It is a common surprise for brides-to-be: bridal sizing is significantly different from "street sizing" (the clothes you buy at a shopping mall). On average, a bridal gown size is usually two sizes larger than your standard dress size. If you normally wear a size 6, do not be alarmed if the calculator suggests a bridal size 10.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest. This is not your bra size. Ensure the tape is level across your back.
Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button.
Hips: Measure the fullest part of your hips and bottom. This is typically 7-9 inches below your natural waistline.
Bridal Sizing Example Calculation
Suppose your measurements are:
Bust: 36 inches
Waist: 28 inches
Hips: 40 inches
In this scenario, while your waist might fit a size 8, your hips might require a size 10. Rule of thumb: Always order the size that fits your largest measurement. It is much easier for a tailor to take a dress in than it is to let it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am between sizes? Always go with the larger size. Wedding dresses are constructed with complex seams and boning, making them easier to shrink than to expand.
Why are bridal sizes so small? Most bridal designers use European sizing charts or historical sizing patterns that have not changed with "vanity sizing" trends in modern retail.
function updateLabels() {
var unit = document.getElementById('unit').value;
var suffix = unit === 'inches' ? '(in)' : '(cm)';
document.getElementById('bustLabel').innerText = 'Bust Measurement ' + suffix;
document.getElementById('waistLabel').innerText = 'Natural Waist Measurement ' + suffix;
document.getElementById('hipsLabel').innerText = 'Hips Measurement ' + suffix;
}
function calculateBridalSize() {
var bust = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bustInput').value);
var waist = parseFloat(document.getElementById('waistInput').value);
var hips = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hipsInput').value);
var unit = document.getElementById('unit').value;
if (isNaN(bust) || isNaN(waist) || isNaN(hips)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all measurements.");
return;
}
// Convert to inches for logic if input is cm
var b = bust;
var w = waist;
var h = hips;
if (unit === 'cm') {
b = bust / 2.54;
w = waist / 2.54;
h = hips / 2.54;
}
// Sizing Chart Array (Standard Bridal Industry Averages)
var chart = [
{size: "0", bust: 32, waist: 24, hips: 35},
{size: "2", bust: 33, waist: 25, hips: 36},
{size: "4", bust: 34, waist: 26, hips: 37},
{size: "6", bust: 35, waist: 27, hips: 38},
{size: "8", bust: 36, waist: 28, hips: 39},
{size: "10", bust: 37.5, waist: 29.5, hips: 40.5},
{size: "12", bust: 39, waist: 31, hips: 42},
{size: "14", bust: 40.5, waist: 32.5, hips: 43.5},
{size: "16", bust: 42, waist: 34, hips: 45},
{size: "18", bust: 44, waist: 36, hips: 47},
{size: "20", bust: 46, waist: 38, hips: 49},
{size: "22", bust: 48, waist: 40, hips: 51},
{size: "24", bust: 50, waist: 42, hips: 53}
];
var recommendedSize = "";
for (var i = 0; i < chart.length; i++) {
if (b <= chart[i].bust && w <= chart[i].waist && h <= chart[i].hips) {
recommendedSize = chart[i].size;
break;
}
}
if (recommendedSize === "") {
recommendedSize = "Custom/Plus Size";
}
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('resultArea');
var sizeText = document.getElementById('recommendedSize');
var noteText = document.getElementById('sizeNote');
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
sizeText.innerText = "Recommended Bridal Size: " + recommendedSize;
noteText.innerText = "Note: This is an estimate based on industry standards. Designers vary. We recommend selecting a size based on your largest measurement (" + Math.max(b, w, h).toFixed(1) + " proportional inches).";
resultDiv.scrollIntoView({behavior: 'smooth'});
}