How to Make a Dress Bigger Without Sewing

Do you ever find yourself in the middle of a night out when you realize that dress just doesn’t fit quite right? You stare at your reflection in horror – is it really too tight, or have you been indulging a little too much lately?

How to Make a Dress Bigger Without Sewing

Either way – don’t panic! It isn’t time to go home and lie down in defeat. Here’s the good news: making a dress bigger without sewing is totally doable, and we’ll show you how to make a dress bigger without sewing. Read on for all the tips and tricks necessary to save that dress from snugness so your night can jump back into action.

Why Do You Need to Make a Dress Bigger Without Sewing?

There are a few reasons why you might need to increase the size of a dress without sewing. Perhaps it shrunk in the wash, or you’ve lost weight since purchasing it. Maybe you bought something online and it just doesn’t fit quite right. Or maybe you borrowed a dress from a friend and didn’t expect it to be so snug. Whatever the reason, there’s no need to stress because we’ve got your back. It’s time to learn how to make a dress bigger without sewing!

Needed Materials

  • Hair Elastic Bands
  • Dress Clips
  • Safety Pins
  • Button Extender
  • Body Tape
  • Fabric Stretch Spray

12 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make a Dress Bigger Without Sewing

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The first step to making a dress bigger without sewing is to gather all the necessary materials. This will ensure that you have everything you need on hand and won’t have to pause midway through the process. Check the list above and make sure you have all the items required before moving on to step 2. If not, make a quick trip to the store or borrow from a friend.

Step 2: Make Sure You Have Enough Room

Before trying any of the hacks, make sure you have enough room in the dress for it to be expanded. If there’s no extra fabric or give, it will be difficult to make it bigger without sewing. Keep this in mind when choosing which method to try. But don’t worry, most of these techniques will work for dresses with little to no stretch as well. It’s all about the right technique and tools. You got this!

Step 3: Use Hair Elastic Bands

One of the easiest hacks for making a dress bigger without sewing is using hair elastic bands. Simply take two or three hair elastics and loop them through each other to create a larger band. Then, place the band around the button on your dress and hook it onto the buttonhole. This will add extra room to your dress and also ensure it stays in place. It’s a simple and discreet way to make your dress bigger without sewing.

Using Hair Elastic Bands

Step 4: Try Dress Clips

Another simple solution is using dress clips. These can be found at most fabric or craft stores and are designed to temporarily hold the fabric in place. Clip the dress clips onto the sides of your dress, pulling the fabric slightly to create extra room.

This is a great hack for dresses with thicker or stiffer material. It also allows for easy adjustment throughout the night if needed. You can also use safety pins for a similar effect.

Step 5: Invest in a Button Extender

If your dress has buttons, you can purchase a button extender to add extra room. These are small pieces of fabric with additional buttons that can be attached to the existing buttons on your dress. They come in various sizes and colors, making it easy to find one that matches your dress. Simply attach the extender to the buttons and voila – instant extra room! The best part is, they are reusable and can be used on multiple dresses.

Step 6: Use Body Tape

Body tape is a great solution for dresses with low-cut necklines or openbacks that may feel too tight. Simply place strips of body tape on either side of the fabric and press them together, creating a temporary seam. This will give you extra room without altering the dress permanently.

Just be sure to remove the tape carefully so as not to damage the fabric. This hack is also great for dresses that have slipped off the shoulders – just use the tape to hold them in place. You can find body tape at most drugstores or online.

Step 7: Try Fabric Stretch Spray

Fabric stretch spray is a product specifically designed to add stretch to clothing. Simply spray it on the areas of your dress that need some room, and then gently pull on the fabric to expand it. The spray will help the fabric to relax and stretch, making it more comfortable for you.

Just be sure to use a small amount at a time, as too much spray can cause the fabric to become too loose. Otherwise, this is a great option for quickly making a dress bigger without sewing.

Step 8: Use a Hair Dryer

For dresses made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, you can try using a hair dryer to expand the fabric. Simply spray the tight areas with water, then use the hair dryer on low heat to gently stretch the fabric.

Hair Dryer to Expand the Fabric

Make sure to keep the hair dryer at least 6 inches away from the fabric and move it around constantly to avoid burning or damaging the dress. It may take a few attempts to get the fit just right, but it’s a simple and effective solution.

