Attire & Accessories Forum

Should I buy the sample or order new?

I found my dress and the sample in the store fits me *perfectly* except it's a little tight across the thigh (it's a mermaid style). I was thinking of asking if it's possible to take that part out a bit (I only need 1/2 inch) and then buying the sample...but you really don't save much money doing that at this store.

I just think it's silly to buy a size up because of 1/2 an inch in the thigh. I don't have any weight to lose there so it's not something I can even consider trying (even though I'd never want to count on losing weight to fit into my dress anyway).

Would you buy the size up and have it altered or would you look into having it let out a bit?

Re: Should I buy the sample or order new?

  • Buy the new dress.  Especially if you're not saving much money by buying the sample.

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  • I would say first ask a seamstress if it can even be let out. The marks from the old stitching might show and that would be no good at all.

    But if you aren't going to save any money I would buy new for sure. Have to tried to price haggle at all on the sample? Never hurts to ask =)
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  • i think if you have to buy a size up, the alterations to that dress would cost you more than just taking the dress in 1/2 an inch.  ask around to see what the going rate for that kind of work would be before making a decision.  also, if you can't save money at that store, take your alterations business elsewhere.  
  • I would buy new, and a size up. You have to keep in mind that samples are often stretched out by being tried on so many times, and that you may actually need to let it out by more than 1/2" inch. Letting out dresses is always riskier than having them taken in anyway.
  • edited July 2010
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_should-buy-sample-order-new?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:51511730-3702-42ba-b55c-5f9a8d28fa97Post:7ff84014-6b7a-4e20-864b-c43fee059c98">Re: Should I buy the sample or order new?</a>:
    [QUOTE]i think if you have to buy a size up, the alterations to that dress would cost you <strong>more than just taking the dress in 1/2 an inch</strong>.  ask around to see what the going rate for that kind of work would be before making a decision.  also, if you can't save money at that store, take your alterations business elsewhere.  
    Posted by jessicarabbit501[/QUOTE]

    I think the sample actually needs to be let OUT, which typically costs more.   And another issue with this is that if the sample is bit dingy, letting out the seams would expose 'cleaner' fabric, making the alteration more noticeable.
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    murrayed
  • Good points everyone - thanks.

    I just love the way the sample fits....I hope it fits as well when I buy it new and have it taken in....because the entire dress, except the thigh will have to be taken in. She told me it's a flat $80 to take it in - does that sound right or do they normally charge based on the amount of work once I have the first fitting?
  • Most places I have heard of charge either a really high flat fee or charge based on the amount of work you have done. If it's a flat fee of $80 and your shop gets good reviews, take it! That's an amazingly good deal.

    Try asking on your local board (see the links in the top left corner) and see if anyone has used your shop before.
  • I'd order the new dress, because as opal said, the samples can be stretched over time.  And if buying the sample isn't really going to save you money, wouldn't you rather have something that's only been worn by YOU?
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  • Buy new.  The sample I tried on fit perfectly it was a size 10.  The took my measurements and I was a size 14.  The dresses get really stretched out.  So make sure you don't just order the next size, see what you measure into.  My salon includes all the alterations for the bodice.  The only thing they charge for is hem and bustle.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_should-buy-sample-order-new?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:51511730-3702-42ba-b55c-5f9a8d28fa97Post:dcd98143-a0f9-46a7-9ce7-259675ee9039">Re: Should I buy the sample or order new?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would buy new, and a size up. You have to keep in mind that samples are often stretched out by being tried on so many times, and that you may actually need to let it out by more than 1/2" inch. Letting out dresses is always riskier than having them taken in anyway.
    Posted by opalsky007[/QUOTE]

    My thoughts exactly.  The samples are stretched out.  In my dress, the sample was a bit too big, but my dress (exactly the same size) fit perfectly and was definitely smaller.
  • Thanks everyone. I'll be going ahead with the new dress, I think.

    Unfortunately there isn't a local board for me as I'm in a Canadian city that's not on that board...but I've had a few friends that have purchased from this salon and they've really liked it.
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