Size Charts! Why is my bridal size different than my normal size?

When it comes to bridal fashion, one of the most confusing aspects for brides-to-be is understanding bridal sizing. It can be tricky — more often than not, brides should expect their bridal size to be one or two sizes up from what they are buying when they shop for their everyday clothes. Many brides feel worried if they find themselves needing a larger size than usual, but this is entirely normal, and it is nothing to be concerned about.

Let’s delve into why bridal sizing differs, and why tailoring is your best friend in achieving the perfect fit for your wedding day.

Understanding Bridal Sizing

Bridal sizing almost always runs small. A bride who normally wears a size 6 in everyday clothing may find herself fitting into a size 8 or 10 in bridal wear. Why? This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including the structure of bridal garments, as well as the fact that bridal designers do not have one universal sizing chart. In fact, almost every designer’s sizing chart is slightly different from the next. To make it even more confusing, we have lots of gowns by European and Australian bridal designers here in the States, and both European and Australian sizing differs exponentially from American sizing. In these designers, a bride will be ordering a size two to three sizes up from what they are used to. But the size is just a number! It is essential to focus on how the dress fits and feels rather than getting hung up on the number on the tag, which will not represent your shape.

The Importance of Tailoring

Tailoring is a crucial step in the process. Regardless of whether you buy a dress off the rack or opt for a custom-made gown, alterations are always necessary to achieve the perfect fit. A skilled tailor can make adjustments to the dress, ensuring that it flatters your body shape and allows for ease of movement.

Tailoring is especially important because bridal stylists will likely be ordering their bride a gown size based on the bride’s curviest measurement. To further clarify this, here is an example:

Our bride Alice, who typically orders a size 6 or 8 in normal clothing, has a larger cup size: 34F. Her measurements matched the following sizes in her chosen gown’s size chart: 12 for bust, between 6 and 8 for waist, and 8 for hips. We ordered her a size 12 for the bust measurement to fit correctly. Then, her tailor took in the waist area about 2 inches to fit her waist size perfectly. Her dress was a Ballgown style, so tailoring in the hips was not needed. Had Alice’s gown been a mermaid or fit-and-flare silhouette, then her tailor would also have taken in the gown in the hip area. 

Photo by Hope Helmuth Photography.

It's important for brides to remember that bridal sizing is not standardized and does not define your worth or beauty. Understanding this will alleviate a good deal of the stress associated with finding the perfect dress. Every body is unique, so embrace your unique measurements, and trust that your tailor will work their magic to ensure that your gown fits flawlessly. Remember, the most important thing is how you feel in your dress on your wedding day, not a tiny number on a hidden tag. So choose a gown that makes you feel like the beautiful bride you are, and your bridal stylist and tailor will help you achieve perfection with your choice.