Finding your perfect wedding dress size can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with bridal sizing that differs significantly from everyday clothing. The Justin Alexander bridal size chart serves as your roadmap to achieving the ideal fit for one of the most important garments you’ll ever wear. Understanding how to read and apply this sizing system ensures your dress fits beautifully and comfortably on your special day.
Justin Alexander has been creating stunning bridal gowns for decades, establishing specific sizing standards that help brides achieve consistent, flattering fits across their entire collection. Their comprehensive size chart takes the guesswork out of ordering, whether you’re shopping in-person or online.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Justin Alexander bridal size chart, from taking accurate measurements to understanding how bridal sizes compare to regular clothing sizes.
Understanding Bridal Sizing vs. Regular Clothing
Why Bridal Sizes Run Differently
Bridal sizing operates on a completely different system than everyday clothing, which often surprises first-time wedding dress shoppers. The Justin Alexander bridal size chart typically runs about two sizes larger than your normal clothing size, meaning if you usually wear a size 8, you might need a size 12 in a Justin Alexander gown.
This sizing difference exists because bridal gowns require precise fitting for formal occasions and often incorporate structured elements like corsetry, boning, and multiple layers. The larger numerical sizes allow for these construction details while maintaining the flattering silhouette that makes wedding dresses so special.
Understanding this difference prevents disappointment and ensures you order the correct size from the start, saving time and money on unnecessary alterations or exchanges.
Historical Context of Bridal Sizing
Bridal sizing standards developed when women’s clothing sizes were generally smaller and less standardized than today’s retail clothing. Wedding dress manufacturers maintained these traditional sizing systems to ensure consistency across different designers and decades of production.
The Justin Alexander bridal size chart reflects these historical standards, which means their size 12 might fit the same as a contemporary retail size 8 or 10. This consistency helps bridal consultants and seamstresses work effectively across different brands and time periods.
Many luxury fashion brands still use similar sizing systems, making bridal sizing less of an anomaly and more of a return to traditional garment construction standards that prioritize fit over numerical convenience.
Complete Justin Alexander Size Chart Breakdown
Standard Size Measurements
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
| 0 | 31″ | 23″ | 34″ |
| 2 | 32.5″ | 24.5″ | 35.5″ |
| 4 | 34″ | 26″ | 37″ |
| 6 | 35″ | 27″ | 38″ |
| 8 | 36″ | 28″ | 39″ |
| 10 | 37″ | 29″ | 40″ |
| 12 | 38.5″ | 30.5″ | 41.5″ |
| 14 | 40″ | 32″ | 43″ |
| 16 | 42″ | 34″ | 45″ |
| 18 | 44″ | 36″ | 47″ |
| 20 | 46″ | 38″ | 49″ |
| 22 | 48″ | 40″ | 51″ |
| 24 | 50″ | 42″ | 53″ |
Extended Size Range Considerations
Justin Alexander offers extended sizing beyond the standard range to accommodate diverse body types and ensure every bride can find her perfect fit. The extended sizes maintain the same proportional relationships between bust, waist, and hip measurements while scaling appropriately for larger frames.
When working with extended sizes, pay particular attention to the relationship between your measurements and the chart specifications. Sometimes a bride might fall between sizes, requiring careful consideration of which size provides the best overall fit for alterations.
Custom sizing options may be available for brides whose measurements don’t align with standard size offerings, though this typically involves longer production times and additional costs that should be factored into wedding planning timelines.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
Essential Measurement Tools
Taking precise measurements for the Justin Alexander bridal size chart requires proper tools and techniques. Use a flexible measuring tape designed for body measurements, not a rigid ruler or construction tape that won’t conform to body curves properly.
Have someone assist with measurements when possible, as self-measuring often leads to inaccuracies that can result in poor fitting. Professional bridal consultants recommend having measurements taken by experienced seamstresses or bridal shop staff for the most reliable results.
Wear properly fitted undergarments during measurement sessions, preferably the same style you plan to wear with your wedding dress. This ensures the measurements account for the foundation garments that will affect the final fit.
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Bust Measurement – Measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a well-fitted bra, keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight against your body.
Waist Measurement – Find your natural waist by bending to one side and noting where the crease forms, then measure around this narrowest point while standing straight and breathing normally.
Hip Measurement – Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically about 7-9 inches below your natural waist, ensuring the tape remains parallel to the floor throughout the measurement.
Record all measurements in inches and compare them to the Justin Alexander bridal size chart to determine your starting size for fittings and alterations.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring Errors That Impact Fit
Many brides make the mistake of measuring over loose clothing or without proper undergarments, leading to inaccurate size selection from the Justin Alexander bridal size chart. Always measure against properly fitted foundation garments or close-fitting clothing for accurate results.
Another common error involves measuring too loosely or too tightly, both of which skew the results and can lead to ordering incorrect sizes. The measuring tape should lay flat against your body without digging in or having visible gaps.
