What is a Muslin Fitting in the Custom Design Process?

A Custom or Couture Design Gown usually starts with a personal design consultation.   The beauty of custom is that fit adjustments and design changes can be made along the way.  After deciding on the the details & silhouette of the wedding dress, the First fitting will entail the Muslin fitting shell (the cotton woven fabric).  The Muslin fitting gives the bride an initial glance of the entire design.  With the Muslin, the designer will check seams, fit and ease.  The designer will also balance the design and judge the garment from all angles when the bride is standing, sitting and walking.


When perfected, the Muslin is used as the pattern for the choice of luxurious fabric.  Once sampled in the final fabric, minor fit adjustments are the norm as muslin does not have the same characteristics as the final fabric.   During this time, our guest can view placement of desired embellishments (lace, appliqué, beading or other trim) and make judgment positioning. 

On average, there are 3 to 4 fittings.  Additional fittings may be needed to perfect the final gown depending on the complexity of the style. 

Things to consider

*Timing: 6months to 1 year for custom &/or couture

*Ample time to review & select fabrics

*Availability of fabrics & embellishments

*Components of the dress may need to be sent out (such as bodice for hand beading or custom embroidery)

*Some gowns require special treatments (such as machine pleating, which is usually done off-site)

When your wedding day arrives and you walk down the aisle in a dress that reflects your YOUnique personality, that flatters your features, is comfortable and fits you to a tee, the value of the custom made dress will be apparent.