As the designer and hand maker of stylish wedding garters, I'm often asked the size of my wedding garters. (Not a huge surprise there!) Brides are worried about their garter fitting them properly on their wedding day. However, this question goes a little deeper, as most brides are worried about the size of their garter because they are concerned about the size of their thighs. What girl isn't?
Unlike everyday clothes where sizing can be inconsistent and frustrating, bridal fashion — including your garter — is all about your measurements, not a number - and I'm sharing everything!
Up next in my wedding garter 101 blog series is the issue of garter sizing and how if you have a garter that fits you properly the size of your thighs won't matter (Truth!) Also, if you have any questions about all things wedding and fashion, be sure to get my free The Ultimate Bridal Fashion Timeline - this is everything for brides to know what to when so they don't miss out.
In this wedding planning advice series, I answer questions about bridal garters, wedding fashion for the bride and more, so be sure to look through if you have more questions. I discuss everything from wearing the garter to saving the garter to passing it on as a modern heirloom!
Let't talk all about wedding garter sizes, shall we. Here are answers to some of the most popular questions that I get when it comes to sizing and picking the right size for a bridal garter.
If you don't see your question answered, you are welcome to check out The Garter Girl's FAQ page and email me anytime at info@thegartergirl.com.
If you’re wondering what size wedding garter to order or if you’re worried you might be too big or too petite for one, you are so not alone. Brides ask me about garter sizing all the time — not just because they want a good fit, but because they’re concerned about their thighs, their body type, or feeling confident on their wedding day.
Let’s take a moment to reset the pressure and remind you what this is really about.
This isn’t about squeezing into something that wasn’t made for you. At The Garter Girl, every wedding garter is made to order - by hand, by me - and custom sizing is always available. I’ve worked with thousands of brides over the last 20+ years, and I promise you, your legs are beautiful and worthy of something that fits you.
You deserve a garter that feels just right. I always say that the only size I carry here at The Garter Girl is yours! It's not a joke or some funny tagline that I just made up because I thought it was cute.
From the minute I started designing wedding garters, it was never about sizing and I never wanted brides to even think about sizing, it was always about having something beautiful and special as a wedding heirloom.
I have the luxury of making wedding garters in any size. However, I do need to give you a place to start with a standardization in sizing. My ready-to-ship, pre-designed wedding garters are now available in three standard sizes:
But here’s the real truth: there's nothing standard about you or anyone else in this world!
If none of those sizes feel quite right or if you're not sure, Ialways recommend ordering a size up - it's better for it to be a bit too loose than too tight.
If you find that the standard sizes don't work for you, it's no problem at all. I will adjust it to fit you perfectly. No extra charge. No extra stress. Custom sizing is part of what I do, and it’s one of the things that makes The Garter Girl different. Whether you’re plus-size, petite, or somewhere in between, your wedding garter will be made just for you.
Photo Credit: Bonnie Sen Photography
Let’s pause for a sec and talk about something that trips up so many brides: shopping for wedding fashion is completely different than shopping for your everyday clothes.
In the world of bridal, your size doesn’t mean what you think it does. For example, if you’re typically a size 6 in everyday, street clothes, you might be a size 10 or 12 in a wedding dress — not because anything changed about you, but because bridal sizing is notoriously different (and honestly, a little outdated).
The point is:it’s not about your size number — it’s about your actual body.
And that applies to your wedding garter too.
I hand make every single garter to fit your measurements, not a random tag. You’re not squeezing into something made for the masses. Your garter is made for you — just as you are.
Let’s be real — shopping for everyday clothes (hello, jeans!) can feel like a nightmare. Every designer has a different cut, the sizing is all over the place, and you end up trying on 14 pairs just to leave the store feeling… defeated.
That’s not what bridal is about.
When you're the bride, this is your time to feel confident, celebrated, and supported. Wedding fashion — from your dress to your garter — is made-to-order. It’s not mass-produced. And it’s not here to make you question yourself.
So if you’re used to the frustration of everyday shopping, consider this your permission to let. that. go. You don’t need to “fit in” — your wedding garter will be made to fit you, beautifully and effortlessly.
Speaking of too loose or too tight, if you're worried about your garter not fitting you the best thing you can do is to move it around.
When I make a garter, my intention is that you'll be able to move your garter up or down your leg depending on what feels good to you. So, if it is too tight, move it down lower in your leg, closer to your knee. If it is too tight, pull it up a little higher to the widest part of your leg.
You want your garter to be snug enough that it won't fall down when you're walking down the aisle or jumping around on the dance floor, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or leaves a painful mark.
The best thing you can do? Try your garter in well before your wedding day to make sure there are no size issues. Move it up to make it fit more snug, and move it down to loosen it up. And if there are problems or questions, that's when you get in touch with me and we'll figure it out.
I hand make all of my garters to order, regardless of whether they were ordered from my wedding garter collection or if they are custom designs. This means that I don't carry inventory. I make each garter order individually after it is placed.
