It’s Not You, It’s the Dress
It’s Not You, It’s the Dress:
Why Custom Alterations Are Key to a Perfect Fit
We’ve all been there—standing in front of the mirror wondering why a dress that looked so beautiful on the hanger suddenly feels like it was made for someone else. But here’s the truth: it’s not you, it’s the dress.
Whether you’re prepping for a school formal dress or the biggest day of your life as a bride, dresses are rarely made to fit your body perfectly off the rack. That’s where custom dress sizing and fluctuating weight dress alterations come in to create the perfect dress fit, just for you.
Why Dresses Are Made to Fit a Standard Body, and Why That’s a Problem
Most dresses are designed with a standard model in mind: 5'10" and a B cup size. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a size 2 or a size 20, the proportions are often designed for a body type that doesn’t reflect most women. This is especially true for formal wear and bridal gowns. If you’ve ever tried on a bridal dress or formal dress that didn’t fit right, you’ve likely been frustrated—but it’s the dress, not your body, that’s the problem.
For example, even a size 20 dress will typically have a B cup, which may not accommodate your unique shape. Whether your dress is too tight in the bust or too loose in the waist, custom alterations can help.
Fluctuating Weight and Changing Bodies: It’s Normal!
Fluctuating weight is something all of us experience, and it’s completely natural. Hormones, stress, cycles, and lifestyle changes can all affect your body. As teens, your body is still going through many changes.
We all go through body changes—it’s part of life. But sometimes, those changes come with added pressures that make us feel like we need to “fix” ourselves. As someone who has been through a lot, I completely understand how overwhelming these feelings can be.
Growing up in a household of 13 people after living with just my mum, food became a source of stress for me. My mother struggled with her own food demons, and I felt the pressure to be thin early on. As a teenager, I was verging on an eating disorder, and my body became a battleground. Later, in an abusive relationship, the pressure to stay thin only intensified.
Then, after having four children in three pregnancies, my body changed again. Stress after my first child caused me to drop to 52kg, and when I finally left my partner, my body was still adjusting. But something amazing happened: seven years later, I found the love of my life, and I put on 10kg—not from stress, but from happiness. For the first time, I was comfortable in my skin, even though my body looked different than I was used to.
Still, like many women, I wasn’t immune to the pressures of body image. I didn’t want to keep buying new clothes as my weight fluctuated, so I eventually dieted in a healthy way to drop a few kilos. Even then, I had to learn to dress for my body. My body didn’t fit the generic mold that clothes are designed for, and I had to find ways to work with what I had—whether that meant avoiding certain styles or getting alterations to make things fit.
And I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve worked with so many women—each with their own story of surgeries, body changes, and personal struggles. From brides who bought a dress 11 years ago and postponed their wedding due to life happening, to formal girls who are still figuring out their bodies, I’ve heard it all. But here’s the thing: it’s not your job to fit the dress. It’s the dress’s job to fit you.
Custom Alterations Can Fit Your Unique Body
One of the most common issues with dresses is that they are made to fit a “standard” body, which rarely reflects our reality. Whether you’re dealing with post-pregnancy changes, muscle shifts, or simply life happening (like a wedding delayed for years), you need a dress that fits you. That’s where we come in with custom dress sizing and fluctuating weight dress alterations.
For me, pants never fit right because of nerve damage from a C-section, and my torso is so much longer than my legs, which makes fitting clothes a challenge. I’ve worked with clients who’ve had surgery, experienced significant weight changes, or come to me with dresses they bought years ago—before life happened.
But here’s the good news: we can make any dress fit you, no matter what. Whether you want to:
Accentuate your curves
Cinch in your waist
Add pockets for convenience
Hide or show scars and tattoos
The options are endless. We’re here to make sure the dress fits you perfectly, just as you are.
How to Find the Perfect Fit: It’s All About Custom Sizing
When you order a dress, many retailers will take your largest measurement (usually bust, waist, or hips) and order the dress based on that size. This often leads to needing alterations for the rest of the dress. For example, if your bust is a size 20 but your waist is a size 12, the dress will likely be ordered in a size 20, and we’ll tailor the rest to fit you.
This is why custom dress sizing and split sizing are so important. Dresses are designed for a standard body, but our job is to make the dress fit you perfectly, regardless of your size or shape.
Closing Thoughts: The Dress Should Fit You, Not the Other Way Around
No matter where you are in life—whether you're a teenager dealing with body changes, a bride preparing for her big day, or someone who’s been through ups and downs—your dress should fit you, not the other way around. At Rachel’s Custom Sewing, we believe in making your dress fit your perfect self, through every fluctuation, every change, and every moment.
If you’re looking for the perfect dress fit, whether for your school formal or wedding day, reach out today. We’ll make sure your dress is tailored to you, perfectly.
