Is there a rule of thumb about how much?

theexactlee

Is there a rule of thumb about how much a dress can be taken in? I mentioned I'm going to look at a dress on Craigslist this weekend and it is a size 18 Maggie Sottero. It has an inner corset outside zipper. 18 is my street size so maybe it'll be too small for all I know. However the woman who is selling it sent me a picture and she is way larger than me and the dress looked a bit big on her even. So I was just inquiring if there is a rule that say "2 sizes is as much as you typically would want to bring in a gown" or something like that? If it matters it is a satin gown with ruching and buttons covering the zipper all the way down the back of the dress dress.

Dignity100

Every designer's sizing is different.  You can get your measurements and google the size charts for each designer - however there are things you need to take into consideration (such as if it's a fitted dress, your hips will be more of a factor than a ballgown with a natural waist)

From what I'm seeing a Maggie Sottero 18 is:
Bust: 45
Waist: 37
Hips: 47 1/2

If the dress has been altered, these will not match up.

msuprincess04

Have you tried a similar dress on at the store? That's a good way to get an idea on whether that dress is going to work for you. Then, look at the sizing and match your measurements up with Maggie's.

ElcaB

There aren't any "rules." It varies based on the dress & the seamstress or tailor. 

The seller on CL may have already had it altered to be bigger or smaller than the actual size, or she may have listed the size as a street size. 

jenna8984

I just saw an episode of Say Yes to the Dress where the girl lost a significant amount of weight and they had to take in her gown four whole sizes. It looked very similar to that dress. It was a lot of money and a lot of work by pro's but they did it.

atlastmrsg

Meet the woman selling the dress at a reputable tailor to see it for a few reasons. First of all, Craigslist can be sketch. That way, you're not alone. But the second and main reason...so the tailor can evaluate and tell you what's possible (nearly anything if it's a good tailor) and how much it'll cost. The dress isn't a steal on Craigslist if alterations run you $500/whatever price is too much for your budget. The highest I've ever heard of gown alterations costing is $800. Be aware that alterations aren't cheap.

beachyone15

I've heard that in some cases, if you have to alter a dress more than 2 sizes it could compromise the overall shape. I think that depends on the dress though.

My dress is also a Maggie!

[Deleted User]

I think the amount of detail on it can affect it. Like the amount of bead work or pleats. I think the simpler the dress, the easier it is for them to do the alterations.

theexactlee

Luckily there is almost no adornment on the gown other than that ruching and buttons.

theexactlee

So I tried this dress on today and it wouldn't zip up the upmost part of my back. LOL. My girlfriend and my mom both agreed that if they knew more about corsets they probably could have done it up tighter and then zipped it up all the way. But since it wasn't a store sample, it was someones actual wedding gown, they didn't want to force it. 

I loved it, it looked so great. I told her give me a few weeks to think on it. I I decide to give it a try we can meet at my seamstress and talk to her about options. 

It's seriously just SO inexpensive so if alterations were inexpensive as well it would be a good buy.