Ordering The Correct Size

On the surface, this seems like an easy task. You wear a size 8 dress, right? So you just order that size in a gown, right?

Wrong. As we'll explain below, it is trickier than it looks. It is important to follow the steps below to make sure you get the right size. That can mean the difference between a gown that fits close to perfect and one that needs extensive alterations.

Bridal Sizes Don't Correspond To Real World Sizes

For some sadistic reason, the gown designers of Planet Earth have decided to make sure their dress sizes don't correspond to the sizes of the world's other apparel makers. We're not sure if there was some kind of a falling out between these two groups during the War of 1812, but there is one thing you can count on: your size in "street" clothes probably won't be the same as in formal attire.

If you happen to wear a size 8 dress in real world clothes, don't be surprised to look at the sizing charts of your favorite designer and discover you're now a 10. Or a 12. Or, gasp, a 14. Now, for understandable reasons, some brides and bridesmaids can get darn emotional when told their official size is several numbers larger than they otherwise wear. Don't take this as a sign it's time to diet. Just remember it is the designers who are insane, not you.

As you've probably realized by now, each manufacturer has its own sizing chart. If you study the size charts of most manufacturers, you'll realize that the sizing process is quite mystifying. Choose any three designers and the same woman can end up wearing three different sizes. Hello? Earth to the designers! Wouldn't it make more sense to agree on a standard of sizing?

Just to confuse you more, we should note that there are actually two types of formal wear sizing charts: Body Measurements and Garment Measurements. What's the difference? A designer who uses a Body Measurement Sizing Chart makes gowns to correspond to the actual physical measurements of the woman. On the other hand, a Garment Measurement Sizing Chart is just that - a measurement of the outside of the garment. Unfortunately, the majority of gown designers have chosen to use the Garment Sizing Chart.

How does this work in the real world? Well let's assume you have a 36" bust line (as measured with a bra on). If a designer offers a size that has a 36" bust line and uses a Body Measurement Sizing Chart, you can fit into that dress. However, if the designer uses Garment Measurements and the dress itself measures 36" on the outside of the bust line, unless you plan to spray paint the dress on, it'll be too tight and won't fit. In that case, you'd have to order the next largest size.

Crazy, eh?

Pick A Size That Closely Matches Your Largest Measurement

Remember that most gowns can be altered to be smaller; letting a gown out is a more difficult task but still possible if the designer included a generous seam allowance. Make sure the size you pick is clearly marked on the sales receipt.

So What Size Should You Order?

Here is a little test: let's assume you have the following measurements:

Bust: 40"

Waist: 29"

Hips: 38"

Now, take a look at a sample designer's measurement chart:

So what size should you order? Well, your hips will fit into a size 10. But wait! That waist needs a size 14. And the topper (pardon the pun) is the bust line, which requires a size 16. So the answer is you should order a size 16. Yes, that means you'll have to take in the waist an inch and a half, and the hips a whopping 4.5 inches. But remember that if you ordered the smaller sizes, you would have to let out the top, a near impossibility with most gowns.

And remember that picking the right gown size is part art and part science. A body-hugging sheath gown may require a more exact hip measurement match than a loose-fitting gown with an empire waist.

There are three basic measurements every company requires:

Bust: This is NOT your bra size. This is the measurement around your chest at the fullest part of your breasts. While being measured, your arms should be at your side and relaxed.

Waist: Around the narrowest part of your stomach above your hips.

Hips: As it sounds, this is the measurement at the fullest part of your hips. Find your hip bones and measure here.

Helpful Hint

Wearing the proper undergarments (bustier bra, control top panties or hose, or whatever you plan to wear under your gown) will ensure proper measurements.