Psst… Want to see our 2024 update for this post? See our 2024 updated version here Curvy, Mid-Sized Or Plus Sized? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Australian Wedding Gown Designers With Inclusive Sizing
Shopping for a wedding dress can be exciting and magical. But if you’re not a standard size, it can actually break your heart. We’ve spent the past few months chatting to designers and heading to the depths of the internet. We’ve hit up websites, we’ve read every designer sizing page, and we’ve asked for recommendations. And today, we’re unveiling our list of Australian wedding gown designers with inclusive sizing.
Because while many designers in Australia size up to size 14 or even size 16, if you sit well beyond that, you’re often out of luck. We know this information is hard to find, we know it’s intimidating to walk into a store and not know if there is anything on the racks that will fit you. For this reason, this guide only includes Aussie designers who size beyond size 18.
There are many different kinds of wedding gowns, but today, we’re focussing on Australian-based designers who create made-to-measure gowns. These are the ones where you can walk into their showroom or gallery, try on a gown and have it made, with perhaps a few modifications, to your size. We’ve even got a list of stockists of international gowns at the end, so scroll on for that.
If you know any Australian designers, making made-to-measure gowns beyond a size 18, please let us know (and if you’re a designer not into making these sizes yet, here’s a big plea, we’d love you to!)
Melbourne designer Kyha Studios is stocked worldwide (and even shops worldwide too). The made-to-measure brand, Chosen by Kyha is available in sizes 1-30. They even offer split sizing to get the fit just right. Kyha & CHosen By Kyha has a range of sizes in most of their styles available to try on. Before your appointment, you’ll be asked your Australian size (and desired wedding gown size) so the team can make sure they have the pieces you’re looking for in-store to check out,
The brand does not charge extra for their extended-size pieces.
See our Chosen by Kyha real weddings here.
Photo & cover photo by Emily Abay via ‘La Bella Donna’ Wedding Gown Collection By Chosen
Australian designer Madi Lane has no curve collection, in fact, this designer produces every single gown in both their Madi Lane brand and sister brand Evie Young from sizes 2-28.
The best part? Not only is there no additional charge for their extended sizing, but their stores also have a range of sizes to try on.
Spy our Madi Lane real weddings here.
Photo via Madi Lane “Italia” Wedding Gown Collection
This Australian designer’s “Curve” collection features six classic Karen Willis Holmes styles with an extended size range. They are catering for sizes AU 14-24 and US 10-20 the gowns are designed to fit and hug curves, using beautiful fabrics like stretch laces, silk georgette, and beautiful lattice lace. The sample sizes in store in this collection are available in a size sixteen.
Wondering about their other collections? In “Bespoke” “Elope” and “Wild Hearts” you can order up to a size 20, however, be aware that in-store, samples are currently only a size 10. (The team are working on making their in-store sample range more inclusive.) The “Luxe” collection can be ordered up to a size 16, and stock of this size is carried in-store, so you can try on your exact size.
See Karen Willis Holmes across our real wedding stories here.
Photo by Bianca Virtue via Karen Willis Holmes Curve Collection
Sydney-based designer Vellos Bridal not only works with couture design, but her made-to-measure collection allows you to pick a gown from her existing collection and have it made to your measurements (over the course of several fittings). The sky is the limit with the brand able to make the gown in any size.
In-store, they have one dress per style sample size and will absorb the cost of any extras (like additional fabric) for gowns made with extended sizing. See Vellos Bridal in action across Polka Dot Wedding here.
Melbourne designer Gwendolynne has long championed extended sizing, so it’s no surprise that her beautiful beaded gowns are available in extended sizing. She even has a small “Curve” range available so you can get a sense of how the gown might fit on your body.
Gowns can be made for whatever size you need – Gwendolynne has previously s-made gowns from sizes 4-28, A cups to H cups and everything in between. In-store, she has samples from sizes 8-22 available to try on too.
Although Gwendolynne strives not to charge more for extended sizing – if there is an additional cost incurred for extras like beading fabric, extra panels, and additional details, this is passed on to the client.
Check out Gwendolynne gowns in our real stories here.
Photo via Gwendolynne “Curve” Collection
We love Lilly Bridal for their affordable, made-to-measure collections, but now we love them even more! Up to size 24, the gowns will be made to the closest standard size, and beyond size 24, the team will make your gown according to your measurements. You won’t pay any extra for extended sizing or custom measurements either.
While not every gown is available in an extended sizing sample to try on, there are select samples in extended sizing available to try on.
See Lilly Bridal across Polka Dot Wedding here.
Photo by Wolf & Wildflower via Lilly Bridal “Reborn” Wedding Gown Collection
We’re long been fans of the ethical, earth-friendly mission statement of Lost In Paris Bridal and you’ll be pleased to know, that there is no limit to the size this team can make. The brand has up to XXXL to try on (which equates to size 20) and if you’re in Australia, you can make the most of their try-on service, in the comfort of your home (check that out here).
