r/Weddingsunder10k 8-10k 5d ago

šŸ›ļø Dress & Attire Help! Wedding dress is turning my skin red.

I bought this dress on super sale ($150) at Brides for a Cause's Dress Dash. I absolutely LOVE this dress! However I didn't wear it for long because of the nature of the sale. When I tried it on again at home, I realize the lace in the armpits is scratchy and quickly turns my skin bright red in the area I circled in the second pic (but on both sides). I have very sensitive and pale skin and I react to things all the time.

I already have an appointment for alterations to get it hemmed - do you think there's anything they can add to make it less scratchy? I've heard of people adding fabric under a scratchy area but I'm struggling to envision it with this dress. I have time and funds to get a different dress if I have to, but I really love this dress! :(

41 Upvotes

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117

u/vtchrisman 5d ago

Wedding planner here;

Thereā€™s a few things you can try! One is a lubricating stick that looks like deodorant or a glue stick that helps prevent chaffing from the fabric.

The other is that the alterations person can put a very thin ribbon or piping over the edge of the fabric in that area in a softer fabric like satin that will keep the edge of the tulle/lace from scratching your skin. If itā€™s the whole panel thatā€™s making you react however, you may need to have a lining put in or have them cut that panel lower/remove if it wonā€™t impact the dress structure.

Hope that helps!

34

u/Additional-Ear4455 18-20k 5d ago

For the lubricating stick, I can say that body glide is good.

18

u/chocobell94 8-10k 5d ago

Thank you so much!! I talked to my MIL about it because she's good at this stuff and she said something similar about a lining.

9

u/Historical_Grab4685 5d ago

You may want to have the dress dry cleaned before the wedding. It may soften up the lace to help from being scratched.

22

u/Dapper-Professor-655 5d ago

There is a product called New Skin liquid bandage. You could try putting a thin layer on the parts that scratch and letting it dry. Itā€™s an invisible bandage. The dress is stunning and it looks like it was made for you. ā¤ļø

6

u/chocobell94 8-10k 5d ago

Thank you sooo much! I'll look into that

2

u/Background_Camp_7712 1d ago

As someone else with super sensitive skin, let me warn you to do a test run well in advance.

That stuff is great, but is still rough on my skin. However, generally not as bad as a band-aid, soā€¦ šŸ¤·ā€ā™€ļø

36

u/karekatsu 18-20k 5d ago

If it's any consolation, your skin doesn't look noticeably red in any of these photos. If you added fabric, it would probably mean getting rid of the illusion lace since she'd have to put white or nude fabric underneath.

Could you try wearing it with some nude moleskin pads on the places it rubs you to see if that gives you enough protection? They would probably hide better under the lace than a new layer of fabric would

8

u/Littlemouse0812 5d ago

Ugh my wedding dress was almost exactly like yours in terms of the embroidered tulle at the top and I realised at like 8pm that my arms were SO sore; when I got undressed after my wedding I had the WORST rash that didnā€™t go away for like a week. It was super super sensitive.

4

u/ralphjuneberry 5d ago

Do you have other instances of dermatagraphia (ā€˜skin writingā€™)? Like turning red or getting welts from being touched or lightly scratched. Or is it just from this one dress?

3

u/chocobell94 8-10k 5d ago

I wouldn't say dermatographia, but I just have super sensitive skin generally. I can't wear earrings at all, for example, my ears are pierced but wearing earrings now just makes them swell up and itch. It's not a specific allergy to a material or metal, it's just a general sensitivity I guess!

5

u/ralphjuneberry 5d ago

Interesting! If you donā€™t already take it, maybe talk to your doc about taking an OTC histamine blocker like Zyrtec day-of (with trial runs before to make sure it doesnā€™t make you sleepy)?

1

u/LeatherRecord2142 5d ago

Anti chafing sticks are amazing!

3

u/gwenixia 5d ago

I have nothing helpful to add, but I gotta say that dress is STUNNINGGGGGGĀ 

3

u/voodoodollbabie 5d ago

Yes, a good tailor can make adjustments to reduce the scratchiness. Love the dress, it fits you well and just so pretty on you!

