If you wear control shapewear, does your wedding gown size go down?

Question

Here's the problem. I want gown shopping today and size 10s wouldn't fit me.

The hips and waist were fine and went up without any issues, but the dresses just wouldn't zip up! With my bra (a bit padded) I'm a 36c or 34b (depending on the bra). Under my chest is 30.

I kept thinking I should get control shapewear but that's for the hips and waist and if size 10 wouldn't zip up, what's the point of going two inches smaller in the hips when size 8 won't fit either? I felt so fat! :(

Measurements:

36, 29, 38

Any advice?

Answer 1

Don't depend on shapewear, but do take what you will wear under your gown when you try it on. Wedding gowns run smaller, so don't worry about the number. The reason that there are several fittings is to alter the dress so that it fits you. Go up a size and the seamstress will adjust it. You should also consider that the you may not be choosing the best gown for your body type. Also, after you've chosen and paid for your gown, don't lose a bunch of weight or your dress still will not fit. I'm surprised the consultant at the bridal salon didn't tell you this; they are supposed to be the experts.

Answer 2

Don't feel bad, dress sizes are so weird.  It depends on the style of the dress and the dressmaker as to what size you will need.   I would wear the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day when you try on dresses and especially when you find the dress and they start pinning for alterations.  My friend had two different long line slimming bras and the dress fit completely different with each.

Answer 3

Not really.  Your not fat!!  It's just how the wedding dresses are made.  I just tried on gowns yesterday and my hips got stuck (laughs) and that was a size 8.  Size 12 was just alittle too big.  So I ordered a size 10!  You have my measurements as well.

As for advice, what I'm going to do is try to knock off two inches from my hips and waist.  That will be very easy to do!  Just eat healthy and you will be just fiine :)

Answer 4

Don't pressure yourself into buying the smaller size. Just buy the larger and have it taken in to your measurements. Noone looking at you is going to know whether your dress is a 10 or a 12.

Your measurements sound about the same as mine, except my hips are a but smaller and I am a little larger on top.

Answer 5

First, you aren't fat. Those gown sizes are totally different from normal clothing sizes - don't judge by the size but by how it looks on you.

Second, no - shapewear will not bring you down a size. It's purpose is really to smooth away bulges and bumps. It won't make your hips any smaller.

Stop thinking about the size in terms of the number - get a dress that fits, no matter what the number is. If it bothers you later, cut out the tag and STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. If your dress is too small, you will look bigger, because you'll be squished into it. Fit the dress to the largest part of your body, no matter what the number, and have a seamstress alter the rest to fit you perfectly.

Answer 6

In my experiences, those shape wear undergarments do more smoothing out than taking you down a size.  I usually wear them under dresses when I attend weddings as a guest.  I usually will buy a dress that a bit snug, but is the correct size for me, zips up well and falls on my body correctly.   When I put on the shape wear, it will suck me in a bit.  I'm not a different size, but the dress might glide more comfortable over my body as opposed to highlighting the chub I have in my middle area.  Stuff like that.

I also am a 36C and a shape wear isn't going to make you fit the dress.   If you're like me, which I think you might be, you have a wider back.  I also have a difficult time getting things to zip well.   It's because of my back.  

IMO, you need to talk to a seamstress.  You can either have the dress taken out (also maybe they can add a panel of fabric to the back to make it fit) or you need to buy the next size up and have it taken in.

But, shape wear isn't going to change your bone structure or the size of the ribcage.