Wedding Dress Sizes and Measurements
How bridal sizing works, and how we get your dress to fit.
Bridal sizes don't match the high street, and that catches a lot of brides out. Don't worry about the number. We measure you at your appointment, order the closest size and alter it here in the boutique.
Why bridal sizes run smaller than the high street
Bridal sizing follows older European measurements. It runs roughly one to two sizes smaller than the UK high street, and that's standard across the industry.
Don't worry, we stock many sizes. Bridal sizes run differently to the high street, and sizes differ between designers, so two dresses in the same size may not fit the same. Most brides need alterations, so it's normal for a dress not to fit perfectly straight away.AnnabelSenior Bridal Stylist
So we don't go by your usual size. We measure you properly and work from your measurements.
The sizes we have
Gowns can be ordered in UK sizes 4 to 32. Our sample dresses to try on in store currently range from UK 4 to 28, with plus size samples from UK 18 to 28. Sale and Off the Peg dresses range from UK 6 to 30, and each dress is only available in the size shown. We don't have every dress in every size, so please call us on 020 7703 6796 before you visit and we'll check we have a sample in your size.
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UK and US sizes
Some designers label their dresses in US sizes and some in UK sizes. Justin Alexander, Lillian West, Adore and Sincerity use US sizes. Mori Lee, Maggie Sottero and Rebecca Ingram use UK sizes.
For the US-sized designers, a US 10 is a UK 12, a US 12 is a UK 14, and so on.
Sizes also vary between designers, so we'll always help you find the right size.
Whichever way the label reads, we go by your measurements.
How we measure you
At your appointment your stylist will measure your bust, waist and hips to help find the right size for you. We then order your gown from the designer in the size closest to your measurements.
If you're between sizes, we order the larger one and take it in. Letting a dress out is often impossible, so sizing up is the safer choice.
Our own seamstresses then alter your dress here in the boutique to fit you. See how our in-house alterations work.
Measuring yourself at home
You don't need to. We measure everyone at the appointment. If you'd like a rough idea first, ask someone to help and keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Bust: around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest part.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips, with your feet together.
Bring your numbers along if you like, and we'll check them at your appointment.
If your size changes before the wedding
Small changes in either direction are normal, and that's what fittings are for. Your first fitting is 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding. The last is close to the day, so your dress fits you as you are then.
If you're planning a bigger change, tell us as early as you can, so we can plan your fittings around it.
Questions
Do I need to know my size before I come?
No. We measure you at your appointment and work from your measurements, not your usual size.
Do larger sizes cost more?
Most of our designers don't charge more for larger sizes.
Can I try on plus size dresses?
Yes. We carry plus size samples from UK 18 to 28 to try on in store, and gowns can be ordered in UK 4 to 32. We don't have every dress in every size, so call us on 020 7703 6796 before you visit.
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