the dress fit better while also giving you the support you need. Similarly, if your dress is too roomy at the midsection, a beautiful sash can cinch your waist and help give the dress a more flattering shape.
Another option is to have the dress resized using the corset back technique. This involves adding a lace-up back to the dress, which allows for greater adjustability in terms of fit. This method can also be used to add a bit of drama to the back of your dress.
Finally, if you have time before your wedding day, consider losing weight or gaining muscle. This can change your body shape and make the dress fit better overall. However, if you’re close to your wedding day, this may not be a feasible solution.
There are several ways to fix a wedding dress that is too big. Whether it’s adding bra cups, using a corset back, or getting a sash to cinch your waist, an experienced tailor or seamstress can help you achieve the perfect fit for your special day.
How many pounds does it take to go down a dress size?
The answer to the question of how many pounds it takes to go down a dress size can vary depending on several factors such as body type, height, and weight. However, a common estimate suggests that losing between 10 to 15 pounds can result in dropping a dress size, or about an inch or two from your bust and hips.
It is important to note that weight loss is not the only factor that determines a change in dress size. Other changes such as muscle gain, body shape, and composition can also play a role. For example, someone who engages in strength training exercises alongside a healthy diet may experience a decrease in body fat percentages and an increase in muscle mass, resulting in a smaller dress size despite not having lost a significant amount of weight.
Additionally, it is important to approach weight loss and body size with a healthy and individualized perspective. Losing weight too quickly or depriving oneself of necessary nutrients can be detrimental to overall health and lead to an unsustainable lifestyle. Setting realistic and achievable goals, incorporating regular exercise and prioritizing a balanced diet, and consulting with a healthcare professional can provide a safe and effective path towards achieving a desirable dress size and overall body composition.
