Just because a high street bridal line claims to have inclusive sizing, it doesn't make it so.

By Jess Thomson
Apr 29, 2021

 Your wedding is often considered to be one of the best days of your life, filled with confetti, cake, embarrassing relatives and lots of booze. And for many brides, one of the most important details of the day is their dress.

However, with the average UK dress size a size 16, and many bridal brands only stocking limited (read: smaller) size ranges, curvier brides-to-be can find themselves unable to buy their dream outfits. It's something fashion blogger Callie Thorpe has explored when recounting her own wedding dress shopping experience at various boutiques here.

Now, though, with the uptick of high street wedding dresses, there's hope that the more accessible price point offered by big brands could also result in more inclusive sizing, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

Not-so-fun fact: wedding dresses run small anyway, meaning that if you’re a size 16 in jeans, you’ll likely be a size 18 or 20 in bridal terms. The thing is, even if you do find somewhere that offers your size, plus-size wedding dresses are often 'poorly fitted' to a larger woman’s figure, or downright 'unfashionable'.

Natalie is currently planning her wedding but, as a size 24, she's struggling to find a dress that is both reasonably priced and actually suits her. “The styles offered in my size are often seem dated and as if no thought has been put into the design for plus-sized people,” explains Natalie. “For instance, sleeveless bandeau styles which, while lovely, may not be as comfortable for plus-size people because of body image issues surrounding exposed arms.”

This unimaginative design approach has been noted across plus-size collections on the high street, with curve ranges feeling like something of an afterthought, but the matter feels even more poignant for brides when they go wedding dress shopping.

"My store specialises in plus- size dresses (16+) so I get feedback every day from brides who have visited other stores and have been disappointed with the choice available to them and the treatment they have received," explains Jane, who started the business following her own experience with retailers that didn't cater for her size. "It amazes me that in 2021 plus-sized women are still discriminated against in this way."

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While you might argue that custom made gowns are always the option, with bespoke tailoring costing a premium rate compared to off-the-rack looks, many budgets simply won't allow for it, leading brides to explore more affordable wedding dress alternatives.

Just because a high street bridal line claims to have extensive sizing, that doesn't make it so. Certain brands have described their ranges as 'size inclusive', despite only stocking straight sizes and, in some cases, stopping at size 16. This performative inclusivity is considered a form of ‘wokewashing’ and it needs to stop.

That being said, size-inclusive wokewashing isn’t unique to the high street wedding dress market, it’s an epidemic seen across the whole industry. In some cases, brands have even featured plus-size models in their campaigns when, in reality, they only stock up to size 14.

“It’s upsetting to see brands claim to be inclusive and ‘diverse’ but don't make clothing for people larger than a size 16, which I wouldn’t even consider 'plus-size'," explains Elizabeth, a postgraduate student from Belfast who recently started searching for her perfect wedding dress.

Elizabeth is a size 18, just above the average dress size of women in the UK, but still feels isolated by the industry. "It feels like they’re using the term to get eyes on their brand, but there’s nothing to back it up, just branding.”
The misuse of progressive buzzwords and false promises makes it seem like specific labels want to be seen as inclusive, but without putting in any of the effort to make positive change.

“It’s a joke, to be honest, but not surprising at all," adds Gina Tonic, freelance writer and founder of The Fat Zine, who rallies against tokenistic plus-size marketing. "Body positivity has devolved so much that the language associated with it feels meaningless and this is just another example of how capitalism and fat liberation aren't made to co-exist.”

Let's not forget, we live in an age where the plus-sized clothing market in the UK alone is worth 5.08 billion pounds and growing, so you would think that the fashion industry would be chomping at the bit to make curvy women feel welcome and excited to spend their money on gorgeous wedding dresses, rather than stigmatised and excluded. But how can we help create change?

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"It shouldn't be up to the plus-sized community to fix our feelings of isolation, instead of a society that isolates us over and over," emphasises Gina, starting that the responsibility lies with brands to close the gap in treatment between plus and straight-sized women in the bridal industry. “There is no answer to solving this feeling other than brands providing actually inclusive sizing."

While the availability of more extensive affordable wedding dress offerings might ultimately hinge on individual brands expanding their bridal ranges, there is actually something you can do.

It needs to be said that there are still some brands selling reasonably-priced curve dresses, there are just fewer of them. So, why not help support those labels doing their part, proving that stocking bridal options for those with curves is financially viable? Some of our favourite size-inclusive wedding dress brands are ASOS Curve, Celebrating Curves, True Curves, Chi Chi, Monsoon, Simply Be, Maggie Sottero, Beautiful Brides, and more.

Loud Bodies, Plus Equals and Fashion Brand Company are also ones to have on your radar, offering versatile plus-size clothing that could substitute for a wedding dress (and be repurposed afterwards).

