What to Do if Plus Size Islamic Wedding Dresses Don't Fit?

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with love and joy, but it can also come with its challenges. For plus size brides, finding the perfect dress often feels like an uphill battle, especially within pre-made Islamic fashion. Most of our plus size Islamic wedding dresses at Hijabi Bridal go up to a size 42 or 44 bust, but what if your chest size is bigger, or if your hips or tummy are in different proportions to the dress?

If you're a bride over size 42 and struggling to find a plus size Muslim wedding dress that fits perfectly, there's no need to worry! You can create your dream bridal gown by using our sister site Islamic Fashion Patterns for Muslim dress patterns in plus sizes.

In this guide, we'll show you how to effectively use any semi-stitched Islamic lehenga with this bridal Muslim dress pattern, that goes up to US size 30, to design a beautiful, personalized, plus size Muslim wedding dress that you'll wear with pride on your special day.

Understanding Printable Muslim Dress Patterns PDFs

Muslim dress pattern sketch for plus size brides from Islamic Fashion Patterns

The Muslim dress pattern from Islamic Fashion Patterns requires intermediate to expert sewing ability. It's printable, meaning you'll print and assemble it before using it. As a general tip: Read through all your instructions first, and take it slowly so you don't get overwhelmed in the process.

So now you know the hard part! If you can sew or you know someone who does, using a Muslim dress pattern opens eternal horizons for plus size Muslim brides. Choose any of Hijabi Bridal's semi-stitched lehengas to get started.

Green Flower Bridal Lehenga Islamic

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Because a semi-stitched lehenga comes with a meter of blouse fabric, you can use it create high necklines and long sleeves. You might need to purchase two lehengas to have enough fabric. Between two meters of blouse fabric and the extra dupatta, this is more than possible! Then cut and connect the two skirts in one. Don't forget a petticoat so that it flows!

Selecting Your Fabric and Style

Most bridal lehengas are in chiffon, velvet, silk or georgette fabric and they tend to be heavily embroidered with a matching heavy dupatta. Chiffon adds flow and elegance. For a more structured look, try silk or satin, velvet or georgette. Just make sure your fabric choice fits the season.

Using Unstitched Blouse Fabrics

Unstitched blouse fabric is another wonderful opportunity for customization. Here's how to effectively use this element:

1. Take Accurate Measurements: Ensure you have precise measurements of your bust, waist and hips so that you choose the right size pattern. This is a fitted pattern that will hug your curves. Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect fit. If you're petite, the waist of the pattern will be shorter so that it fits well.

   
   

2. Cut and Sew: The lehenga blouse usually has embroidery that's different from the skirt, but matches it. Consider using part of the extra dupatta to make your sleeves longer.

   
   

3. Incorporate Your Style: This is your wedding dress! Make sure the embroidery, lace and color that reflect who you are.

   
   

Prepare the Lehenga/Skirt

Because the lehengas on Hijabi Bridal are semi-stitched, the skirts are pre-stitched half circles. This means you can adjust the waist, the sew only one seam to make the skirt. For our plus size Muslim wedding dress, we'll use another seam to connect it with the blouse later on.

1. Try It on First: Put on the constructed blouse part of the dress. Then also try on the semi-stitched lehenga to check the fit. If you're wearing two skirts, use the ties to connect them. What you're looking for is the height of your waist, and whether you need to bring the skirt up or down from the waist. Mark the blouse with tailor's chalk.

   
   

2. Adjust Waist Width: Now measure your lehenga skirt against the waist of the skirt pattern. Cut darts into the skirt if it's too big, so that it matches exactly. This won't be too difficult because the pattern is a circle skirt with two halves, front and back.
   

3. Adjust Length: If you need to lengthen your skirt, it's best to use a matching fabric to do so. Use the skirt pattern pieces to cut the front and back circles longer, according to the length you need. Then you can sew your new pieces as a lining that shows on the bottom. If you need it shorter, take it up by hand above the hem line. Iron the inches you're taking up so it will be easier not to lose your place.
   

4. Sew the skirt: Sew the skirt seams at the sides. Don't sew the hem just yet, though, just in case you need to make an adjustment later.

   
   

Connect Blouse and Skirt

Now it's just a matter of connecting the blouse with the skirt. To make it as neat as possible, hand sew the seam first then follow the same seam line with a machine.

Final Fittings

Try on your new dress! Plus size Muslim wedding dresses usually need several fittings, so don't despair if it's not quite accurate. Use pins to tuck the fabric just right then sew those areas. Hem it at the end to make sure it's just the right length.

Drape Your Dupatta and Add Accessories

Add your hijab, and drape a dupatta or two to get the exact look you're after. Then you're ready for your jewelry, slippers or shoes and halal nails. Aim for accessories that echo the colors and fabrics of your dress while keeping the overall look cohesive.

Final Thoughts

Sewing tools neatly arranged for the dressmaking process.

Shopping for plus size Islamic wedding dresses can be challenging. However, using Muslim sewing patterns alongside semi-stitched lehengas and unstitched blouse fabric empowers you to create a personalized, flattering outfit.

Remember that your comfort and confidence are paramount on your big day. With creativity and effort, you can turn your vision into a remarkable reality, proudly showcasing a dress that celebrates your unique style.

So gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the exciting process of creating your dream wedding dress.