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It’s a common problem: you’ve ordered a strapless bridesmaid or wedding dress, only to find it doesn’t fit correctly. Everyone dreams of having the perfect wedding day and having an ill-fitting dress isn’t part of that dream. Luckily, with help from a professional tailor, you can readily fix these types of problems.

3 Alterations Your Strapless Wedding Dress May Need

Wedding-Dress-New-York-NY 1. Reducing Bust Size

Designers often recommend women order a dress based on their largest measurement, which is often at the hips. Unfortunately, this can result in a dress that fits well around the hips but is too large in the bust area.

A tailor can take in the bust, preferably on the side seams. Attempting to take it in from the center back area isn’t the best option for a wedding dress unless the tailor is experienced, as doing so can change the proportions of the dress. Also, the center back area tends to have more complex design patterns than the side, making it difficult to alter without noticeably changing the look of the dress. If your strapless wedding dress doesn’t have these types of patterns, it will be easier to take the center back approach.

2. Enlarging the Bust

For some women with larger cup sizes, they may need a dart in the bust to avoid gapping. A tailor can do this by inserting darts in the inner lining, enlarging the bust from the side. This will minimize any changes to the outside appearance of the dress. Ideally, the tailor or seamstress will use methods involving adjusting the inside portions of the dress. You don’t want them to make too many changes to the front, as these may be visible when the alteration is complete.

3. Length & Train

The length of a wedding dress is difficult to get perfect. So is the train. You want the dress to be long enough for an elegant entrance, but you also don’t want to trip over it. This is the primary reason many women prefer a detachable train. 

If you’re planning to adjust the length of the dress or train, hire a tailor who’ll discuss your tastes instead of assuming how long you’d like the dress to be. Unlike practical issues like bust size, there’s more room for personal preference here, so you should take advantage of it.

You’ll want to look and feel your best on your wedding day so don’t settle for a strapless wedding dress that doesn’t fit you perfectly. Minor changes can make a big difference in how it looks and feels.

If you need alterations in New York City, get in touch with the team at Wo’s Custom Tailoring, serving the Upper East Side. With over 40 years of experience, they know how to deliver quality results. Contact them online, or call (212) 988-9889.

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