Choosing your wedding dress is an exciting milestone, and ensuring the perfect fit is key to feeling confident and radiant on your special day. It’s crucial to understand that wedding dress sizes often differ significantly from standard clothing sizes. Don’t be surprised if your bridal size is different from what you normally wear. This guide will help you navigate wedding dress sizes and find the right size for you. Always consult with an authorized bridal retailer before ordering your dress to guarantee the best fit.
Understanding Bridal Sizing
Wedding dress sizing can be inconsistent across different designers and even vary based on the dress silhouette. Generally, bridal sizes run smaller than regular clothing sizes. This is why you might find yourself needing a dress that is one or two sizes larger than your usual ready-to-wear size. Designers use different size charts, and these charts are rarely aligned with standard US, UK, or European sizing.
It’s essential to use the specific size chart provided by the designer or bridal salon you are purchasing from. Generic size charts can be a starting point, but designer-specific charts are always more accurate.
Comprehensive Wedding Dress Size Charts
Below are general size charts to give you an idea of measurements. However, always refer to the specific brand’s size chart when making your final decision. These charts are representative of “Bridal A” and “Bridal B” categories as seen in the original data, offering a glimpse into the variations you might encounter.
Bridal Size Chart A (General Reference)
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (inches) | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36.5 | 38 | 39.5 | 41 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 48.5 | 50.5 | 53.5 | 56.5 | 59.5 |
| Waist (inches) | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 28 | 30 | 31.5 | 33 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 43.5 | 46.5 | 49.5 |
| Hips (inches) | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 | 49.5 | 51.5 | 53.5 | 56.5 | 59.5 | 62.5 |
| Arms (inches) | 13 | 13.25 | 13.5 | 13.75 | 14 | 14.5 | 14.75 | 15.25 | 15.75 | 16.5 | 17.3 | 18 | 18.8 | 19.5 | 20.5 | 21.5 |
Bridal Size Chart B (For specific styles – e.g., Allure 9550+)
| Size | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (inches) | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36.5 | 38 | 39.5 | 41 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 48.5 | 50.5 | 53.5 | 56.5 | 59.5 |
| Waist (inches) | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 28 | 30 | 31.5 | 33 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 38.5 | 41 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 53 |
| Hips (inches) | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 | 49.5 | 51.5 | 53.5 | 56.5 | 59.5 | 62.5 |
| Arms (inches) | 13 | 13.3 | 13.5 | 13.8 | 14 | 14.5 | 14.75 | 15.25 | 15.75 | 16.5 | 17.25 | 18 | 18.8 | 19.5 | 20.5 | 21.5 |
It’s important to note the subtle differences even between these two bridal charts, highlighting the need for designer-specific guidance.
How to Measure Yourself for a Wedding Dress
Accurate measurements are crucial for selecting the correct wedding dress size. Here’s how to measure yourself:
-
Bust:
- Lift your arms slightly to the sides.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, across your nipples and shoulder blades.
- Ensure the tape is level around your body and snug but not too tight.
- The point where the tape overlaps is your bust measurement.
-
Hips:
- Stand with your feet together.
- Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. This is usually about 8-9 inches below your natural waistline.
- Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor.
-
Natural Waist:
- Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso. It’s typically located about 2 inches above your belly button.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waist, ensuring it’s comfortably snug.
- Breathe normally and take the measurement.
Tips for Accurate Measuring:
- Use a flexible measuring tape: Cloth measuring tapes are best for body measurements.
- Measure in undergarments: Wear the type of undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, or similar.
- Get help: It’s easier and more accurate if someone else takes your measurements.
- Measure 2-3 times: Take each measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy.
- Round up: If your measurement falls between sizes, it’s generally recommended to round up to the larger size. It is easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
Conclusion: Partner with Professionals
Finding your wedding dress size can seem daunting, but by understanding bridal sizing and taking accurate measurements, you’ll be well-prepared. Always consult the designer’s specific size chart and seek guidance from experienced bridal consultants. They can help you interpret the charts, consider the dress style, and ensure you order the size that will provide the best fit and allow for any necessary alterations. Remember, it’s all about finding the dress that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable as you walk down the aisle!
