Each wedding dress designer has its own unique UK size chart, as the measurements for each size can vary between designers and styles. This can make it difficult to know what size to purchase. with wedding dresses as they also come up smaller than regular clothes. It is important to carefully compare your own measurements to the size chart provided by the designer and to keep in mind that the size is just a number. It is also important to note that even if you have your measurements done and follow the designer's size chart, in the majority of the cases dresses may still require alterations to achieve a perfect fit, so it's always good to have our stylists and seamstresses to help you with that.
THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DRESS SIZE
How does wedding dress sizing work ?
Wedding dress sizes typically correspond to the traditional numeric dress UK sizes (0-28), but can also be found in US or European sizes (e.g. "Spanish size 40"). When purchasing a wedding dress, it is important to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips and compare them to the size chart provided by the designer. It is also important to note that wedding dress sizes may vary between designers and styles, so it is best to make sure that you are looking at the right size chart. Additionally, most wedding dresses can be altered to fit the individual bride's body perfectly by a seamstress.
How much weight do I need to lose to go down one size in a wedding dress ?
Generally speaking you would go down one size if you lose a stone (approximately 6kg) however the amount of weight you need to lose to go down one size in a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors such as your current weight, body composition, and the specific measurements of the dress size you are trying to fit into. Additionally, losing weight in certain areas of your body can make a bigger difference in the fit of your dress than others. It's important to note that weight loss should not be your primary focus when preparing for your wedding. Instead, your focus should be on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. Crash dieting or extreme weight loss methods can be harmful to your health, and may not be sustainable in the long term.
What size wedding dress should I wear ?
The best way to determine your wedding dress size is to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, and compare them to the size chart of the dress. It is recommended to ask a professional dress fitter to have a proper measurement, this will give you a better idea of the size you should wear and also take into account that most wedding dresses can be altered to fit your body perfectly.
Does each wedding dress designer work on different size charts ?
Yes, each wedding dress designer may have their own unique size chart, as the measurements for each size can vary between designers and styles. This can make it difficult to know what size to purchase. It is important to carefully compare your own measurements to the size chart provided. It is also important to note that even if you have your measurements done and follow the designer's size chart, in the majority of the casees dresses still require alterations to achieve a perfect fit, so it's always good to have a tailor or a professional dress fitter to help you with that.
What size shall I choose if I have a small top but a large bottom or viceversa ?
At the end of your bridal appointment, we will take your three body measurements and send them to you via WhatsApp or email. If you decide to purchase a dress, we will work with you to determine the best size to order based on your measurements. While some designers manufacture split size dresses, with different sizes on the top and bottom, the majority do not. One option is to choose a size based on your largest measurement and have the dress altered by a seamstress to fit your smaller areas. Another option is to consider a dress style that accommodates your larger bottom, such as an A-line dress, and have the top altered to fit your smaller measurements. Ultimately, the best course of action is to try on different sizes and styles to see what looks and feels the most comfortable and flattering for your body shape.
Do wedding dresses sizes run small in size ?
Not all wedding dress sizes run small, as sizing can vary greatly depending on the designer or brand. Some designers may cut their dresses true to size, while others may cut them a size bigger or smaller. It's important to keep in mind that wedding dress sizes are not the same as regular clothing sizes, and every designer may have slightly different sizing. That's why we recommend using our wedding dress size calculator, along with accurate body measurements, to help determine the best size to order. If you're unsure about sizing, we're here to help answer any questions and provide guidance based on our experience working with different designers and brands.
Can you size up a wedding dress ?
It is often not possible to size up a wedding dress as not many wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric in the seams, allowing for alterations to increase the size if needed. It is always easier to size down a dress than to size it up. Ultimately the amount that a wedding dress can be sized up will depend on the style of the dress and the amount of extra fabric in the seams.
How to take proper measurements for a wedding dress
Follow the steps below to take proper measurements for a wedding dress:
Wear the right undergarments: Put on the same or similar undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure that your measurements are as accurate as possible.
