How much can you alter a sample dress out???

christy7211 · August 2010

I've been told that you can usually let out a sample dress by about 2 inches. Is this correct or least the normal rule?

Ash2985 · August 2010

I think it really depends on the dress & the details in the dress... they told me they really can't let my dress out much (if any) at all because of the sash detail around the waist. In is way easier than out. Sorry, that probably doesn't help much!

schwoebr · August 2010

It definitely depends on the dress. I once ordered a BM dress that was said to be let out two sizes if needed because it didn't have beading or anything fancy on it....When it came in it was too small....and there was barely half an inch to let out!! Anything that needs to be let OUT is without a doubt going to be more expensive and more risky than in. You might want to take it to your seamstress and see what she says!

opalsky007 · August 2010

I wouldn't trust that number--that means an extra inch on each side, with enough still left to make a secure seam. Not many dresses have that much room in the seams, and if your dress has a lot of detail, things get more complicated.

Do you have the dress already? If so, see a seamstress. If you haven't purchased yet, I wouldn't gamble on it having two inches to spare.

Lisa8888 · August 2010

2 inches is a lot. I wouldn't risk it. Talk to a seamstress if she thinks it is possible. I don't think there is any rule of thumb. Some dresses can't be let out at all and some only in certain areas.

christy7211 · August 2010

Thanks ladies...no, I don't have the dress yet. I wanted to order a sample dress from preownedweddingdresses.com and the measurements are very close so I'm not sure on my options. Now I'm thinking it might be a bigger headache than it's worth and I'll just have to find another dress.

LeenR44 · August 2010

It really depends on the fabric. If your dress shop's seamstress is going to do the work, she/he should be able to tell you what they are able to do.

opalsky007 · August 2010

How close is it? Do you really need an extra 2 inches, or are you just playing it safe?

You do have ten months to slim down a bit if you need room and really have your heart set on that gown, or just adding Spanx may make a huge difference (they sure did for me).

Also, what gown is it? Bridepower.com has tons of samples, as well as a sample gown locator, so if you want to try to find another sample a size bigger, that could be an option.

prisg214 · August 2010

Alfred Angelo lets out 2 sizes but you have to remember a lot has to deal with the material. Silk/Satin will show the stiching even if there is enough fabric to let out. Taffeta/chiffon would be okay. There are a lot of variables!

christy7211 · August 2010

The dress I'm looking at is Essence of Australia D966. It's taffeta but there is beaded lace on the top. It would be very close measurement wise if I got the size 12 from preownedweddingdresses.com but bridaloutletcenter.com has a size 14 for the same price. I'm just hesitant about the websites. I've tried the dress on in a local store but can't remember what size she said I would need. I'll pry go back there and try it on again to see.

How much can you alter a sample dress out???

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