Post # 1

Member
344 posts
Helper bee
I’m going to try on dresses next week and I’m worried about not fitting into the dresses..
I’ve been shopping once before and couldn’t zip up the back. ๐ My weight has fluctuated since then, so I’m not sure if I was heavier or the same weight as I am now..
Does anyone know what street size most samples are?? I want to mentally prepare myself for not fitting into them..
Post # 3

Member
2729 posts
Sugar bee
@CaliforniaLove: I haven’t been dress shopping but it’s my understanding that the “regular” sized samples are typically a size 10, so maybe a street size 6 – 10, depending on designer/style. I’m not sure what size the plus sized samples are.
Post # 4

Member
949 posts
Busy bee
Well, I don’t know if this is any help, but when I’ve been shopping, they’ve mostly put me in bridal size 8s and 10s (which seem to be the most common sample sizes), and those have mostly been too big. One 6, and that they had to squeeze me into. I’m not sure of my normal dress size, but the largest pants I have is an 8.
I don’t know specifically what size most sample sizes translate to in street sizing, but I hope that helps? I’ve also heard that a lot of shops seem to keep bridal 10s and 20s for samples, not sure how true that is or isn’t.
Post # 5

Member
2084 posts
Buzzing bee
- Wedding: June 2012 - Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
In designer bridal…
Bridal 10 = Street size 6
Bridal 18 = Street size 14
Bridal 20 = Street size 16
Those are the sample sizes I saw most when I volunteered at a charity shop that sold Kleinfeld’s samples.
Places like David’s Bridal and (I think) Alfred Angelo use street sizing.
Post # 6

Member
455 posts
Helper bee
You’ll be fine. If the sample doesn’t fit, they’ll put a panel in the back to hold you in with clamps so that you can still see what it will look like on you when it is ordered in your size. I am a size 16 and had no problems when I went dress shopping!
Have fun!
Post # 7

Member
927 posts
Busy bee
I didn’t fit into most of the samples, I ordered a size 12 (Paloma Blanca) when I bought my dress. I didn’t think it was too bad when I couldn’t zip them up all the way, the consultants were good at using clips etc.
Post # 8

Member
344 posts
Helper bee
@amw511s:
@QBbride:
The last place I went dress shopping (some place in NJ) they didn’t put a panel. They just used a rubber band thing to keep it from opening up. When turned to look at the back of the dress it just made me kind of sad..
Post # 9

Member
927 posts
Busy bee
@CaliforniaLove: yeah some places used a panel and some didn’t. I def didn’t like it when they didn’t use the panel, but oh well. my SIL was right, they design wedding dresses to make you look and feel amazing. Don’t worry, you’ll look great!
Post # 10

Member
1826 posts
Buzzing bee
most of the dresses i tried on were wedding size 12 or higher. i tried on a few that were 10s. i ended up ordering a 10.
i’m a “street size” 6, so the samples were mostly 10+
Post # 11

Member
344 posts
Helper bee
@QBbride: Thank you for the encouraging words! I’m going to try not to think about it.. and just enjoy the experience with my mom. I just hate when I don’t fit into things.. it messes with my confidence.
@September29: What brands did you try on?? I’m also a street size 6.. so hopefully I’ll fit..
@amw511s: Thank you. ๐
Post # 12

Member
1826 posts
Buzzing bee
@CaliforniaLove: oh my god you’ll be more than fine! seriously there is nothing to worry about. i tried on ~30 dresses and none were even close to being too tight. even if you were to come across a sample that was smaller than you, you can still get an idea of how it looks without zipping all the way!
Post # 13

Member
6391 posts
Bee Keeper
I range between a 14-16 on top, and they just put in the panel and the clips. Are they annoying? Oh yeah. But they’re not embarassing, and it’s still easy to tell what the dresses will look like!
Post # 14

Member
344 posts
Helper bee
@September29: @jo.lee:
Thank you! I hope the place I’m going to has the panels. I just didn’t like my back being exposed.. Meh.
It’s just my mom and I going, so that def. brings the pressure down.
Thanks Bees! ๐
Post # 15

Member
1253 posts
Bumble bee
It kind of depend where you go. Most places stock a size 8 or a 10 but places like David’s Bridal will carry all sizes. However, don’t get discourage because all dresses and all styles cut different. I was a size 2 at david’s Bridal, a size 4 at another salon and I bought a high end designer dress and it fits perfect ata size 6.
Post # 16

Member
1006 posts
Bumble bee
You should be fine! Everything that I tried on with one exception was a bridal size 10. And the street size equivalent really varies by designer.