Why do wedding dress sizes run smaller than regular clothing sizes? Bridal sizing follows designer-specific size charts that are often different from everyday clothing sizes. Many brides wear a wedding dress one or two sizes larger than their normal street size. Your wedding dress size is determined by your measurements and the designer’s size chart, not the number you normally wear.
Now that we’ve answered that question, let’s talk about something we tell our Rouge brides ALL THE TIME.
Bridal sizing does us DIRTY.
You might walk into Rouge Bridal wearing a size 8 in your everyday clothes and discover that your wedding dress is a size 12.
WHAT?!
Girl, don’t let that number stress you out.
Bridal sizing is different, every designer has their own size chart, and the number sewn inside your wedding dress means absolutely NOTHING about how fabulous you’re going to look in it.
Our favorite advice?
Trust the fit, not the number.
Wedding dress sizing isn’t standardized across the bridal industry.
Each designer creates their own size chart, which means you might measure into a size 10 with one designer and a size 12 with another.
And guess what? Both dresses could fit you beautifully!
Bridal sizing also tends to run one or two sizes smaller than everyday clothing. In other words, you may need a larger numerical size in a wedding dress than you normally purchase.
This doesn’t mean your body has changed. It simply means the sizing systems are different.
So, please don’t get caught up in the number on the tag. Your wedding dress size is just a number we use to order the gown that will fit your measurements.
And trust us, nobody is going to peek inside your wedding dress on your wedding day to see what size you’re wearing!
At Rouge Bridal, our stylists are trained to take accurate measurements and compare them with each designer’s individual size chart.
We typically measure your bust, waist and hips, depending on the style and construction of your wedding dress.
For example, if you’re ordering a fitted gown, your hip measurement is especially important because the dress needs to fit comfortably through your hips.
If you’re ordering an A-line or ballgown, your bust and waist measurements may be the most important because the skirt has more room through the hips.
We look at your measurements, the gown’s silhouette and the designer’s size chart before recommending your size.
And here’s something you should know: It’s completely normal to measure between two different bridal sizes.
Let’s say we take your measurements and discover that your bust measures into a size 10, but your waist measures into a size 8.
Which size should we order?
In most cases, we would recommend ordering the size 10.
Here’s why.
The size 10 will accommodate your bust, and your seamstress can take in the waist to give you a beautiful fit.
If we ordered the size 8, the waist might fit perfectly, but the dress could be too tight through your bust.
And nobody wants to discover that her wedding dress won’t zip!
It’s generally easier for a seamstress to take a gown in than to let it out. The amount a dress can be let out depends on how much extra fabric is available in the seams.
That’s why we recommend ordering the size that accommodates your largest relevant measurement.
Remember, we’re ordering your wedding dress to fit your body—not asking your body to fit into a particular dress size.
This is another question we hear ALL the time.
Bridal boutiques typically carry sample gowns in a selection of sizes. That means the dress you fall in love with might be too big or too small when you try it on.
Don’t panic!
Our Rouge Bridal stylists are trained to clip larger gowns so you can get a realistic idea of how the dress will look when it’s fitted to your body.
If a sample gown is too small, we’ll help you understand how the gown is designed to fit and what it may look like in your ordered size.
This is why we encourage brides to look beyond the fit of the sample gown.
Do you love the neckline? The fabric? The silhouette? The way the skirt moves?
Those are the things we want you to focus on while you’re shopping.
Your actual gown will be ordered according to your measurements, and alterations will help perfect the fit.
Our recommendation is simple: Order your wedding dress based on your current measurements.
We know. You have every intention of losing a few pounds before your wedding.
But here’s the thing: bodies change, life happens, and wedding planning is already stressful enough without adding pressure to fit into a dress that’s too small.
If you order a gown one or two sizes smaller than your measurements, there’s a chance it won’t fit when it arrives.
And depending on the gown’s construction, there may not be enough extra fabric to let it out.
On the other hand, if your measurements change after ordering, a seamstress may be able to take your gown in.
Many wedding dresses can be taken in approximately one or two sizes, depending on their construction, fabric, embellishments and seam placement. More extensive alterations may be possible, but they can become complicated and expensive.
If you expect your measurements to change significantly before your wedding, talk with your stylist before placing your order. We’ll help you understand your options and what to discuss with your seamstress.
Your wedding dress should fit YOU. You shouldn’t have to spend the months leading up to your wedding worrying about fitting into it.
YES! And this is completely normal.
Even when we order your wedding dress according to your measurements, it isn’t custom-made specifically for your body.
Designers use standard size charts, which is why most brides need at least a few alterations.
Common wedding dress alterations include:
- Hemming the gown to your height and wedding-day shoes.
- Adjusting the straps.
- Taking in the bust or waist.
- Adjusting the bodice for a more comfortable, supportive fit.
- Adding a bustle so you can dance without dragging your train around all night.
Your seamstress will determine which alterations are needed once your gown arrives and you try it on.
At Rouge Bridal, we don’t perform alterations in-house, but we’re happy to recommend experienced bridal seamstresses who can help make your gown fit beautifully.
We recommend allowing approximately three to four months for the alterations process whenever possible.
Oh, absolutely!
Bridesmaid dresses follow the same general sizing process as wedding gowns.
We take your measurements, compare them with the designer’s size chart, and recommend the size that best accommodates your body.
And just like wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses aren’t custom-made to your exact measurements.
Most bridesmaids need at least a hem or strap adjustment, and some may need alterations through the bust or waist.
So whether you’re shopping for your wedding dress or standing beside your bestie on her big day, don’t let the size tag get in your head.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Dress Sizing
Are wedding dress sizes the same as regular dress sizes?
Not necessarily. Bridal sizing often runs one or two numerical sizes larger than everyday clothing, although this varies by designer. Your bridal stylist will use your measurements and the designer’s size chart to recommend your gown size.
Should I order a wedding dress in my normal size?
Not without checking the designer’s size chart. Wedding dresses are ordered according to your measurements, and your bridal size may be different from the size you normally wear.
Is it normal to be between two bridal sizes?
Absolutely! Many brides measure into different sizes through their bust, waist and hips. Your stylist will recommend a size based on your measurements and the construction of your gown.
Can a wedding dress be taken in two sizes?
Many gowns can be taken in approximately one or two sizes, but it depends on the dress. Detailed lace, beading, boning and other construction elements can affect how much a gown can be altered. Always consult an experienced bridal seamstress before planning major alterations.
What if my wedding dress is too big when it arrives?
Your seamstress can evaluate the fit and determine which alterations are needed. Taking in the bust, waist or hips is common, but the options depend on the gown’s construction and how much adjustment is required.
Your Wedding Dress Size Is Just a Number, Girl!
Here’s what we want every Rouge bride to remember.
Your wedding dress size does not define your beauty, your confidence or how amazing you’re going to look walking down the aisle.
Whether your gown is a size 4, 14 or 24, what matters is how you FEEL when you put it on.
Do you love the way you look? Do you feel comfortable? Can you picture yourself marrying your favorite person in that dress?
THAT is what matters.
Let your Rouge Bridal stylist worry about the measurements, size charts and ordering process.
You just worry about finding a dress you absolutely LOVE.
And remember…
Nobody sees the size tag. They see the BRIDE!
Ready to find your wedding dress? Reserve your stylist and dressing room at www.rougebridal.com/appointments.