Step 9: Steam It

Another way to make a dress bigger without sewing is by steaming it. This method is best for dresses with minimal stretch, as the steam will help to relax the fabric and make it easier to move. Use a steamer or an iron on the steam setting, aiming at the tight areas of your dress. You can also use a damp towel between the steamer/iron and the dress for more protection.

It may take a few rounds of steaming to get the desired result. If you don’t have a steamer or iron, you can also try hanging the dress in the bathroom while taking a steamy shower.

Step 10: Wear Shapewear

Shapewear can also be a helpful solution for making dresses bigger without sewing. By wearing a bodysuit or shaping underwear, you can smooth out any bulges and create extra room in the dress. Just make sure to choose shapewear that is comfortable and fits well underneath your dress.

Although this hack won’t actually make the dress bigger, it will give you a more comfortable and flattering fit. You can also combine this method with the others for even better results.

Step 11: Add a Belt

Adding a belt to your dress can also help create extra room without sewing. Simply place the belt on your waist or hips and pull up the fabric of the dress over top of it. This will create a blousy effect, giving you more room in the dress without altering it permanently.

Adding a Belt to Your Dress

You can also use a scarf or ribbon as a makeshift belt if needed. You can even try layering multiple belts for a unique and trendy look. It’s a quick and easy hack that can make a big difference.

Step 12: Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different solutions. For example, you can use a hair tie as a temporary hem at the bottom of your dress or wrap a scarf around your waist to add extra room to the hips. You can also mix and match different techniques to find the best solution for your dress. Just remember to have fun and be open to experimenting!

With these tips on how to make a dress bigger without sewing, you can make any dress bigger without sewing and rock your outfit with confidence. So go ahead, try out these hacks and  never let a too-tight dress ruin your day!

Tips for Making a Dress Bigger Without Sewing

Use Elastic Bands

Elastic bands are a great way to add some extra room to a dress without sewing. Simply purchase some wide elastic bands and place them around the waistline of the dress, as high or low as you need them. This will give the dress some stretch and allow for more room without altering the original garment.

Add a Belt

Another simple solution is to add a belt to your dress. Not only will this add some extra style, but it can also help make the dress bigger. Simply wrap the belt around your waist and adjust it to fit comfortably, giving you a little extra breathing room in the dress.

Try Safety Pins

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any other options available, safety pins can be a lifesaver. Simply pin them on either side of the zipper or along the seams to create some extra space in the dress. Just make sure to hide them well so they aren’t visible when wearing the dress.

Safty Pins Create Some Extra Space in the Dress

Use a Hair Tie

If you have a dress with adjustable straps, try using a hair tie to extend the length of the straps. Simply loop the hair tie around one end of the strap and then attach it to the other end, creating a longer strap that will give you some extra room in the dress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can These Hacks Work on All Types of Dresses?

A: Yes, most of the hacks mentioned can be applied to different types of dresses, including formal, casual, and even wedding dresses. Just make sure to choose the right method for your specific dress material and design.

Q: Will These Hacks Damage My Dress?

A: As long as you are careful and follow the instructions, these hacks should not cause any damage to your dress. However, it is always a good idea to test them on a small inconspicuous area first before trying them on the whole dress.

Q: Can These Hacks Be Reversed?

A: Most of these hacks are temporary and can be easily reversed, such as removing the hair elastics or dress clips. The only semi-permanent solution is using a button extender, but these can also be removed if needed. However, using fabric stretch spray may slightly alter the fabric and make it more stretchy even after washing, so keep that in mind.

Using Fabric Stretch Spray

Q: Can I Use These Hacks on Dresses That Are Too Small?

A: These hacks are meant for dresses that are slightly too tight or just need a bit more room. If your dress is significantly smaller than your size, these may not work as well or may cause damage to the dress. In that case, it may be better to consider getting the dress altered or finding a different size.  So, be realistic about your expectations and don’t try these hacks on dresses that are too small or ill-fitting for you.

Conclusion

That’s it – you now know how to make a dress bigger without sewing and can save a dress from tightness any time of the night. We’ve shown you how to achieve this with wax, tape, safety pins, and even changing up your accessories. So next time you reach for that close-fitting dress, remember that there are options – no need to go home just yet!

If you still find yourself stuck in a fashion emergency with no easy solution in sight, don’t hesitate to get creative and break out the DIY spirit by making adjustments on your own. With these tips in mind, you can hit the dance floor looking like a diva without feeling confined or uncomfortable. Go ahead: put it out there and show off that unique look!

Photo of author

Jennifer Branett

Leave a Comment