Corset dress not fitting... Help!

stephanieann123

I ordered the Ariel 201 dress from Alfred Angelo. I tried on the size 16, and it fit perfectly. The lady who helped me was very knowledgable and after taking my measurements she ordered me a size 16. Well, the dress just came in and it doesn't fit right. It's a corset back, but It has a modesty panel, and the panel is too small when it's laced up to fit. You can see some of my back (about an inch or so on each side of the panel) if it's laced to where it will fit comfortably. I was able to lace it up to where my back wasn't exposed at all, but I felt like I couldn't move and I couldn't sit, and my back looked awful.

I have my alterations appt next week but I was hoping for some insight on what's going to happen. I'm worried they won't be able to do anything with it my wedding is July 4th and since it's mostly my waist/back it doesn't fit I won't be able to lose that many inches by then. Plus I don't really want to depend on having to lose a certain amount of pounds, I want the dress to fit me as I am now.

Help!!
Sincerely,
A worried bride

QueerFemme

stephanieann123 said:

I ordered the Ariel 201 dress from Alfred Angelo. I tried on the size 16, and it fit perfectly. The lady who helped me was very knowledgable and after taking my measurements she ordered me a size 16. Well, the dress just came in and it doesn't fit right. It's a corset back, but It has a modesty panel, and the panel is too small when it's laced up to fit. You can see some of my back (about an inch or so on each side of the panel) if it's laced to where it will fit comfortably. I was able to lace it up to where my back wasn't exposed at all, but I felt like I couldn't move and I couldn't sit, and my back looked awful.

I have my alterations appt next week but I was hoping for some insight on what's going to happen. I'm worried they won't be able to do anything with it my wedding is July 4th and since it's mostly my waist/back it doesn't fit I won't be able to lose that many inches by then. Plus I don't really want to depend on having to lose a certain amount of pounds, I want the dress to fit me as I am now.

Help!!
Sincerely,
A worried bride

Unfortunately, the dresses in the salons are usually pretty stretched out from being tried on over and over and over again.  you should have some alterations options though.

Most dresses can be let out about one size (depending on the dress/designer).   So, they can take the seams out on the sides of the dress, and give you some extra space there.  They can also give you a wider modesty panel.  That is not ideal, and can change the look of the dress a little bit, because the corset strings will be pretty wide, but at least the dress will fit.  

Your best bet is to just wait to talk to the seamstress and see how much space you need and if they can make it work.  But, it's very possible.   Also, if it doesn't work, talk to Alfred Angelo (especially if she measured you and made the decision on what size to order).  They may be able to send it back for an 18.  Everyone I knew that got an AA dress got them pretty quickly, so they may be able to get a size up in time.  

QueerFemme

PS - I just looked that dress up, and it is on their website as being available for rush delivery, which is 10 weeks, but probably faster. Even at 10 weeks, you are looking at late May, which would still give you time for alterations.  Talk to the salon, and see if they can send your dress back for an 18.  Especially with how fitted that is through the waist, hips and butt, you may be better off with the larger size.  

stephanieann123

I really hope I can return it for a bigger size. Its weird because it fits in the hips, but not in the bust or waist when tied up. I thought corsets were supposed to give one size up or down, so I'm confused why it's not working

QueerFemme

stephanieann123 said:

I really hope I can return it for a bigger size. Its weird because it fits in the hips, but not in the bust or waist when tied up. I thought corsets were supposed to give one size up or down, so I'm confused why it's not working

It can, but it really just depends on the shape of the dress. And 16 may not have been your true size.  A 16 in a salon that has been tried on by 200 women may have easily stretched to an 18.  So, she should have just measured you wrong.  

blabla89

Most dresses have enough seam allowance to be let out several inches, and it shouldn't be hard to put in a larger modesty panel so that you can lace the corset comfortably. I think you shouldn't stress about it too much. Could you go ahead and take your dress to a seamstress? You don't need to start alterations yet, but she could put your mind at ease.

stephanieann123

Thanks for the advice! Update: I went for my fitting yesterday, and I feel sooooo much better. They said the dress comes with three inches to be let out, and all they have to do is let it out 2-2.5 inches and I'm good to go. The panel will be fine and everything. So much less stressed now!

QueerFemme

stephanieann123 said:

Thanks for the advice! Update: I went for my fitting yesterday, and I feel sooooo much better. They said the dress comes with three inches to be let out, and all they have to do is let it out 2-2.5 inches and I'm good to go. The panel will be fine and everything. So much less stressed now!

Good !!