Master bridal sizing, tips and advice for your perfect fit
If you’ve ever stepped into a bridal boutique and felt confused by the sizing, you’re not alone. Bridal sizing runs small, so it’s completely normal to go up two or even three sizes from your usual clothing size. Sizing can also vary by designer, which is why the number on the tag may look different from what you’re used to.
When you’re shopping at Ohio Bridal Outlet, our associates are here to help you navigate sizing and steer you in the right direction based on how each gown fits. Keep in mind that every wedding dress will require some level of alterations, so finding a gown that fits perfectly off-the-rack isn’t necessarily the goal. What matters is finding a wedding dress that you feel beautiful + bridal in, that fits well enough to be tailored to your exact measurements without damaging the integrity of the gown!
Most importantly, don’t let the number on the tag take away from the experience. Your bridal size is just a number, and the right gown is the one that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and like a bride.
Photography: Goose and Rose Imagery
At the Ohio Bridal Outlet, we believe in empowering every bride with the information they need to feel confident while shopping for their wedding dress. Bridal sizing can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone! Our knowledgeable associates are here to lend a helping hand, using their experience with different designers and gown fits to help steer you toward the size that will work best for you.
We prioritize inclusivity and celebrate every bride’s individuality. That’s why we offer a wide range of bridal sizes from 0–28. Our goal is to make every bride who walks through our doors feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated, no matter what size they wear.
Once you’re guided through the bridal sizing process, try not to get caught up in the number on the tag. Your wedding dress size will likely be different from the size you typically wear, and that’s completely normal. At the end of the day, a number is just a number. You and your gown aren’t defined by a label.
As a general rule of thumb, most brides tend to size up 2–3 dress sizes in bridal. For example, if you typically wear a size 8, you may find yourself in a bridal size 10 or 12. However, bridal sizing can vary significantly from designer to designer, so your everyday clothing size is simply a starting point.
Bridal Sizing Can Vary by Designer
Different designers use different size charts and fit models, which means the same size can fit differently depending on the gown. For example:
-
- Watters lines, including Watters, WTOO, and Willowby, tend to run fairly true to size. If you typically wear a size 12, a bridal size 12 may be a good place to start.
-
- JLM designers, including Hayley Paige, Lazaro, and Tara Keely, tend to run smaller, so you may need to go up 2–3 sizes.
Your OBO associate can help you navigate these differences and determine which size makes the most sense based on the gown you’re trying on!
Remember: Alterations Are Part of the Process
Finding a wedding dress that fits perfectly straight off-the-rack isn’t going to be the case for most brides. Almost every wedding dress will need some level of alterations, so don’t worry if your gown isn’t an exact fit when you find it. As a general rule, a gown can often be altered down about two sizes without damaging the integrity of the gown, although this depends on the individual dress and its construction. Many gowns also have seam allowance that allows a seamstress to let the dress out slightly if it feels a little snug. Your seamstress will be able to determine what adjustments are possible for your specific gown when you go in for your fitting.
What About Bust Sizing?
Bust proportions can vary between bridal gowns, too. Many standard-size bridal samples are based around a B cup, while plus-size samples may feature a C or D cup. If your bust measurements don’t align perfectly with the gown, there’s no need to worry. Alterations will help customize the fit to your unique proportions!
The important thing to remember is that your gown does not have to fit perfectly off-the-rack. Alterations are what help take a gown from a great fit to a fit that feels tailored specifically to you.
Ultimately, finding your wedding dress is about how it makes you feel, not the number on the tag. Trust the process, lean on your OBO associates for guidance, and most importantly, trust yourself. Your bridal size doesn’t define you, your beauty, or how incredible you’ll look and feel when you walk down the aisle towards the love of your life!