What exactly is "plus size" now a days?

I think 16 usually starts plus sizes.

Not really sure what is considered plus size, but remember that if they do have a variety of dresses in "sample" sizes, they'll be putting you in dresses that fit your largest area. When I ordered my dress, it had to be ordered 2 sizes too big for my waist so that it could fit the "ladies".

Try not to pay attention to the size because once any dress is altered, its no longer a "true" size.

16 is my guess too but for some reason bridal gowns are sized differently (a lot smaller) than regular clothes

I think most stores consider plus sized to be 14 and up, but some stores start a little higher up. It all depends on where you are, what kind of clothes, etc. I'm self-conscious about trying on clothes too, because I get frustrated very easily by everything I try on not fitting right. On another post someone suggested calling ahead to see what size their average sample dress is, which is a great idea! That way you can be a little prepared for each store, and then go trial and error when you actually try them on. It's a long process, but just try and keep relaxed.

Generally, a 16. Some stores a 14. Yes, designer dresses ordered in plus size DO cost more; a lot more.

You will also be SHOCKED at how the sizing works with wedding dresses. It's super weird. You can be a street size 8, and order a 16 wedding dress (I did!). Some designers had me at a size 20! Just keep in mind that there is no rhyme or reason to the sizing, and you will be fine. I wish someone had told me that!

I think plus sizes generally start at 16 to 18. I wear a 12/14 in dresses (depends on the cut of the dress, I've got a little bit more junk in the trunk), and I was able to try on sample sizes in 14 zipped, but would have to order up for my actual dress.

I am a street size 8/10, but my wedding dress is a 12. You usually have to order a size up from your normal size. I started to get upset, and then realized that's normal!

I think it is 16 also. If you a trying to mentally prepare yourself, heres some words of advice that I experienced: Most sample sizes are 6, 8, or 10, then 18, 20, and 22. A lot of the dresses I tried on wouldn't zip or go over my hips. (I'm a size 14). Don't let it discourage you though! I tried on a few of the bigger dresses, they swallowed me but at least I got to see what it looked like on me without every one of my curves bulging out lol.

My designer was weird too. I'm a street size 6 and they had to order a 12 and take it in a little. Wedding dresses can be labeled at least 4 sizes higher than you're actual size.

It really does depend on where you go and who the designer is. When I was trying on dresses I was in between 14 and 16. Some places consider anything over 12 plus size. I wouldn't worry much about sizing. I am a street size 5 and I was trying on dresses the sizes I stated. So just relax it will be fine. I mean I had to fit the 'girls' in a dress and sometimes if they fit, my waist was too big, or my hips. Remember almost anything can be altered to fit perfectly. So just have fun with it.

The ladies are right- don't be fooled by the size. I will say I ordered a 14 and got charged. :-( Just make sure that you order what size you are now. You can always take it in (I ended up taking it in 2 sizes) but you can't let it out.

For some stores, the Plus-size designation is when the designers start to charge extra money for the dresses. Generally size 16. A lot of stores only get sample sizes, and this is what the designers send them. Sizes 8, 10, and 12 being quite common sample sizes. It's a good idea to call before hand and ask what size the store goes up to. Some stores don't carry sizes above 14.

Bridal sizes are VERY WEIRD! Each and every designer decides what measurements a size 14 is supposed to have, so each company will have a different size 14. Don't look at the number, and don't subject yourself to trying to squeeze into a size 2 and have any idea what it would actually look like on you. It will only make the whole experience bad, and that's not what shopping for a wedding dress should be. Good Luck!

I wear a 7/8 and got my dress as a size 10.. so yeah just be aware that whatever you are, it's gonna be bigger

Wedding dresses seam to run small. i am a street size 6 and my dress was a 12 bc i got a big ole' booty and they need to fit the biggest part of you. remember, its not about hte number on the tag its about how you rock the dress.

Everyone is starting to worry me here! I'm ordering a dress online and, based on the size chart, I should wear a 14(except in the belly, but I'll be wearing a compression garment and hope to lose some of that baby belly in the meantime anyways). That's my street size, too. I had been wondering if I should just order 14 and alter it smaller if needed or if I should order a 12 because I'm pretty certain I'll lose more weight before the wedding. I'm just worried if I lose too much weight and the dress can't be taken in that far..

This makes me feel so much better! I'm a 16 and they bumped me up to a 22, I felt terrible. Glad to know that this is normal. Phew =)

Does anyone know how much a dress can be taken in??? Is it like a ring and can only go up or down 2 sizes??

Most of the companies we order from (I work at a bridal shop) the normal size (and prize) of a dress goes from 2-16. Usually the price is extra for 18-20 and then even more for 22-..however high that company goes, usually a 28. That's just these companies, different companies do things a different way; however, keep in mind that wedding dress, or formal gowns in general, tend to run small. So even if you're usually a 14 you may have to be prepared to look at 16s or even 18s because of the way they run.

Oh yeah, and also keep in mind, that when being fitted the dress has to be ordered to fit the largest part of your body. So, if you have huge boobs, but normally wear a size 8 or 10 in jeans.. Your boobs are going to make the entire dress size go up. If your boobs are measuring at a 14, that's what size they'll order you and then just take it in everywhere. Sizing is weird, and each designer does it differently. I'm a street size 4 (sometimes 6) and got a size 10 wedding dress.

Victoria- typically 2-3 sizes. And 10 lbs is usually a dress size. So if you've gained/lost 10 lbs, that typically makes you go up/down a dress size. Once you start taking in a dress 2 sizes too big, you're starting to change the look of the dress and can lose a lot of detail.