The bridal industry continues to struggle with size inclusivity, leaving many brides without suitable options, particularly in luxury salons. Most high-end bridal stores offer limited sample sizes, typically ranging from size 8 to 10, equivalent to U.S. street sizes 4-8, and occasionally up to size 16 or 18. This can be a significant barrier for brides who do not fit the standard sample size, often forcing them to pay extra for custom garments.
Sample Size Limitations
Bridal stylist Alysia Cole highlights that trying on a wedding dress should be a joyful experience. Instead, many brides face the frustration of not finding dresses in their size. Cole notes that luxury salons often carry limited sample sizes, which can negatively impact a bride's self-perception and even trigger past body image issues. She points out the stark difference between luxury salons and more affordable options like David's Bridal, which typically offer a wider range of sizes.
Cost and Production Challenges
The limited size range in luxury bridal wear largely stems from high production costs. Bridal gowns are often couture pieces requiring extensive handcrafting, which limits the number of samples designers can produce. Stylist Sophie Strauss suggests that increasing the standard sample size to a 16 could benefit both brides and the industry by allowing more women to try on dresses and make informed purchasing decisions.
Efforts Toward Inclusivity
Some designers and retailers are making strides toward inclusivity. Alexandra Grecco offers diverse sizing in her collections, ensuring that brides can see themselves reflected in her designs. Christy Baird, founder of Loho Bride, emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment and ensuring designers understand patterning for all body types.
Justin Warshaw of Justin Alexander echoes the need for larger sample sizes, stating that his brand ensures dresses fit both size 6 and size 18 models. However, Cole notes that such investments are rare, creating a cycle where boutiques hesitate to stock larger sizes due to lack of demand driven by limited size offerings.
Industry Outlook
The industry appears to be at a turning point. Retailers and designers are beginning to recognize the need for greater inclusivity, but as Cole and Baird emphasize, there is much work to be done. Every bride deserves to feel represented and valued in the luxury bridal market, and achieving true inclusivity should not be an afterthought.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/does-the-bridal-industry-have-a-size-inclusivity-problem