If you need a size beyond this, the team can make their gowns to your measurements (they’ve made a size 24 with a G cup for example). There is no extra charge for extended sizing, and the entire made-to-measure process can even be conducted via Zoom and over email.
See Lost In Paris in real weddings here.
Photo by The Fox and The Bear via Alicia & Rob’s Modern Industrial Brisbane Elopement
Good news! All Tania Olsen gowns can be ordered up to a size 40 Not just a few select gowns, but every single one. With a strong value on inclusivity, this brand stocks a wide range of sizes in store across many styles, so you can try on what you love (and test out the fit) before purchasing.
Some gowns may attract a small fee for extended sizing, this is dependent on the style (expensive fabrics, for instance, may incur a fee) and availability.
See Tania Olsen gowns in our features here.
Love romantic, modern design? Australian designer Moira Hughes custom makes her pieces for each wearer so the brand will happily size up to size 20 and beyond, with no added cost.
There is a limited range to try on in-store, but the team at Moira Hughes know how to make gowns fit and can easily style the pieces to suit your size.
See Moira Hughes in action at real Polka Dot weddings here.
Australian designer Wendy Makin is stocked around the country, so we were thrilled to find out this brand strives to have inclusive sizing across all of their collection. Their “French Collection by Wendy Makin” as well as their “Ready To Wear” collections both go up to size 24. If you’re looking for a couture gown, the sky is the limit, as each gown is made to your measurements.
Ready to shop? The team also have an extensive range of extended-size gowns to try on in-store.
See Wendy Makin gowns in real weddings here.
Photo by Fontaine Photo via French by Wendy Makin ‘Fleur Sauvage’ Collection
Made WIth Love is the next brand you need to check out. Every single one of their designs can be made up to a size 30 with no extra charge.
In-store, you’ll find gowns from sizes 0-18 to try on in all of the brand’s modern, on-trend styles. The brand is stocked internationally and has even designed its brand of veils and accessories, so you can easily complete your look.
See Made With Love gowns in action here.
Aussie brand Erin Clare has just debuted their brand new “Curve” collection, and we think you’re going to love it.
Designing the gowns for maximum comfort, the samples in the “Curve” collection size 24, but because each gown is made to measure to your measurements, you can order any size you like – even with split sizing! There is a range of sizes available to try on in-store, and no additional charge for choosing the extended size range.
See Erin Clare gowns in our real wedding features here.
Oui The Label (and their sister brand, Cherie By Oui) believe that their clients shouldn’t have to purchase from separate ranges for their big day, so every gown, designed with plenty of different body shapes in mind, is available up to size 24.
In the brand’s flagship boutique, Maison Oui, you can try on samples in sizes 12 and 14, and with the help of their trained, professional stylists get all the advice on what gown and size might be right for you.
One last note about this brand? There is a fee of $30 per size above size 14.
Next on your list should be Queensland designers When Freddie Met Lily. This team don’t even work with conventional sizing because their gowns (and suits!) are made to measure, so whatever size you are, they can make – even beyond a size 22. They do have a specific collection with some of their very best sellers, called “Curve” which is designed for sizes 16-22 (and again can be made beyond that).
There are limited gowns in extended sizes available in-store, but this team will guide you through using their different gowns and pieces for inspiration, to help you’d decide on your dream piece.
See the brand on real clients in our stories here.
The boho lovers need to rejoice over this one, because Goddess By Nature does indeed create their gowns in any size, including beyond size 18+. Some of their gowns will require modification for extended sizing (features like more boning and structure, raised necklines and backs for added support), so there may be additional charges for gowns above size 16+ (these additional charges will also apply if you want to customise your gown).
In-store, their samples come in a range of sizes and are mainly in sizes 8-16+. See Goddess By Nature in action across Polka Dot Wedding here.
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Extended Size Wedding Gown Stockists
Wanting something from an international designer? Here are some of our picks for Australian retailers you need to check out.
The Brisbane team stocks Pronovias x Ashley Graham, Every Body Every Bride by Stella York & Essence of Australia just to name a few.
The store stocks samples beyond size 18 – in fact, they even have size AU30s in store for you to try on. With their custom-sized gown option, they can accommodate any size, however, if you’re looking for a specific size. from a particular designer, they have up to size AU36 available to order. There are no additional charges for extended sizes. See their gowns in actual wedding features across Polka Dot Wedding here.
From Demetrios to Cosmobella, The Sposa Group is one to visit for European (and beyond) designers. Found in multiple locations across the country (including Canberra and Melbourne) the Sposa Group stocks gowns beyond size 18 – in fact, they can order up to size 32 and have plenty of extended size samples in store for you to try on. Working with the belief that “Everyone is equal” there are no additional charges for ordering extended sizes. Check out The Sposa Group in action here.
Melbourne-based Leah S Designs have a large range of gowns in sizes 18+. The range includes the Plus Size Perfection collection which is made only for sizes 18-32. Many of the sizes in this collection are available as samples to try on. Check out our Leah S Designs features here.
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