Plus Size is What Size? A Curvy Bride’s Guide to Cracking the Code on Bridal Sizing
Okay, ladies, let’s talk wedding dress shopping—a magical, emotional, and sometimes infuriating experience. If you’re a curvy bride gearing up to find the dress, you’ve probably heard whispers of the dreaded bridal sizing drama. Let me save you the confusion: in the bridal world, plus size is technically anything above a size 18. (I know, it’s ridiculous. Stay with me.)
But here’s where it gets wild: no matter what size you are in your day-to-day life, you’re probably going to have to size up in your wedding dress. It’s not you—it’s bridal sizing. Let me explain.
Why the Bridal Industry Runs on Chaos Sizing
Bridal sizing lives in its own twisted reality. It’s not even remotely related to the clothes you wear every day. In fact, most wedding dresses are designed using size charts from the ancient times—back when women wore corsets, didn’t eat bread, and fainted for fun. While the rest of the fashion world has (kind of) evolved, wedding dress designers are holding onto those old-school measurements like their lives depend on it.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re rocking a size 20 in your favorite stretchy jeggings, don’t be shocked if the consultant pulls a size 24 wedding dress for you. This doesn’t mean you’ve gained weight or that wedding dresses are out to get you. It’s just how the system works.
The Truth About Stretch (or Lack Thereof)
Here’s another curveball: wedding dresses have no stretch. Zilch. Nada. Your everyday clothes—leggings, jeans, even that cute sundress—are designed with a little give, so they mold to your body. Wedding dresses? Nope. These bad boys are constructed to be structured and snug. That’s part of their charm! They’re made to enhance your shape, hold everything in place, and make you feel like royalty.
The tradeoff? If you’re used to forgiving fabrics, a wedding dress can feel like a reality check. Because there’s no wiggle room, your dress needs to fit your largest measurement—whether that’s your bust, waist, or hips. That’s why consultants will often size you up. They want to make sure you can actually zip it up, and then alterations can handle the rest.
What Does “Plus Size” Even Mean in Bridal?
In bridal shops, “plus size” generally starts at a size 18. But let’s be real: the term plus size is kind of a misnomer. It doesn’t mean “larger than life.” It just means average women who aren’t sample size models. (Fun fact: the average American woman is between a size 16–18.)
Some bridal shops carry a range of plus-size gowns, while others might only have a few samples in larger sizes. Pro tip: look for boutiques that specialize in plus-size bridal or carry designers known for extended sizing. These shops get it, and they’ll make the process so much easier.
Final Thoughts
Bridal sizing is weird, arbitrary, and kind of annoying. But it doesn’t define you, and it certainly doesn’t dictate how gorgeous you’ll look on your big day. Whether you’re rocking a size 18 or a size 28, the key is finding a dress that makes you feel like the queen you are.
So, when the bridal tag tries to mess with your head, just remember: it’s the dress that needs to fit you, not the other way around. Now go out there and slay, curvy brides. You’ve got this.
Take Your Measurements Like a Pro: How to Compare Yourself to Bridal Size Charts
Brides, before you dive into the wedding dress shopping whirlwind, here’s a pro tip: knowing your measurements is a game changer. Why? Because bridal sizing isn’t based on your regular clothing size (seriously, forget what’s in your closet). Instead, it’s all about your bust, waist, and hip measurements compared to a designer’s size chart.
Hope this helps,
With love
The Bridal Suite,
plus size wedding dress shop with the most elegant plus size wedding dresses!
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