How different is my regular dress size from my wedding dress size?

Wedding dress  sizing dates back to a standard developed during World War II, when the same sizing standard was used for all clothing. As women’s bodies changed, what was considered an 8 then would be closer to a 0 now, though most wedding dress sizes stayed the same. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if your wedding dress is “off” by as many as three sizes from your usual one.

On top of wedding dress sizes already being different (and “smaller”) than regular ones, each gown manufacturer has its own measurement chart, and this is what the store will use to determine your size. A knowledgeable store will know how a particular designer's gowns are supposed to fit. Ask to see the sizing chart so you can have a better understanding of the way it works. And make sure the correct size gets ordered, using your largest measurement as a guide. Aug 05, 2009