Failing to account for posture during measurement can also cause problems, as slouching or artificial straightening changes body dimensions significantly enough to affect dress fit and comfort.
Size Selection Strategy
When your measurements fall between sizes on the Justin Alexander bridal size chart, generally choose the larger size rather than the smaller one. Wedding dresses are much easier to take in than let out, and having extra room provides more alteration flexibility.
Consider your body’s proportions when selecting sizes, as you might need different sizes for different measurements. Professional seamstresses can accommodate these variations during alterations, but starting with the appropriate base size makes their work more effective.
Factor in any planned weight changes before your wedding day, but avoid dramatic size adjustments that might require extensive alterations or complete dress replacement if your plans change.
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Working with Bridal Consultants
Professional Fitting Benefits
Experienced bridal consultants understand the nuances of the Justin Alexander bridal size chart and can guide you toward the best size selection based on both measurements and dress style considerations. Different silhouettes and construction methods may require size adjustments even within the same brand.
Professional fitters can identify potential issues early in the process, suggesting size modifications or alternative styles that might work better for your body type and preferences. Their expertise saves time and money by avoiding common sizing mistakes.
Bridal consultants often have experience with specific Justin Alexander styles and can provide insights about how particular dresses tend to fit compared to the standard size chart measurements.
Questions to Ask During Fittings
When working with bridal professionals, ask specific questions about how the Justin Alexander bridal size chart applies to your chosen dress style. Some designs run larger or smaller than the standard measurements, and consultants can provide valuable guidance about these variations.
Inquire about alteration possibilities and limitations for your selected size, as this information helps you make informed decisions about size selection and budget planning for modifications.
Discuss timeline expectations for ordering, delivery, and alterations to ensure your dress arrives with adequate time for any necessary adjustments before your wedding date.
Alteration Considerations and Timeline
Planning for Professional Alterations
Even with perfect size selection using the Justin Alexander bridal size chart, most wedding dresses require some alterations for optimal fit and comfort. Plan for alteration costs in your overall dress budget, typically ranging from $200 to $800 depending on the complexity of modifications needed.
Schedule your first fitting appointment 8-10 weeks before your wedding date to allow adequate time for multiple fittings and adjustments. Rush alteration services are available but often cost significantly more and may not achieve the same quality results as standard timelines.
Bring your actual wedding shoes and undergarments to all fitting appointments to ensure proper hemming and fit adjustments that account for your complete wedding day ensemble.
Common Alteration Requirements
Most brides require hemming adjustments regardless of their height, as Justin Alexander dresses are typically made longer to accommodate various shoe heights and personal preferences. This standard alteration is usually straightforward and reasonably priced.
Bust and waist adjustments are common, especially for brides whose measurements fall between sizes on the Justin Alexander bridal size chart. Skilled seamstresses can modify these areas while maintaining the dress’s original design integrity and proportions.
Strap and sleeve modifications may be necessary depending on personal comfort preferences and the specific style of your chosen dress, though these alterations can be more complex and expensive than basic fitting adjustments.
Special Considerations for Different Body Types
The Justin Alexander bridal size chart provides general guidelines, but individual body proportions may require personalized approaches to size selection and fitting. Brides with longer or shorter torsos might need adjustments beyond standard alterations to achieve optimal comfort and appearance.
Athletic builds often require different considerations than the standard size chart accounts for, as muscle development in shoulders, back, and arms can affect fit in ways that measurements alone don’t capture fully.
Pregnancy considerations require careful planning and potentially delayed ordering to account for changing body dimensions throughout the engagement and pregnancy timeline.
Conclusion
Mastering the Justin Alexander bridal size chart ensures your wedding dress fits beautifully and comfortably on your most important day. Remember that bridal sizing differs significantly from regular clothing, typically running about two sizes larger than your everyday wear.
Take accurate measurements with proper tools and assistance, and don’t hesitate to work with professional bridal consultants who understand the nuances of Justin Alexander sizing. When in doubt, choose the larger size to provide more alteration flexibility and better overall fit potential.
Plan ahead for professional alterations and allow adequate time for multiple fittings to achieve the perfect fit. Your wedding dress should make you feel confident and beautiful, and proper sizing is the foundation of that perfect bridal moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I order a Justin Alexander dress online using just the size chart?
A: While possible, professional fitting consultation is recommended as dress styles can vary in fit even within the same brand’s sizing system.
Q: How far in advance should I order my dress using the size chart measurements?
A: Order 6-8 months before your wedding to allow time for production, shipping, and necessary alterations while avoiding rush fees.
Q: What if my measurements don’t match any single size on the chart perfectly?
A: Choose the size that fits your largest measurement, as wedding dresses are easier to take in than let out during alterations.
Q: Do all Justin Alexander dress lines use the same size chart?
A: While generally consistent, some specialty lines may have slight variations, so always confirm the specific size chart for your chosen dress.
Q: Should I account for undergarments when using the Justin Alexander size chart?
A: Yes, always measure while wearing the same style of undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day for accurate sizing.
