Post # 1
Member
77 posts
Worker bee
Im finally going wedding dress shopping in 2 weeks, at Kleinfeld’s (with Keisha!!!!!). But im confused about sizing.
I know the sample size they carry is 10, and then a select number of plus sizes. Im a little frustrated cause im afraid I will be a plus size, and then won’t have as much as a selection. Since I have a small budget, this could really lead to me not finding the right dress 🙁
Im pear shaped, so Im smaller on the top and bigger on the bottom. In pants I wear a size 12, and in tops Im usually a medium (6?). In dresses it always depends on the cut, but I can wear anything from a 4-8, ive never worn a dress larger than an 8, and thats pretty rare. Usually in a dress im a 6.
So what size wedding dress am I? I know its 2 sizes larger than your street size. But am I going by my dress size? Or my pant size? I want an a-line dress, so nothing that hugs my hips. So, should I go by dress size 6? Which means I might fit into the size 10 samples?
If anyone can help, Id appreciate it !
Post # 3
Member
8941 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
They go by the largest measurement when they order the dress. I’m a size 4 on top and size 6 on the bottom and my dress size was a 10. The store I went to had larger dresses than 10 to try on (I think they have ones to fit street size 10). Even with an A-line, they need to order a larger size to fit your hips, my dress was huge on top.
Post # 4
Member
1640 posts
Bumble bee
They’ll figure out what size you need based on your measurements and the designer’s size chart. There is no need for you to worry about this.
Post # 5
Member
5165 posts
Bee Keeper
i wouldnt worry about this either.. they are paid to figure all that out for you..
Post # 6
Member
979 posts
Busy bee
You can’t tell this way. Every dress is totally different. I tried on some that were 8 and some that were 14 (I’m a street 8). Some of the larger ones were too small and the smaller too big.
As you try things on, they will clip them so you can get a close idea of how they will look. Then they take your measurements and order a sized based on that.
Post # 7
Member
77 posts
Worker bee
okay. thanks guys. i know they will figure out my size for me, i just was wondering for myself so i can prepare perhaps not finding exactly what i want. if i am a plus size, i will have a significantly smaller selection of dresses to choose from, it seems. from what ive seen on kleinfelds website, most of the plus size dresses in my price range are very simple, which is not what im looking for.
i just didnt want to get my hope up, is all.
Post # 8
Member
839 posts
Busy bee
i understand you need to know a certain size in order to try things on – but always remember – sizes are “bunk” and really don’t mean anything and as long as it looks good – it’s GOING to get altered anyways!!!!!
And i’ve seen enough of the show to know that they will always find a dress for you, no matter your size.
I actually have the exact opposite problem…I’m a size 12 on the bottom – but a size 16 on the top – I have very broad shoulders – which sucks…my davids bridal dress had to be a size 16 plus – BUT they took it in a LOT at the waist.
and don’t worry about ordering a plus-size dress. JUST because that’s the title on the wedding gown doesn’t make you “plus size”…
good luck and post pics when you get it!!! 😀
Post # 10
Member
5592 posts
Bee Keeper
For trying on they can probably give you a pretty good idea with a size 10. I typically wear a street size 8 on top, 12 on the bottom, and ended up with a size 14 dress, but tried on one 28!!! that wouldn’t even pull over my hips.
I was able to try on dresses down to about a size 8 and get a decent feel for how it would look. If it was a corset, they’d just tie it really loose, or a regular back, the consultant would just hold it closed.
Often dresses are forgiving in the hips, so a smaller size will work for trying on purposes. I would doubt you’ll be in the plus sizes.
Post # 11
Member
180 posts
Blushing bee
i am a 12 street size and ended up having to order an 18 (!) dress in carolina herrera and jenny packham. i didn’t have a problem trying on dresses though anywhere – even if there is a 6 inch gap, they will clip the dress to your bustier thing so you can definitely see what it would look like. especially since you are only looking at A-lines etc. i imagine it may be more difficult to get into the more fitted dresses. even the designer dresses go up to size 20/22/24 so even if you were pus size(which you aren’t) you can still get nearly any dress you want. just a warning – if you order bigger than a 12, they will try to upcharge you. my place wanted 30% more to order an 18!!! then they saw i was ready to walk out and they’d lose 2 sales, so they called the designers and go to the fee waived. now it would be different if i actually was an 18, but since its only in crazy wedding sizes that i’m that, i said no way.
and whatever size you buy, they will almost always have to take it in – but as they say its much easier to take in then let out, so they’d rather have you go bigger. they ended up clipping my dress in like 3 inches on the bodice!
Post # 12
Member
84 posts
Worker bee
Pear to Pear — you get your hip size and they cut it down from there. It’s not too fun, but that’s how it works.
New Yorker to New Yorker — if you are on a budget, once you have a good idea of what you want, go to RK Bridal (39th and 8th). They have EVERYTHING and for a good price ($200 on up). It’s not the level of service as Kleinfelds or other botiques, but it’s real. I think I tried on 20 dress all under my $1k budget. But you need to know what you are looking for first.
Post # 13
Member
839 posts
Busy bee
@andy113: the upcharging is absolutely REDICULOUS!!! while i’m trying to really get to the point – like i posted – of how “a size is JUST a number and does NOT dictate who you are…” it is still hard to go in and get that bigger number…BUT because that number IS over a 12 – they make you pay more! it’s rediculous!
since my DB dress was technically a size 16 “plus” i had to pay $50 more than the “misses” sizes!
Post # 14
Member
273 posts
Helper bee
It really depends on the cut of the dresses as to what size you’ll need. In some a-lines or ball gowns, your hips won’t matter since the dress is away from your body there. However, as everyone else has said, you’ll be fine. For those samples that don’t fit, they’ll just clip you and hold you in. I think you’ll have your choice of any dress in the place.
On an entirely different note, squeeee! I love Keisha. 🙂
Post # 15
Member
3 posts
Wannabee
I am 8 on top and 10/12 on bottom on bottom but casablanca 1828 dress fits perfectly because it is free in the waist. The A line flair gives a pear shape a more slender look. I am selling it brand new with tags so please feel free to contact me.
Feel Beautiful on your wedding day! I want to give this dress to an awesome bride at a huge discount:)
Brand new, never worn, Casablanca Wedding Gown.Tags attached and original paperwork included. Style # 1828. Strapless, Ivory, size 8. Feel like a princess on your wedding day with intricate beading throughout Bodice and down back of gown. Chapel length train. This dress is a gorgeous must have and will sell quickly. It retails for $740.95. I am not wearing this dress because I decided to go with a different venue. My lost is your absolute gain. There has been no alterations. Feel free to call me at anytime (708)969-8077.
Casablanca website states:
“Classic elegance makes this A line gown truly special! Simple construction combined with elaborate beadwork gives this gown all the beauty it needs. The strapless bodice features a beautiful pattern of ebroidery.While complementary beadwork trails down the entire back of the entire skirt. The look is finished with a chapel length train. Ivory with silver threading and accent beads.”
Post # 16
Member
1378 posts
Bumble bee
I agree with the girls above. Once they work your measurements it will be fine. I am a 10 in the top and a 8 in the bottom. Its a hastle trying to figure out my size too. Post pics of the dresses you try on. You will look beautiful.