Let’s be real—bridal sizing is the worst.
If you’ve ever tried on jeans in three different brands and gotten three different sizes, you’ve already had a taste of the chaos that is wedding dress sizing. Except in bridal, the number on the tag can be two or even three sizes larger than what you wear in regular clothes. We know—that’s not exactly the confidence boost you were hoping for. But before you panic, let’s break down why this happens and, more importantly, how to shop without letting a number define your experience.
Why is Bridal Sizing So Inconsistent?
Unlike your go-to brands at the mall, bridal designers each have their own unique size charts, and those charts are based on dress patterns rather than standard U.S. sizing. To make things even trickier, many bridal brands still follow old-school European sizing, which runs smaller than today’s streetwear. So, if you’re normally a size 8 in jeans, you might be a 10, 12, or even 14 in a wedding gown.
We promise—it’s not you. It’s the system.
It’s Not About the Size—It’s About the Fit
We totally get it—seeing a bigger number on the tag can be frustrating. But here’s the truth: your bridal size doesn’t define you. It’s just a number, and what actually matters is how the dress fits your body.
Bridal gowns are sized based on three key measurements:
✅ Bust – The fullest part of your chest
✅ Waist – The smallest part of your midsection
✅ Hips – The widest part of your lower body
And here’s the kicker—most brides don’t align perfectly with one size across all three. That’s completely normal! Our expert stylists will guide you in choosing the size that fits your largest measurement, and then alterations will work their magic to ensure the perfect fit.
How to Shift Your Mindset While Shopping
Instead of worrying about what size the dress is, focus on how it makes you feel. Ask yourself:
✨ What silhouettes make me feel the most confident?
✨ Do I love the fabric, the movement, the details?
✨ Is this gown capturing my personality and bridal vibe?
✨ Can I picture myself walking down the aisle in this?
At the end of the day, no one at your wedding will be asking what size is on the tag. They’ll just be in awe of how stunning you look.
Final Thoughts
Bridal sizing might be outdated, but your confidence doesn’t have to be. When you find the dress—the one that makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself—the number on the tag won’t even matter.
And when you’re ready to start the search, we’re here to help! Book your appointment at Ivory Rose Bridal Boutique, and let’s find the dress that’s made for you.
Ivory Rose Bridal Boutique is Appleton, Wisconsin’s bridal shop that takes celebrating seriously. We have made it our mission to bring our brides the best & latest wedding dresses, veils and other accessories from our favorite bridal designers. Every bit of what you experience with Ivory Rose has been intentionally curated to make you feel empowered & comfortable while saying Heck Yes! to your dream dress. Our passionate stylists support and uplift and are dedicated to creating your beautiful bridal experience.
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