Dress shopping after gaining weight

I've heard that shopping for a size that may be too big is far better than too small. A dress can be taken in 2 or 3 sizes, but taking it out several inches doesn't always work. I wouldn't worry too much, but also let the consultant know you're planning to lose a little and see what they suggest.


And kudos for being so body positive! A lot of people are beating themselves up for gaining weight during an unprecedented and extremely stressful few months.

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Not a problem! This site is definitely so great for motivation and making each other feel great.
Oh then that works perfect!! I'm not a fan of them either

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Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

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You're right! Thank you for calling me on that - it's not unfortunate! Thanks fr your input! Not interested in corsets so I think I should be fine

Of course it's okay. When you go shopping, they have you try their sample size which may not be your ideal size. Then when you choose your dress, they measure you and order it in your size. I was told when I ordered mine that alterations start three months before the wedding but that may be different for different shops.
When I went shopping I made sure I was in a good head space, feeling confident about myself, and only brought people that would support me.
My wedding is in June 2021 and I said yes to the dress this July. I was told that 11 months away was 'soon' as is usually takes about 5 months to make the dress. So just keep that timeline in mind.

I purchased a sample sale dress in January. It was at least a full size too big when I bought it, and I have since lost 35 lbs. We just started looking at alterations for the dress, and it seems to be going okay, the seamstress is optimistic. Our Wedding is the beginning of October and I have a first fitting on Wednesday. I would definitely go the right size route and make it smaller, it is much easier! Check out where the seams are, and what sort of give there is in the fabric. I also chose to get a dress with a simple skirt so shortening the length would be easier too!

Hi Alana,
Just like everyone else said, as long as you don’t plan on losing over 50 lbs, you’ll be ok with getting the dress taken in. Once you drop less than 2 sizes, alterations become structural and expensive (but usually doable!). Your best to get out in your current size because it’s much easier to alter a dress down than go up. Good luck!

Totally fine to shop now! Most stores carry samples in only a few sizes anyways so you need a bit of imagination.


If you end up ordering be honest with both yourself and the person ordering about how much weight you plan to lose. While dresses can be let out or in up to 2 sizes, don’t order a dress that is too too big, because at a certain point alterations can switch from aesthetic changes to structural ones, and the more your dress has to change the more it will cost. I had a friend who dropped 80 pounds before her wedding and her alterations ended up costing more than her original dress (which was admittedly in sale but still not cheap!). So if you are planning like 20 lbs, you’ll be fine to order the size you are now.

Hey!

I totally feel you girl and don't say unfortunately .. these are crazy times and it's awesome to hear that you are still comfortable with yourself.

You will definitely be okay shopping now as most wedding dresses can be taken in or out 2 sizes.

Another thing that might be helpful is the type of dress you purchase .. if you're interested in a dress that doesn't have a corset or too much going on, it's sometimes easier for a seamstress to alter the dress. Just a thought.

Have a wonderful time!!!

I agree with Christiana on all counts. Buy something that fits now and then have it taken in nearer to the wedding if necessary! I’m told it’s much easier to take a dress in than it is to take it out.


Have so much fun shopping!!

I think it's totally fine to shop now, especially if you're only a size or two off what's normal for you. Stores only carry samples in certain sizes so it's unlikely they'd have the correct size for you anyway.

The only thing I would be careful about is ordering a dress smaller than the size you are right now. If for whatever reason you don't end up losing the weight, you may end up with a dress that's too small and not all dresses can be made bigger. Much safer option to go with your current size and have it taken in if and when you lose the weight.