Stand up straight: Stand with your feet together and your arms relaxed at your sides, maintaining a straight posture.
Use a measuring tape: Make sure to use a soft, flexible measuring tape that can wrap around your body easily.
Take the following measurements:
a. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level and parallel to the floor. Be careful not to pull the tape too tight or too loose.
b. Waist: Find your natural waistline, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, ensuring it remains parallel to the floor.
c. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape level and parallel to the floor. This is usually around 7-9 inches below your natural waist.
d. Hollow to hem: This is the length from the base of your neck (the hollow) to the hem of the dress. Stand up straight and have someone else measure this length from the front, starting at the hollow of your neck and ending at the desired length of your dress (usually the floor, with or without shoes, depending on your preference).
e. Arm length (if needed): Measure from your shoulder to your wrist, with your arm slightly bent.
f. Additional measurements might be required depending on the dress style, such as shoulder to shoulder, around the bicep, or the circumference of the neck.
Record your measurements: Write down each measurement as you go, so you have them ready when you consult with a bridal shop or dressmaker.
Always consult the size charts below as each designer have their own sizing standards. Remember that it's easier to alter a dress to make it smaller rather than larger, so it's better to order a slightly larger size if you're unsure.
Wedding Dress Designers Size Charts
It is common to be confused when it comes to wedding dress size so don’t be worried if your size is different for each designer. To make it easier for you we have put together below the size charts of each wedding dress designer we stock in our boutique.
Adore by Justin Alexander dresses are for the bride after a less-is-more wedding day look take your dress to a different address. All Adore dresses are available in UK size 4 to 22. Larger sizes are available on request
"Old" Adore Size Chart applies to all Styles up to 11224
UK Size
US Size
Bust
Waist
Hips
UK 4
US 2
31
23
35
UK 6
US 4
32
24
36
UK 8
US 6
34
26
38
UK 10
US 8
35
27
39
UK 12
US 10
36
28
40
UK 14
US 12
37.5
29.5
41
UK 16
US 14
39
31
42.5
UK 18
US 16
40.5
32.5
44
UK 20
US 18
42.5
34.5
46
UK 22
US 20
44.5
36.5
48
Please note that all measurements are in inches
"Be You" Adore Size Chart applies to all Styles from 11225 onwards
UK Size
US Size
Bust
Waist
Hips
UK 2
US 0
31
23
34
UK 4
US 2
32.5
24.5
35.5
UK 6
US 4
34
26
37
UK 8
US 6
35
27
38
UK 10
US 8
36
28
39
UK 12
US 10
37
29
40
UK 14
US 12
38.5
30.5
41.5
UK 16
US 14
40
32
43
UK 18
US 16
42
34
45
UK 20
US 18
44
36
47
UK 22
US 20
46
38
49
UK 24
US 22
48
40
51
UK 26
US 24
50
42
53
UK 28
US 26
53.5
46
57
UK 30
US 28
57
50
61
UK 32
US 30
60.5
54
65
Please note that all measurements are in inches
2. Aire Barcelona and Aire Royale UK Size Chart
Aire Barcelona and Aire Royale dresses are meticulously designed by Rosa Clara Group and made with modern fabrics blending freshness and elegance. All Aire Barcelona and Aire Royale dresses are available in Spanish size 34 to 60. Click here to view all the Aire Barcelona dresses we have in stock.
Enzoani Love Collection focus on simple fitted silhouettes featuring crepe and delicate lace details available from size UK 4 to UK 34. Click here to view the Enzoani Love dresses we have in store.
Two size charts have been used for the Lillian West dresses. All styles up 66229 use the old size chart below and all the styles from 66230 onwards use the "Be You" size chart at the bottom.
Two size charts have been used for the Sincerity dresses. All styles up 44320 use the old size chart below and all the styles from 44321 onwards use the "Be You" size chart at the bottom.