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Let’s Talk Bridal Sizing: Why Your Wedding Dress Tag Won’t Match Your Jeans

  • Writer: luxeandlacelockhav
    luxeandlacelockhav
  • Aug 24, 2025
  • 2 min read

One of the biggest surprises brides run into while dress shopping? The number on the tag. You slip into a gown, fall in love with it, and then peek inside only to think… “Wait. There’s no way that’s my size.”


Here’s the thing: bridal sizing is its own little world - and it doesn’t play by the same rules as your everyday clothes. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal, and we’re here to spill the tea. ☕✨


Don't let the number on the tag dictate how you feel about yourself or your gown!
Don't let the number on the tag dictate how you feel about yourself or your gown!

Why Bridal Sizes Feel “Off”

Decades ago (we’re talking vintage fashion era), designers created a sizing scale based on actual body measurements. Fast forward to today, most streetwear brands use something called vanity sizing—aka making the number on the tag smaller so you feel good grabbing that “size 6” pair of jeans.

Bridal designers? They never hopped on that train. So if you’re usually a street size 8, you might find yourself in a bridal size 12—or even 14. It doesn’t mean a thing about your body—it’s literally just numbers on a chart.


Different Designers, Different Fits

Just like how jeans fit totally differently from brand to brand, bridal designers all have their own quirks. A size 10 in one collection could feel like a size 12 in another. We even have one designer that plays by the "vanity sizing" rules and follows street sizes! That’s why trying things on is so important (and why we’ll never let you stress about the tag).


What Really Matters: Measurements

Bridal sizing is all about three spots:💖 Bust💖 Waist💖 Hips

When you say “yes” to your dress, we’ll take your measurements and compare them to the designer’s size chart. Most brides don’t fall into one perfect size for everything (for example, size 8 waist, size 10 bust, size 12 hips). Totally normal! In those cases, we order the gown to fit the largest measurement, and then alterations work their magic so it fits you perfectly.


Size ≠ Beauty

Here’s your reminder: nobody at your wedding will ever see the number inside your gown. What they will see is you glowing with confidence, walking down the aisle in a dress that feels made for you. ✨


Luxe & Lace Tips for Stress-Free Sizing

✔️ Trust your consultant (we’ve done this a few times 😉).✔️ Try on multiple sizes—it’s about fit, not the number.✔️ Plan on alterations; it’s part of the process.✔️ Focus on how you feel, not the size chart.


This bride was in a sample gown that was not her size but we used some clamps to show her what it would look like in her size. We can do the same thing when a sample is too small. Don't focus on the number!
This bride was in a sample gown that was not her size but we used some clamps to show her what it would look like in her size. We can do the same thing when a sample is too small. Don't focus on the number!

At Luxe & Lace, we’ll handle the sizing stress so you can focus on the fun part: finding a gown you’re head-over-heels for.


💍 Ready to start the search?

Book your bridal appointment today!

📍 123 Bellefonte Ave, Lock Haven, PA

 
 
 

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