Ask Angie and all: Tadashi dress 2 sizes showdown

Here is the downsized
Tadashi Shoji dress. So it’s easier to discuss, the smaller is the 2 and
original is 4.

Pics 1-2—size 2

Pics 3-4—size 4

Now I’ve got a quandary! The 2 fits better in many ways but is, mmmm,
tighter. Sleeves slimmer and arm-motion because armholes are higher. Plus really wants
a flat abdomen. But maybe it looks more like it is supposed to.

The 4 is more comfortable and is more forgiving , but it’s now easier to see it would really need
some alteration to look best-- side seam bodice and likely taper a little into
the skirt. So since it’s lace overlay and the lace pattern is thick, I fret a
little over whether it would come out smoothly. The dresses are well-made as-is
and the seams lie nicely.

Funny note and kudos to kkards for
thinking the originally posted dress looked navy—it appears it is/was
navy! Angie’s holiday photos gave off a definite
blue glow, and in the stock photos the ink and black look different, but in indoor light at least, these do not. I
ordered the black as well just to compare and I can barely
tell them apart.

I tried them on in a big rush and so may do more walking
and bending. Really I have to decide on the comfort factor or whether I was just in lounge-wear mode at the time!

Angie since you know how it fits when on, maybe you have some wisdom from that plus the photos here. And from any other fabbers, I’d appreciate critique of whether one or the other just declares itself—e.g., does the 2 look skimpy ? The 4 fluid or frump? or alteration cautions.

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11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

2 does not look skimpy to me. I would sit in it, bend, stretch, walk around, and see how it feels. If it is really pulling or uncomfortable, obviously that is your answer. But on the bare look of the thing, I'd say that size works much better for you. And it would be nice not to have to alter.

Anonymous

My gosh that's a beautiful dress on you! I honestly can't detect much difference - if at all - between the 2 and 4 based on these pictures. I do think that the comfort in the arms and shoulder area is key because lace, as we all know, does not stretch . Nothing worse than being uncomfortable in a formal dress.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

YES. The dress is BLUE. One of the reasons I bought it.

I prefer the fit of the size 2 in these pics. I wear my dress a little looser all round I think - see photos below. I am VERY comfy in my dress. Could do a yoga class in it. Does that help?

It's either keep the 2 or alter the 4. It's a killer frock. You should get it. xo

unfrumped

Suz, thank you. Will be doing some re-tries.
lisap, that's it--the armholes are snug. Hmm
Angie, thanks for re-viewing. I'm between sizes! I actually can move fine in the sense of the style of the dress--it's actually great compared with a sheath style-- but I can tell the smaller size is less relaxed. Maybe I would take the larger to the tailor for a preview--thought I know she will say she can do it. I'm stuck because I like how the 2 looks in a static sense, but am a bit worried it has no forgiveness. I can argue myself back and forth on this one.

Thistle

Do you have a tailor you trust? I love Angie's ability to do yoga in hers! Sounds like you need the 4 for comfort with a touch of tailoring.

Caro in Oz

They both look fantastic. Just my 2c but I would be very cautious about a garment that felt "snug" anywhere, they were the clothes I changed out of before leaving the house. Or worse still felt wrong in all day or night

It sounds like the perfect fit would be the altered version of the size 4. Sorry. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. Blast.

Firecracker (Sharan)

It looks like the alterations are mainly needed in the bodice, as you suggest, which may not involve removing the skirt from the waistband. But because it's lined, the alterations may be rather involved. I like your idea of taking the dresses in to your tailor and having a look at them there. And I would take both, to get the tailor's opinion. You don't want to end up paying someone to basically make the 4 fit like a 2!

Jaime

The dress looks fantastic and Sharan's advice to take the 4 to a tailor for an assessment makes sense. Good luck!

kkards

love. love. love this dress. totally agree with suggestions to get a professional option on the tailoring.
and thanks for the call out----navy being my favorite, but black also being a predominate color in my wardrobe, i can't tell you the number of times i've had had to take something to the window (or outside) to tell what color it was.

Karie

Is the 2 a little snug in the waist? It doesn't necessarily look snug, just like it fits exactly (but that could be the photo). Personally, I dislike anything that is snug in the arms - it makes me feel like the garment is too small all over, even if the rest of it fits fine. I also prefer the flow-ier (is that a word?) fit of the skirt in the 4. Also, a good tailor should be able to do the alterations to the bust with no problem. Find one that specializes in wedding dresses, they work a lot with lace.

Alassë

Beautiful dress! I like the fit of 2, but comfort is key, so I second the see-the-tailor suggestions.

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