I had to order a bridesmaid dress out of state, so I had to get measured at a local shop. No problem. The bride warned me this designer runs small. The girl at the shop warned me the same thing. Today I call the other store and she says the same thing, so I'm prepared to go a couple sizes up. My typical size is a 14 in most things, or a 16 to be safe. Given my measurements, I was in between a 24 and 26!!! WTH!! I am so irritated. What a slap in the face.

Don't let that discourage you, you are doing awesome! I saw a post here a while ago that showed someone at 135 pounds and a size 4. I use to weigh 135 and was a size 11 same height too. It is just a number on a dress. What is sad too is the fat lady store clothes where I live run small so I can be a 16 in regular stores and not even in the plus size and a 20 in the fat lady stores! nothing like getting discouraged. Hang in there you lost 72pounds I would love to do that!

This is typical with bridesmaid/wedding dress. I know it's hard, but don't focus on the tag size. I too had to size up about 4 "numbers" for the last bridesmaid dress I purchased.

My daughters have been in several wedding each and come home appalled that they have to order a size 16. Then when the dress comes they have to be remade because they are huge on them. I think it's a gimic.

Eeek! I have to go in soon to be measured and I'm dreading it. I really don't want to have to wear higher than a 24 (since that was my largest size ever). But if this designer runs like that one I may be in their 28 or 30! They only go up to 30, so it's really not an option for me to go above that.

I know the feeling! I just left David's Bridal a couple of hours ago. In order to fit the dress, I had to go up 2 sizes than I normally wear. When I left I was disgusted! Don't get discouraged; I don't think they are true to size!!!!

Pattern size isn't the same as the modern vanity sizing. Don't take it personally

I work at a Bridal Shop and I hate the size charts! The most 'generous' size chart is Alfred Angelo and it just goes downhill from there. Bill Levkoff is horrible...I think I would refuse to wear a dress from them.

I wouldn't let this discourage you. i tell this to my sister all the time, dont look at the number on the dress or pants or shirt, every designer makes theirs a bit different and all that matters is how you look in them.

Just remind yourself that it is European sizing. Pattern sizes are really, really tiny, even on European charts, I come out an 18 in sewing patterns despite wearing a 12 or 14 UK size. If I were used to US sizing I guess I'd be in about an 8 and shoot up to 18 for a bridal dress. It's not a 'real' size.