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Kate
Beginner October 2023

What Size Am I?

Kate, on January 5, 2023 at 11:26 PM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 28
I’m terrified to go dress shopping as I have no idea what size I am normally. Basically, I’m 5ft 1/2 and 241lbs. I’ve always had trouble finding clothes, so I gave up on numbered sizes a long time ago. All of the bridal shops I’ve looked into only go up to 24 or 26. I normally wear a 3x so I don’t know if that will fit me.

28 Comments

Latest activity by Kate, on February 17, 2023 at 9:56 PM
  • Michael
    Rockstar October 2023
    Michael ·
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    Sure. Try those sizes and maybe find someone who can help with any alterations. A laced-up dress may also work.

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  • Alyssa
    Super October 2023
    Alyssa ·
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    So a 3x according to Google is a size 22/24. Bridal sizes tend to run about 2 sizes small (of course 🙄) so the dresses may not be able to close fully but you should still be able to get them on.

    What style are you thinking of? Sparkle? No sparkle? Floral? Lace? I love wedding dresses 😂

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  • B
    VIP July 2017
    Becky ·
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    The dresses they have in stock may not fit "properly" (they may not be able to fasten them) BUT you should be able to get them on to get an idea of what you like (and choose your dress) at the larger sizes and then they'll measure you and custom order your size. Try not to be too nervous about your appointment. Dress consultants see ladies of all sizes and shapes and will help you find a dress that makes you feel wonderful.

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  • Caryn
    Devoted November 2023
    Caryn ·
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    Depending on where you live, there may be bridal salons that specifically cater to plus size brides. They will typically carry larger samples and designers who go up to larger sizes. I have talked to people who had really good experiences at shops like this.

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  • E
    Devoted February 2023
    Elycia ·
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    At the time I went shopping I was 238lbs and 5'3". They ordered me a 20 and it's much too large in the bust and the hips but fit my waist since im apple shaped. They will take care of what size you need, you dont have to worry about telling them. I tried on dresses to see if I liked the style ranging in sizes from 12-26. The dress I ended up choosing was one I actually tried on in a 26, but they were able to clamp it so that it looked like it was my size. Almost no one gets to try on dresses that fit them directly off the rack.

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  • M
    Expert July 2023
    Michele ·
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    Wonderful response!
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  • M
    Expert July 2023
    Michele ·
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    Kate, I feel your pain. As a plus size, older woman and second time bride, I opted for a lace dress from an online store and not a traditional bridal gown. Torrid and other reputable vendors have gowns in our sizes. You can try them in the comfort of your home and return if necessary. Traditional methods of shopping for gowns may work for some. But one size definitely doesn't fit all. Explore all possibilities and enjoy the journey while doing so.
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  • Kelly
    Super October 2023
    Kelly ·
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    Some stores are really good about carrying "plus size" samples. You can check the website or call ahead to see if they'll have dresses that'll sort of fit. I say sort of because it's really unlikely samples will fit well anyway, they're usually clipped on. If you're in New Jersey or eastern PA I can give some store recommendations. Don't worry about sizes too much. I wear a street size 12/14 and tried on wedding dresses that were sizes 12-24.

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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    I’m in southeastern PA outside of Philly. I just want to be able to get into the dress without ripping it.
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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    I love torrid! I’ll give them a try!
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  • Kelly
    Super October 2023
    Kelly ·
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    Don't worry about ripping it. If it's too small, you'll know before you get there. I liked L&H a lot. https://lhbridal.com/

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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    I love lace and beading, but I’m also looking for a colored dress. My favorite color is purple and I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into the dress with like a belt or something. I look and feel my best in purple. I feel my most confident in purple. My mom suggested I get a completely purple dress, which I’m on board with. But I’ll still be happy with it incorporated in some way.
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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    So I’ll still be able to get a well fitting dress even if they don’t carry my size?
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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    Thanks everyone! I feel so much better already about this! I’m still trying to nail down a venue, so no dress shopping just yet. But I’ll definitely take everything into consideration when I go!
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  • B
    VIP July 2017
    Becky ·
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    You absolutely should be able to get a well-fitting dress Smiley smile Keep an open mind about styles and whatnot - you never know what you'll fall for

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  • Paige
    VIP October 2022
    Paige ·
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    If you want a colored dress, you can check out prom dress shops in addition to bridal shops! Prom dresses will give you way more options for colored dresses, they're the same level of formality, and they usually don't have "wedding tax" so they're a lot more affordable.

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  • M
    Expert July 2023
    Michele ·
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    I really hope you'll find what makes your heart smile.
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  • M
    VIP August 2021
    Michelle ·
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    Brides by Young is in Rochelle Park, NJ.
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  • E
    Devoted February 2023
    Elycia ·
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    As long as the designer makes your size, it doesnt matter what size they put you in to try on. They will order it for you in the correct size. I went to Davids Bridal and they go up to a size 30 in most styles.

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  • Kate
    Beginner October 2023
    Kate ·
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    Thanks for everything guys! I went shopping last night and found the perfect dress! Turns out I’m in between a few sizes. My measurements put me between a 22, 24, and 26. The dress I got is a size 26 corset back ball gown. It’s fits like a glove but it is a little loose around the top. Other than that, it’s perfect! What Size Am I? 1

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