Sizing help (Not sure where else to post this)

mklam

Hello Everyone,

I am a semi-new member of the knot. I'm engaged to my amazing man, and the wedding is a distance away, like two years. Why I'm here is because I have hyperthyroidism, so my weight is unreliable. I am 5'8" and 117 pounds right now (a size 2 for most places). Seriously underweight. This time last year, I was 140 pounds (size 8). My dr's are monitoring my health monthly, so I am still getting enough nutrients and all. And I'm in shape I guess. My fiance is a marine so he 'drags' me to the gym and on hikes which I really enjoy. 

I'm just wondering how I should manage shopping for a dress. I'm just getting ideas now (fiance mentioned he loved lace and something that showed off my back, so maybe a keyhole or something) but when it comes time to shop, I'm not sure what to do. I'm trying to get to a stable, healthy weight, but I'm not sure how wedding planning stress, plus my job, and going back to school to get a degree equivalent to a Masters is going to work with that.

Any help would be appreciated

Maggie0829

This may be a case where you may have to order a size or two larger just in case and then alter as appropriate.

Or you may have to concede to buying a sample off the rack when you get closer to your wedding date.  Samples are usually between sizes 6 or 8 and buying a sample would be less expensive where as ordering larger and then altering it down could run you into a lot of money.

But whatever you decide you should talk to your bridal salon about this and they may be able to suggest some ideas.

MamaAlly89

I agree with the PP on this one. Also, a dress with a corset back could give you a little flexibility as far as gaining and losing weight.

southernbelle0915

If you're two years out from your wedding and your weight is unreliable, I would wait over a year until you even start trying dresses on. For now, spend your time looking at styles so you have a better idea when you actually go to the shop. 

Depending on how your condition is at that time, you can reassess whether it makes sense to buy something off the rack close to your wedding or to buy in advance. Who knows? In 14 months, you and your doctors may have everything very well control so that you can better predict.

traditionallyuntraditional

I have celiac disease and became underweight I should be gaining prior to the wedding so I waited to buy until I had to buy to make sure I got the dress in time. I monitored my weight and watched how much I gained each month and averaged it out. I spoke with the manager, sales lady, and my grandmother and aunt who are both seamstresses and were there with me and we based the size on my projected weight gain based on the 6 months prior that I had monitored. For me I'm still not gaining weight very much and my projected weight gain based on the previous 6 months was 6 lbs by the wedding day. I actually measured in between two sizes at my largest measurement so we went up to the size above my measurement. The bust will be 3 inches too large and the hips will be 2.5 inches too large and the waist .5 inches too large (if I put it on today) which I was told is all manageable to take in. It's easier to take in a dress than let it out because letting it out could leave the garment with scars from previous stiches so if you end up gaining less than you think it's ok but if you underestimate your weight gain you could be in a pickle so wait until you HAVE to buy the dress like 9-8 months before if you will be buying a designer gown.

mklam

Thanks everyone, you all have been super helpful. I just needed to ease my mind

claraj123

I agree with the others - wait till a little closer to the wedding. Order a size or two up and if possible, get a dress with a corset. (Or have it added in alterations.) A corset could be a lifesaver in your situation!