So, where does that leave us? In short, fashion has come a long way in terms of inclusivity with the rise of more accessible price point bridal ranges, but the industry still has a lot of work to do to reach the point where the stigma against plus-sized people is non-existent.

We, the shoppers, need to speak up about the lack of choice available to plus-sized brides and also support the wedding dress brands (both high street and boutiques) with broad size ranges, showing that there's a market here and we refused to be ignored anymore. Let's keep pushing towards a future where everyone will be able to shop for their perfect dress no matter their size.

The latest issue of Cosmopolitan UK is out now and you can SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Well, ladies, today marks the day 5 years ago that I got the keys to my beautiful studio and the adventure of a lifetime began!

So much has happened since then and I’ve met some amazing people along the way (brides, brides families and friends, wedding industry buddies, local business owners) who are all now such an important part of my life!! My friends are shown here (and some are not pictured) have been a great support, helping me through the tough times and enjoying the great times with me.

I honestly enjoy EVERY day of my working life at Celebrating Curves Bridal, because it really doesn’t feel like work. The last year has been the toughest ever, both for the business and on a personal level, but those who love me and love Celebrating Curves Bridal have been unwavering in their support. Thank you...

Not forgetting the fantastic support from @sheffbusiness and Finance for Enterprise along with my fantastic designers/suppliers @white_rose_bridal @eternitybridalltd @sophiatolli @marysbridalofficial @victoriakaygowns @truebride @richarddesignsbridal @twilightdesignsaccessories @emmabridals

All those conversations with my amazing Mum and Dad spring back into my mind today. “Have you met some lovely brides today?” “Ooo which dress did she have?” “Where’s she getting married?” They loved it all and were so proud. Everyone wants to make their mum and dad proud right? So glad I was able to do that!

So let’s share some memories, today ladies and gents. Have you visited CCB for any reason? Share your experience in the comments, it would be lovely to relive your memories of my very special place with you.
#5yearsago #gotthekeys #whatajourney #adventureofalifetime #dreamjob #madeithappen #youcanto #whatsyourdream #bridalshopsheffield #itsmorethanjustadressshop #teamcurves 
 
Comment via Instagram...

amyellen17
"Having been totally put off wedding dress shopping at another store I never thought I would find the one. However, coming to you was an experience like no other! You made me feel so comfortable in my won skin and found me the most amazing wedding dress! You made me feel so special and it's an experience I'll never forget."

haaan_x
"I didn't have a great experience at my first wedding dress shop, so after that, I was dreading going to another...you were amazing from start to finish, made me feel comfortable to try on whatever dress I wanted and in the end, I got the most perfect dress. You're everything we brides need and more in our wedding dress search...my only regret is not coming to you sooner oh and the French fancies were an added bonus."
 
wendymul
"I take my hat off to you Jane, the dream became a reality and your reviews speak for themselves. It’s official.. you’re the best in Sheffield."

Today Ladies, I'm asking everyone who is part of the wedding industry and all brides, grooms family members and friends to follow @uk_weddingsorg for updates and how you can become involved in ensuring that the government hears us when it comes to weddings! We need a roadmap and a plan! The more of us that ask, the more likely we are to get it! The IGTV video with the latest update from @sarahhaywoodweddings who is the spokesperson is available to watch on Instagram now.@uk_weddingsorg
・・・
Have you watched our latest video update on IGTV yet? It’s been a very busy week for the #weddingstaskforce - we will be meeting with Downing Street next week...

Watch the video on our IGTV for more news and information. #ukweddings #ukweddingstaskforce #whataboutweddings #weddingsuppliers #ukbrides #ukbridestobe #ukbusinesswomen #ukweddingvenue #weddingstationaryuk #weddingcakeuk #weddingdressuk #engageduk #ukweddingcars #ukweddingphotographer

Well ladies, I can not belive it... We have only gone an won another award!

The North of England Wedding Awards #NOEWA are the most prestigious awards for client service excellence.

The Awards recognise businesses in the wedding industry which go the extra mile for their customers, providing outstanding service and inspiring their customers to want to actively and positively promote them.

Each year, hundreds of companies enter into the awards. Votes are submitted in their thousands. From these votes finalists are created, and the winners are normally announced at York Racecourse, where we enjoy a delicious three course meal and celebrations carry on until the early hours. However with not being able to hold large scale social events during Covid-19, this year the event was to be hosted virtually, and broadcast live on Facebook.

One good thing about this awful time we are in is that the awards are going to be streamed virtually so EVERYONE CAN WATCH, no ticket necessary! So I settle down with a little glass of something nice and cross all my fingers and toes...

Above: The award night streaming live and our win.

Wow... I really Can’t believe it... I had planned a little get together with my besties, however, Boris spoiled those plans, so sat here on my own at home with a glass of wine and a tiara on my head! Can’t believe we won I am SO over the moon! Thank you so much to everyone who voted - it really means the world.