We get the question or comment in various forms . . . .

• The dress just doesn’t hang right.  There’s something wrong with one of the shoulder straps on each side (but we check - and there’s only one strap in the design).
• The dress seems to fit perfectly except the bodice is all bunched up at the top.
• The dress just doesn’t lay on her shoulders right

There are other versions, but it always comes down to one thing — the hanger loops.

Hanger loops are ribbon loops (or similar fabric) that are stitched inside the garment attached to the main part.  The purpose is to keep the weight of the garment from hanging on delicate shoulder straps (like spaghetti straps - but really, any shoulder area).  They help the garment keep its shape when hanging.

Better women’s dresses have always had these but truth is - most children’s garment manufacturers just don’t bother.

Why?

Well for one, many are more price-conscious than quality-conscious.  That makes sense.

And, the garments are far lighter weight for the most part.

And they’re likely to only be worn once.  But not always . . . .

Most of our dresses and gowns are of very high quality.  The majority have the underpinnings built right in - crinolines, linings, etc.  Even our economy dresses are made to higher-than-normal standards. They can be a bit weighty.

Most of our dresses and gowns (larger than infant sizes) come with hanger loops.  We ALWAYS use these loops to help support the garment on the hanger.

But most people aren’t used to this quality in a child’s garment.  So ultimately, some slip those hanger loops over the child’s shoulders when trying the dress on — and the result really looks odd.

Because the hanger loops aren’t intended to be worn - they should just hang loose inside the garment while she is wearing it — to be used again when you hang it up.

It’s that simple.

It’s a bit embarrassing to our customers when we explain this.  We understand.

It’s not the dress or the fit.  It’s just the hanger loops.

Anything new for the tiniest girls?  Toddlers?

Absolutely!

Perhaps she is going to be a Flower Girl in a Spring garden wedding - or she will be attending a wedding - or she will be at a wonderful party - there are so many occasions coming up.

These aren’t your typical baby dresses!  Yet they are perfectly age-appropriate for little girls.

And, they come in fresh Spring colors.

See all in our Baby & Toddler Dresses Department of our Girls Dresses & Gowns Boutique.

Getting a First Communion dress is something that most families plan plenty of time to accomplish.

But families with boys making their First Communion often don’t realize the need to shop early.

The biggest issue is when they need either white pants or a white suit.

Why?

Because manufacturers only order so much white fabric - then cut and sew so many white pants and white suits - and that’s it for the year.  There won’t be any more.

How does this affect families with boys making their First Communion?

The longer you wait to look for white pants or a white suit - the less likely it is to be available.  Yes, every year in March - April - May - June we hear from panic-stricken parents desperately trying to find white pants and white suits.

Thing is this - if they’re no longer available for the year, that’s it.

And they go FAST.

Folks with boys who need larger sizes including Husky sizes seem to be the last ones to contact us for some unknown reason.  Do you have ideas or suggestions why?

Bottom line is that we ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHOP EARLY.  Get what you need and avoid all stress so you can focus on the importance of this very special event in your child’s life.

Getting the right clothes shouldn’t be an issue.  Don’t let time pass by unnoticed and suddenly create a crisis for you.

Find terrific choices in suits - separates and tuxedos for boys in our Boys Suits & Tuxedos Boutique.

Of course - not every boy will be wearing white.   It is always good practise to shop early, though.

Can a First Communion dress double as a flower girl dress?  Or the reverse?

Absolutely!  There’s no doubt about it!

It is very popular for a flower girl to wear a white dress.  It can be accented with a color to coordinate with the wedding party in several ways. See “Simple Tips to Coordinate Your Flower Girl Dresses“.

This only works if the bride is wearing a white dress, of course.  If she is wearing an off-white color (or a silk dress, which is always a shade darker than bright white), she won’t want her flower girls in a white dress.  Whoever is in the darker shade will look dingy - and you certainly don’t want it to be the bride!

Is there actually a trendy Communion dress for the fashioneista?

Yes — there are definitely some great choices in our Modern Communion Dresses Department!

Some young ladies are becoming quite sophisticated these days and we have some marvelous choices for them!

Be sure to check out the Modern Communion Dresses  - links to all our Communion dresses departments can be found on this page.

Why shop on line?

According to Nielsen Online, shoppers say:

• 76% love the ability to shop 24 hours a day (and we’re right here for you!)

• 74% mention time savings as a key factor for choosing on line shopping.

Those numbers don’t “add up”, of course, because there are more than one wonderful reasons for shopping on line - and we have it all!

Imagine the frustration of dragging from store to store with child in tow looking for First Communion dresses, Communion suits or Flower Girl dresses!  It could be raining or snowing or you simply don’t have a lot of time . . . then you find the same thing in store after store, then have to try on . . . .

Tempers flare.  Everybody gets irritable.  Perhaps there’s a bit of whining –

Now imagine that you could be sitting together in the comfort of your own home with snacks!  You can get up and run to the restroom or answer the phone or anything else while you’re shopping.  You can even shop alone then email or save the ones you really like to show the child.

You then take measurements, select a size and place your order any time day or night - any day of the week - and voila!  You’re done!  It arrives to your home (or anywhere else you choose) and it’s off your “to do” list forever.

What could be better?