Convert a lace up corset back to a zip up back???

angandtimwein

I really want a zip up back wedding dress with the satin buttons for look. All the places I've looked at so far have 75-80% of their dresses in a lace up or corset back. I'm not concerned about a zip fitting me and I really do NOT want a lace up back. IF I find a dress I really like but it has a corset back would it be possible to have it altered to a zip back? I've already checked and the desinger will not just let me order it in a zip - corset only. So, I figure if I get it a size or two bigger so the back meets a seamstress should be able to change it, right? I've read a lot on how it is totally possible to go from a zip to a corset but haven't seen anything about the other way around. Anyone know anything about this? Any feedback or advice would be helpful! PS - I have already tried just getting over the corset back thing and I cannot - I really want a zip back dress. Thanks!

goldgold

I've seen a lot of dresses that can be ordered in either a corset or zip. Have you asked about any of the dresses you're interested in?

angandtimwein

Yes, the few that are in question I have asked and the designer does not make them in a zip - corset only.

Lovie 129

Going from a lace up to a zip back on a corset will mess with the boning of the corset, especially if the dress was hand sewn and not mass produced on heavy machines.  Priscilla of Boston has a gown that has a corset top with buttons covering the zipper, #3013. It's a very pretty gown, I tried it on. It looks better on than in the picture on their website. The dress retails for around $3500. Remember, with every dress you are paying for the quality, fabric, detail, and how many hands touched it.Good luck.

K Byte

I had the same problem, I DID NOT want a corset/lace-up back, at all. I tried on one with the lace-up back (it's a pretty gown but not really my style, it does photograph much better than it looks in person in my opinion, I think it was a Private Label by G gown, but I'm not sure ... PIB of it) and the saleslady said they could make it into a zip-up back with buttons to cover. Good luck in finding the right dress, I totally feel your pain on this issue!

schuttlbug

If the dress is at a salon that has a seamstress on site you should try to go in and try the dress on when she is there.  Have her take a look at the dress on you and the detail that is on the dress and see what she says.  It may be possible to order  a corset back a couple of sizez up so that it would be possible the install a zipper.  Just make sure you wre working with a very experienced seamstress.  You might also look at dresses from Essense of Australia or Martina Liana....almost all of their dresses are available in corset or zip back. 

LindsayHallerToBe

You can convert a corset to a zip but you may lose some detail and it can be extremely tricky if it has a beaded bodice. You will definitely need to order it at least a size or two bigger, and your bridal consultant should be able to help. I know you don't want to hear this, but if all else fails, you can get an absolutely dynamite custom fit with a corset back. Good luck!!

paigef11

I was in the same boat - I get all the reasons why some brides love the corsets, but it's just not for me. Practically every store I went into (about 10 of them total) said almost any corset back can be altered to be a zipper/buttons as long as you order a couple sizes larger. The places I dealt with said if I decided to go that route, they would consult with a seamstress so they could look at the exact dress and make sure the correct size was ordered to allot enough fabric for the zipper. A good seamstress will be able to adjust the dress so it fits properly despite the larger size. GL!

birtm

I actually wanted the same thing done to my dream dress that I found! My seamstress is installing a zipper and buttons to achieve the look I was going for. I wear a size 8 in my dress, but had to order a size 14 (ah!) to make the back meet and overlap some so she could install the zipper. In two weeks I will have the dress back and she will then begin taking in on the sides. I'm so nervous!! 

Blergbot

Wow. 2009. This is one of the zombiest zombie threads I've seen!