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Attire & Accessories Forum
tcnoble
member
Fittings and weight loss
I have my first fitting in three weeks - January 6th!! I am so excited. I've been dying to try my dress on again since I picked it up in October but have been patiently waiting.
When I tried on my dress my weight was X. We ordered my dress one size up from what I tried on because although the one I tried fit, it was a sample so slightly stretched out, and I could hardly sit. So the next size up (even though I planned on losing weight) is what we went with to be safe.
Since I picked out the dress, I have lost about 5-10lbs. I don't want to lose a LOT more weight before the wedding (March 28th) but wouldn't mind losing another 5-10. My dress is a corset, FWIW.
I know it's a broad generalization, but how does weight loss start effecting things once you start your fittings?? Again, I'm not planning to lose 30lbs after my first fitting, and I might not lose anything more, but just trying to get an idea...
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Re: Fittings and weight loss
It is no problem to alter. True especially of a corset type construction where you don' have to worry about a neckline gaping where there is beading or lace you do no want to touch.
If possible lose no more than7 to 10 pounds after a first fitting. Also keep in mind it is best to finish any dieting except maintenance at least 8 weeks before the wedding . After that normal eating with plenty of toning or exercise.
Having time for your skin to tighten up so you don' t have crepey wrinkles along the edges of your gown where it is snug, and in your neck and shoulder areas , makes a huge difference in your final appearance.
It takes 6 to 8 weeks to get healthy glowing skin and balanced hair oils back after a 20 pound or more loss if you are losing more than 1 1/2 pounds a week.
ETA my dress has a corset back, which I'm hoping will make things easier if I lose any weight
As important as weight for your first fitting is to have the foundations you are going to wear with the gown.
If you are thinking of a long line or push up bra, or a bustier, the gown will fit very differently from a nothing lacy lacy bra and panties.
At the first fitting the seamstress will fit to your key or anchor points. If your own length from bones at neck, front and back, to waist, is longer than the gown was designed for, the gown waist will ride above natural waist, and start spreading for your hips too high up. Hipline will not be flattering, you will seem shorter waisted and hippy.
But if the gown bodice is longer than your body, the skirt will hang up with bunchy wrinkles. The seamstress may need to partly detach the skirt to adjust where the waistline falls.
. She will also check to see that the fullest part of the gown is at your fullest part, so any darts or curved seams can be altered. Same with the angle of shoulder.
If you are unsure of bra type, bring both a longline or push up and your other choice to the fitting. Panty hose vs a lower stocking, and a shoe with the same heel height, need to be worn at the FIRST fitting.
With these key points correctly located, THEN she can mark your hem. Gowns with 1 or 2 underskirts require 2 or 3 separate hems.
These are the most time consuming alterations to do. Any 10 to 15 pound weight loss after this will be easy and quick, a matter of taking 1/4 inch in on either side of 2 seams will make the gown 1 full inch smaller.
Three things to keep in mind :
A gown should not be skin tight. Make sure you can bend from the waist, reach down a few inches below hip and lift skirt a little to sit, go up or down a step and in and out of a car. And dance.
Unless your gown is designed to puddle and drag on the floor, it should be hemmed to 1 1/2 or 2 inches above the floor. THIS is traditional floor length. To anyone sitting or standing, not lying on the floor, looking down the hem will appear to just skim the floor. But you will not trip or end the day with a torn and dirty gown.
Laws of gravity apply. A gown with off the shoulder or strapless design needs to be anchored to something so it does not slide down 2 inches over 4 hours. Ask your seamstress if a snap or Velcro dot to a bra on gown underside is necessary. Some somewhat busty women do well to have a little spaghetti strap, maybe satin made from gown hem, or clear crystals on invisible nylon thread, that can be attached with a hook and eye to the gown after the ceremony and pictures, but before traveling to a reception and spending an evening moving and dancing. Prevents constantly tugging a gown up, or bending forward and having breasts resettle in a bulge above the dress edge.