You probably know that when you order a prom dress from an online designer dress boutique, the chances are it will require minor alterations. Not many girls can unwrap and wear a prom dress without any adjustment at all. With that in mind, you might like to know about the most common prom dress alterations, just in case.
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- Taking In The Waist – Most girls order a size up with a prom dress and a local seamstress (or mom) can take in the waist slightly, making for a better fit. While you are wearing the gown, she puts in a few pins and then she can make the alteration in no time. Most designer dress boutiques offer a comprehensive section on choosing the right dress size and they all advise to go one size up if in any doubt. When your dress arrives, don’t waste any time trying it on and if the waist is a little on the loose side, have it taken in by a seamstress for a perfect fit.
- Hem Shortening – Some girls prefer to have a longer hem in a floor-length dress. Most often, it very much depends on your preferences and the shoes you plan to wear. However, the most common adjustment on a prom dress is shortening the hem, which is easier than adding length to the hemline. Of course, a seamstress can do both and with you wearing the gown with the shoes, she can mark the perfect length. Designers like to add an inch or two to the length of floor-length gowns for this very reason. If you want to avoid hem issues, check out Peaches Boutique short dresses for prom or dresses from other reputable dress boutiques.
- Shortening/Lengthening Straps – Another common alteration is to have the straps shortened by an inch or so and this is something your mom could handle if she has a sewing machine. On the odd occasion, the straps might need lengthening and a seamstress can find identical fabric and carry out the adjustment. Of course, if you are looking for a strapless dress, none of this would apply.
- Letting Out The Bust – The dressmaker always leaves enough tucks in the cleavage area for a seamstress to be able to let out the bust. Alternatively, if the bust is too loose, a couple of tucks will redress this. If unsure about how to accurately measure your cleavage, search online for top tips, as this is a critical measurement for an evening gown. Of course, in a worst-case scenario, the boutique would gladly replace the dress with a different size, although you would need time for the new dress to arrive.
- Adding A Waist Stay – If you are wearing a strapless number, it is a good idea to add an extra waist stay; a ribbon or band that fits inside the dress, snug to the waist. This prevents a strapless dress from sliding down, which often happens with a strapless design. If you are unsure, show the dress to a seamstress, or better still wear it.
While there are quite a few other alterations that could be used for a prom dress, the above are the most common and any seamstress or dressmaker can handle such a minor alteration, making sure that your prom dress fits like a glove.
Let’s not forget accessories, which you can also acquire online, then you are ready for what should be an incredible prom dance.