Bridal Gown Myths - Sizing

Has wedding gown sizing got you running from the whole enterprise of shopping? Never fear, dear brides. Bridal Traditions can help you through the process with some simple things to remember before you come see us. ​

The first thing to know is that bridal gown sizing is not akin to what we refer to as real world sizing. When we shop in a brick and mortar store, we try on garments and are accustomed to seeing sizes that we wear daily. If your range of garment is between sizes4 - 8 depending on the item, or sizes 16 - 20, you sort of know where to begin when trying on apparel. Even with weight fluctuations or different clothiers involved, you sort of know your range already.

​This is not so for wedding gowns.

There has been a trend toward vanity sizing in ready-to-wear lines; this is where designers size garments down numerically to make the consumer feel better and lull them into a purchase. You've always thought you were a size 12, but THIS manufacturer says you're an 8, ... oh boy!! With wedding gowns, this isn't the way, so we encourage brides to come in with a range in mind and prepare to go up at least 2-3 sizes than they are used to. WE KNOW!

​It's weird to say the least. Off the rack, your size in a ready-to-wear dress may be 16. If you're trying on wedding gowns, you'll likely find yourself trying on gowns in sizes 18, 20 or higher.

Ready-to-wear is easy. Shop your size and go!

When we order for our brides at BT, we use these sizes as a reference number. It helps us make sure that your gown will fit after the last alteration is complete. Don't let it get to you! It's not about the number, it's about how the manufacturer will use this guideline to create your gown. Just see it as a reference and move on.

​​For prom-goers, sizing is much more straight forward. At BT, we've reworked our tags for prom dresses. A tag may say "fits like a size 10" for instance, in order to help young ladies cross the bridge from real world to prom world. We've adjusted our tags because we sell these dresses off-the-rack rather than special order them.

So keep in mind: If you're buying a prom dress off the rack from us, our tags are there to assist. If, however, you are a bride-to-be and shopping for your perfect gown, focus on the gown itself - and how it looks on you and makes you feel. This is far more important than a number. It's just a reference. It's not you, beautiful!

Begin Your Bridal Journey at BT