No Seamstress Needed: Ways to Handle an Oversized Prom Dress Bust
When a prom dress is too roomy in the chest area and alterations aren't feasible, there are still several practical fixes. Whether time is short, the gown is borrowed, or tailoring costs too much, these approaches can help the dress stay in place and look good.
By Blake Reed
The bust of a prom dress needs to fit properly in order to stay up, especially while dancing.
A dress that doesn't fit well can take away from your prom night. If the bust area is too large, you may find yourself pulling the dress up repeatedly while walking or dancing, which can reduce how much you enjoy the evening. Getting a dress tailored isn't always possible. Some girls can't find time to visit a seamstress, some dresses are borrowed, and alterations often cost a lot. No matter the reason, there are still ways to make the dress work for your bust without losing the look.
Fashion Tape
Fashion tape, sometimes described as a Hollywood trick, can be used to stop the bust from gapping. Dresses that are too large in the bust, particularly strapless styles, tend to gap and slip. This double-stick tape is made to adhere to both your skin and the dress. Its adhesive holds firmly but is still gentle on the skin. The tape pieces come in skin tones, so they blend in easily if they become visible. Different sizes are available to fit various parts of the dress bust, including the sides of a strapless dress, spaghetti straps that slide off the shoulder, and the curve of a sweetheart neckline.
Safety Pinning
Safety pins can be used to adjust the dress to your bust. Put the dress on and ask a friend or your mother to gather the excess fabric at the side seams. Have her secure it with safety pins. Then take the dress off and measure how much fabric was pinned at the seam. Take out the safety pins. Turn the dress inside out so you can access the interior side seams. Gather and measure the same amount of fabric that was pinned on the outside. Pin the fabric on the inside of the dress. Make sure to use safety pins rather than straight pins, since wearing straight pins inside your dress is not safe.
Undergarments
Choosing the right undergarments may help the dress fit properly. When the bust is too large, a bra or bustier can fill the extra space. A padded bra may help the bust sit closer to your chest. If you already own a bra that works with your dress, you can buy silicone inserts to fill the space. These inserts go inside your bra and can help stop strapless dresses from sliding down.
Velcro
Sewing Velcro inside your dress is another option for a bust that is too large. Sew a strip of Velcro to the sides of the dress, under your arms. Use the soft, loopy side in case it rubs against your skin. Sew the rough side to the side of your bra. Repeat this on both sides of the dress. You can also add two small pieces on either side of your bra clasp in the back. The Velcro helps hold the dress against your body, which reduces gapping and slipping. You may need to put on the dress and the bra and have someone else mark where they meet.
