Plus-size brides find shopping for wedding dresses more stressful

Brides-to-be who are a size 12 or larger are almost twice as likely as women size 0-10 to feel self-conscious before going shopping for a wedding dress, according to a new survey.

‘The Knot 2019 Fashion Study for Size Inclusivity’, a comprehensive look at how bridal shopping experiences differ among women of different sizes, has revealed that one in four women size 12+ give themselves a pep talk before going to try on wedding gowns.

They are also more likely to report feelings of anxiety before a shopping session, with 50% of women size 12-32 stating they felt anxious in the run up to an appointment, compared to 46% of women size 0-10.

Picture: iStock

And while 59% of women size 0-10 felt excited before heading to the bridal store, this was only the case for 51% of brides size 12-32.

Women who wear a size 12-36 are twice as likely as smaller-sized brides to call ahead to ask about sample dresses in their size, and 24% of brides size 12-32 purchase their gowns online.

While 46% of women sized 0-10 buy their dresses from a local bridal salon, the number drops to 30% for sizes 12-32. More than half of the size 12+ respondents (61%) claimed they would have had a better shopping experience if they had been able to try on more dresses in their size.

Picture: iStock

“At The Knot, we believe love and weddings are for everyone,” said Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in chief of the digital wedding brand The Knot, in a statement.

“But, if as an industry we’re not being inclusive and representing all people in our dress designs, inventory, stories, photos, advertising and marketing, then we have more work to do.”

Size inclusivity has been a major focus within the fashion industry recently, with brands such as Anthropologie and Rodarte unveiling plus-size collections this year.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.