What to do with this dress?

[NicolettaRose]

I got this beautiful 1920's dress which I believe to be a young ladies ( or very petite woman's) dress. I bought it on Ebay, where I read the measurements as 32 bust,which totally works, except for the fact that while my bust is a 32, but the dress is cut for someone who is a A or B cup, and I am a 32 C/D ( A strange size, yes I know, I can't even find modern bras in Victorias Secret since they refuse to carry my size), can this dress be altered to fit my bust?

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Whether or not the dress can easily be let out depends on if the dress has any seam allowance. Other alterations or restyling of the garment are also determined on an individual basis as well--it's impossible to determine without seeing the dress and how it is fitting you. Your bra size (as in, band size) and the bust measurement of a garment are not the same thing; if the dress measures 32 inches around and you measure 32 inches around the fullest part of the bust, it should generally fit. Certain fabrics and cuts are less forgiving though, so unfortunately not all garments work for everyone; it's the nature of the game when you buy something online.

Also, don't forgot that large busts were not considered desirable in the 1920s, so garments tended to be cut for smaller busted women, or to be worn with flattening foundation garments.

 

[Rosie]

If the dress measures 32" in the bust, it won't fit. The dress measurements are the measurements around the bust of the dress, your bra size of 32 C or D means that you are actually more than likely 35 or 36 inches around the widest part of your bust. Unless there is a seam allowance of three - four inches or your wear a corset, it may not work.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Exactly, Rosie. After working in the bridal fashion industry for several years, I noticed there is a very common misconception that bra band size is the same as bust size when looking at a size chart or a garment's measurements.

 

[NicolettaRose]

If the dress measures 32" in the bust, it won't fit. The dress measurements are the measurements around the bust of the dress, your bra size of 32 C or D means that you are actually more than likely 35 or 36 inches around the widest part of your bust. Unless there is a seam allowance of three - four inches or your wear a corset, it may not work.

Ahhh good to know this!, I never thought of it that, but it makes sense!!

 

[ohairas]

Yep.. if no good seam allowance and corset won't work... you may want to opt for adding a panel of new fabric under each arm. Depends on how the gown is made, if you can camoflauge it, or if you want to cut into the dress.
Best wishes! Can we see??

Nikki

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

Yes, you ladies are all correct.
None of us can tell you if the dress can be altered without seeing it and it's seams.
Your question would be best answered by a seamstress who can see the dress in person.

Just to let you know, since I used to be the same bra size, Victoria's Secret online has just about every bra in all it's collections in both 32C and D. Check out the Emma collection, they are pretty. There full coverage bra is comfortable. But, just about every collection offers this size. I've gotten full coverage, unlined, lined, demi's and strapless bras from them with no problem. I guess it must not be a common size near you, that might be why you couldn't find it in the store. They do carry it in the stores around here. Calvin Klein also makes all of his bra styles in this size as well. Stinks that you're having a problem finding them. I never had that problem. You should check out their website, they let you search their collections by size.

 

[Elaina]

And I wear a C/D in most bras, and Vic Secrets run small on me. I've never been able to wear a bra from there that I wasn't trying to fall out of.

Bras aren't exactly regulated. According to the measurements of what's supposed to happen, I wear a e but the good sturdy, and ugly bras a D will fit, like Hanes.

 

[ShooShooBaby]

nicoletta, before altering your dress, have you tried it with a minimizing bra? they're pretty ugly, but can actually make a HUGE difference in fit. i think if you shop around, you'd be able to find one in your size - i've def had them in 34D, they probably make them in 32D as well.

i agree with vicky's secret bras running small. no matter what size i try, they just don't fit well on me. oddly enough, i've actually gotten a number of nice, functional, bras at fredericks of hollywood. no minimizers there, though!

 

[Miss Sis]

The bra size issue is such a hassle. I am a 30DD, so I am small across my back but my actual bust measurement is 37". I was even told that I should probably be wearing a 28E! I fit clothes that have a 36" bust without problems though. I don't actually have a big bust, although that size makes me sound big.

It is a hard size to find. Only recently have they become a bit more available in the UK but as they are a 'specialist' size, you end up paying loads for them and most of the big brands/stores don't do 'em.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Personally, if the dress doesn't fit, I would sell it or give it to someone who can wear it, in its pristine glory. Altering it to fit, seems like destroying a bit of history to me, and will change the lines of the dress.