Yes, I hand make each and every garter that passes through my studio!
When you place an order, I'm not taking something off the shelf and shipping to you. Instead, I'm hand making it for you and starting the process from the very beginning. So, adjusting the size to fit you perfectly - just as you are - is no problem!
My hope is that you'll move your garter up or down your leg depending on what feels good to you. For some that might be higher up the leg and for others that might be lower closer to your knee.
But again, I can, and I do, make wedding garters in all sizes to perfectly match any bride's size. Even though this is a standard size, I realize that there isn't a standard size bride!
Just like a wedding dress, my garters are made-to-order. If you have a wedding garter that is made to fit you just perfectly for your size, it doesn't matter how big or small your legs are. The garter will be made for you! It won't be too tight, it won't pinch and it won't look all funny. The garter will be made for you and will make your legs look amazing because its was custom sized to fit you!
If you want your bridal garter to fit just right on your wedding day, measure the area around on your leg where you want to wear your garter. I generally recommend wearing your garter just above your knee at the narrowest part of your leg on either leg, left or right. This way the garter won't rub on your other leg while you're walking or dancing.
To measure, get a soft measuring tape or use a piece of string, stand up and then hold the measuring tape around where you want to wear it. Whatever size you measure is the size that you should order. If you're using a string or something without measurements on it, simply take that string and hold it against a ruler to get your measurement number. You can certainly have a friend help measure you, but it is not required, you can certainly measure yourself.
For example, if where you want to wear your garter is measuring at 18 inches around, you would be fine ordering a size small in my standard sizing. However, I generally recommend that you order a size if there any questions or concerns. Because a small fits 14 to 18 inches, in this example of a bride measuring at 18 inches, I would recommend ordering a medium to be on the safe size.
You want your garter to be snug, but not too tight. If you need to move the garter up to be tighter or move it lower down the leg to fit your better, you should do that!
Wondering how to know if your wedding garter will fit? It’s simple, measure using the steps above. I recommend wearing your garter just above the knee. It’s the most comfortable, least likely to rub, and works with just about every wedding dress style.
If you're still asking yourself, "How far up my leg should I wear my garter?" — the answer is wherever it feels good to you. Most brides find just above the knee to be the sweet spot. Not too high, not too low.
And remember, sizing up is always better if you’re in-between sizes or are unsure — I’ll make it work perfectly.
The most important tip that I'll give you about wedding garters and size is that no matter what garter and what size you order, make sure that you try it on - in advance of your wedding.
When you order your garter (ideally 2 to 3 months before your wedding!), do not put it away and forget about it until wedding morning. No! Get it out, open it up and try it on! Make sure that it fits and it's comfortable.
The last thing you want is to put it on on wedding morning and find out that it doesn't fit or there is some issue. Problems, issues, and concerns can be dealt with prior to your wedding with little drama. But, on your wedding morning, the solutions are tougher to come by because you're under such a time crunch.
When it comes to wedding garters and finding the right size, it is critical that brides make sure you try on your wedding garter before your wedding day.
Let’s be honest. So many brides worry about how they look in their dress, in photos, and yes, even in their wedding garter. But you are not too anything — not too big, not too small, not too different. You areyou, and that’s enough. Actually, it’s more than enough.
Your garter isn’t about a number. It’s about a feeling. Confidence. Sentiment. Beauty. This tiny heirloom is meant to celebrate who you are, not hide or change it. Whether it’s something blue, something passed down, or something just because you love it, your wedding garter should feel like you.
I believe your wedding garter should be one of the easiest, most joyful parts of planning. And I’ll do everything I can to make sure it is.
If you’re still unsure or need help choosing a size, please reach out. I’m always here to help you feel your best. No pressure. No judgment.
If you’re searching for answers to “What size wedding garter should I order?” or “How do I know if a garter will fit me?” or “What if I’m too plus-size or too petite for a garter?” — you're in the right spot.
The Garter Girl offers three different standard sizes (Small: fits 14–18 inches;Medium: fits 19–23 inches; andLarge: fits 24–27 inches). If one of the standard sizes won't fit you or you have any concerns, custom sizing is always available and always free.
If you're still unsure about your garter size? Order a size up. It's better to be safe than uncomfortable.
No matter your body, your shape, or your insecurities, you deserve a wedding heirloom that you'll love forever. And The Garter Girl, I make that happen.
As with all wedding day accessories, it is best to do as much research as you can. You want to get a wedding garter that fits and that you love so that your wedding garter is a beautiful wedding day keepsake.
Shop The Garter Girl's full collection of handmade, made-to-order wedding garters or contact me for help creating a custom wedding design. I’m here to make this process feel personal, stylish, and 100% stress-free.
Your wedding day should feel like you — and your garter should too.
Don't forget that I put together the most amazing free resource for you so that you wouldn't be overwhelmed with your wedding day fashion. Be sure to get your free copy of The Ultimate Bridal Fashion Timeline.
You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.