ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bridal Industry's Size Inclusivity Problem Exposed

opinion-review · 2026-05-12

A Vogue investigation reveals that luxury bridal salons rarely carry a full size range, typically stocking only sample sizes equivalent to US street sizes 4-6 or 6-8, with occasional options up to 12-14. Runway samples are often size 2. Brides outside these sizes face custom orders at extra cost or humiliating workarounds like clamps, pins, or holding dresses up to imagine fit. Body-positive stylist Alysia Cole notes the process triggers body issues and eating disorders. Stylist Sophie Strauss proposes raising standard sample size to 16 for better inclusivity. Designer Alexandra Grecco and Loho Bride founder Christy Baird champion diverse sizing. Justin Warshaw of Justin Alexander ensures dresses fit up to size 18. The article highlights a cycle where lack of larger samples deters boutiques from stocking them, reinforcing exclusion.

Key facts

  • Luxury bridal salons typically carry sample sizes equivalent to US street sizes 4-6 or 6-8.
  • Runway samples are often size 2.
  • Brides outside sample sizes may pay extra for custom pieces.
  • Stylists use clamps, pins, or fabric panels to adjust ill-fitting samples.
  • Alysia Cole reports that bridal shopping triggers body issues and eating disorders.
  • Sophie Strauss suggests standard sample size should be 16.
  • Alexandra Grecco re-makes samples for diverse models and offers broader sizing.
  • Loho Bride stocks 20-30 styles with extended sizing and trains staff in inclusive language.

Entities

Artists

  • Alysia Cole
  • Sophie Strauss
  • Alexandra Grecco
  • Christy Baird
  • Justin Warshaw

Institutions

  • Vogue
  • David's Bridal
  • Kleinfeld
  • Loho Bride
  • Justin Alexander
  • Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

Locations

  • United States
  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • Barcelona
  • Spain

Sources