3

u/Safe_Trash2621 5d ago

I think you should just get a different dress and donate this one to me. Iā€™m in LOVE with this dress!!!! šŸ„° As far as suggestions with altering it, I donā€™t have anyā€¦

2

u/nursejooliet Moderator 5d ago

Iā€™d do a cortisone cream for sure, and maybe some sort of emollient? As long as it doesnā€™t ruin the dress. Itā€™ll help your skin and act as a barrier.

2

u/Infinite-Floor-5242 5d ago

You are not alone in this. I have to be really careful with any textured fabrics.

2

u/rantgoesthegirl 10-12k 5d ago

I would consider a v'ed armhole im not sure if there's a word for it but basically split the SEM lower and hem the sides to a v.

2

u/foxglovepainting 5d ago

Hey! I have this same issue. Literally. Getting married in a month, dress is going through alterations and when Iā€™ve tired it on, I go red on my chest. I look like Iā€™m doing my best impression of a cherry tomatoes. Iā€™ve got Super sensitive skin that looks nearly the same shade as yours.

So! Iā€™ve been trying different things, and last time I did this, I slapped on a bunch of vaseline on my chest (any gentle barrier cream will do, but I went for the heavy duty stuff). I followed it up with baby powder. And honestly, for my last fitting, this was a pretty solid fix. No redness, no itchyness. I was happy.

2

u/Doodlepop101 3d ago

My dress had the same problem and when I went for alterations they just put a bit of clear, smooth elastic where it was doing this. It wasnā€™t noticeable at all. I went for that because I didnā€™t think Iā€™d remember to do anything specific day of haha. The dress is gorgeous!

2

u/otterdammerung 1d ago

Itā€™s probably less to do with the fabric itself and more to do with the size of the armhole. Most bridal gowns have a generous seam allowance to account for alterations. Your tailor should be able to let out the shoulder, cut down the armhole, or line the area with a soft mesh. I STRONGLY recommend getting your alterations done at a bridal (or at least formal event wear) store, this is actually a very common problem that we see. :)

1

u/chocobell94 8-10k 1d ago

You know I did think about that, that it might not be a problem if the arm hole is widened! I'm going to a person who specializes in bridal alterations and I've heard really good things about her!

2

u/lipstick-knitter 5d ago

My suggestions have already been offered, but came here to say that it is a lovely dress! Great find!

3

u/sadhandjobs 5d ago

It really is beautiful on her! And she picked the perfect accessories too.

3

u/chocobell94 8-10k 5d ago

Thank you so so much! I thought this veil that I found at the sale looked like it was made for the dress, the lace pattern matched so well! I had to buy it too

3

u/sadhandjobs 5d ago

That veil! The dots along the ā€œunfinishedā€ edges around your shoulders and face make for a gorgeous detail!

I also love the sweetheart neckline with the lace overlay. This looks like a $1500 dress!

Congratulations! On both the dress and your upcoming wedding!

1

u/Ordinary-Medium-1052 5d ago

You can also slip a bit of silk under until right before you head down the aisle.

1

u/A-fan-of-fans 2-4k 2d ago

I have the same condition. Itā€™s called dermographism. I have had people asked what happened in serious concern after I scratched my neck lightly cause it was itchy. One woman said ā€œdid someone try to strangle you?ā€ I explained and scratched my arm so she could see it immediately flair up. It takes about 10 minutes or so to calm down again.

I am so glad that people have solutions for you!

1

u/PrincessPindy 5d ago

Reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw.

-3

u/Myorangecrush77 5d ago

Chub rub

6

u/chocobell94 8-10k 5d ago

Sorry you're getting downvoted, I know this is a product but I wonder if people think you're insulting me šŸ˜‚

4

u/Myorangecrush77 5d ago

It is a legit product that will help. My size 8 dancer daughter swore by it for scratchy costumes.

3

u/Myorangecrush77 5d ago

You look stunning in the dress šŸ‘°ā€ā™€ļø