If you keep tugging your strapless gown up in the mirror, the dress isn’t fitted where it needs to be. A strapless gown is held up at your waist, the narrowest part of your body. Fit it there, and the natural curve of your body holds the gown in place, so you can hug, dance and raise your arms without a second thought.
Why a strapless gown slips
- The waist is too loose. This is the main cause. If the bodice isn’t snug at your natural waist, nothing stops it sliding down.
- The skirt pulls it down. A full skirt, a long train or heavy beading pulls on the bodice all day.
- The bust is too big. Sometimes it is, and it may need adjusting too, but a loose bust is rarely what makes the dress slip.
How we keep it up
- Take in the waist. This is almost always the first step, and part of standard bridal alterations. A bodice that’s snug at your natural waist rests on the curve of your body, so the weight of the skirt can’t pull it down any further.
- Add a waist stay, extra boning, or both, if taking in the waist isn’t enough on its own. A waist stay is a length of grosgrain ribbon tacked inside at the waist and hooked closed before the zipper does up. It anchors the gown at your waist and takes strain off the zipper. Extra boning adds support and keeps the bodice upright. We quote boning in person, once we see how your gown is built.
- Adjust the bust if it needs it. Taking in the bust can still be part of the fit. But we’re careful not to take in the bust or ribcage too much. Over-tightening there makes the back of the gown look visibly too tight, and the dress still slips.
If you still want more security, straps or sleeves can be added. See adding straps to your wedding dress or our detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves.
At your fitting
Wear the bra or shapewear you plan to wear on the day, and your wedding shoes. Then move the way you will at the wedding: raise your arms, sit, hug, take a few dance steps. A strapless bodice that only fits while you stand still is not finished. Our guide on what to bring to your first bridal fitting has the full list.