Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often composed of several layers of fabric, with the top layer being called the bodice. This extends from the neckline to the waist, covering the bust and stomach. The bottom half of the dress is called the skirt, which can be altered to suit the bride's preferences and comfort. The skirt may feature a slit at the side of the leg, allowing for movement, or it may extend straight down to the floor with no flare at the hem. The waistline of the dress is also an important feature, with options including drop waists and empire waists that sit under the bustline. In addition to the bodice and skirt, other parts of a wedding dress include the sleeves, neckline, and train.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top layer | Bodice |
| Bodice section | Extends from neckline to waist, covering bust and stomach |
| Bodice structure | Structured to create a specific shape, or loosely fitted |
| Waistline | A horizontal seam across the midriff that joins the bodice and skirt |
| Bottom half | Skirt |
| Fabric | Crepe, silk, shantung, velvet, lace, tulle, netting, organza, polyester, nylon, rayon, etc. |
| Silhouette | Sheath, A-line, mermaid, fit-and-flare, ballgown, column, slip, empire waist, drop waist |
| Neckline | Strapless, cat eye, sweetheart, corset, bustier, one-shoulder |
| Sleeves | Criss-cross, cap, off-the-shoulder, petal-shaped, long, short |
| Embellishments | Crystals, bugle beads, pearls, gemstones, ruffles, scallops, braids, hooks, snaps, lace-up |
| Train | French, chapel, detachable |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The bodice
Boning is a feature of some bodices, providing structure and support to the dress. It is especially useful for preserving a V-shaped waistline at the bottom of the bodice, creating a regal and Victorian feel. Corset-style bodices with lacing up the back or front are also a popular choice, offering a stunning and dramatic look.
The construction of a bodice involves carefully laying and cutting fabric, embroidery, and pinning pieces together before sewing. The bodice is then attached to the corselet and the skirt to complete the dress.
Lacing Your Corset Back Wedding Dress: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The skirt
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt. The skirt is one of the most important parts of a wedding dress as it can influence the overall look of the dress. The skirt is made up of several overlapping layers of different lengths, usually three layers, but there may be more depending on the style. The skirt overlaps and wraps at the waist, a more informal style ideal for destination weddings and bridesmaid dresses.
The silhouette of a wedding dress refers to the shape of the skirt. There are many different wedding dress silhouettes, from fitted dresses to ballgowns. The skirt of a sheath wedding gown, for example, falls straight, portraying a classic, sexy look. A mermaid or fit-and-flare silhouette, on the other hand, hugs the curves but flares out around mid-thigh or the knee. An A-line style resembles an "A" shape and flares naturally at the waist.
The hem of the wedding dress is the very bottom of the skirt, where it hits the floor. To have the dress "hemmed" means to alter it to be shorter. Almost every dress is made for taller brides, so hemming is a common alteration for shorter brides.
How to Store Your Wedding Dress in an Armoire
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fabric types
The type of fabric chosen for a wedding dress plays a significant role in achieving the desired look and feel. The fabric can affect the silhouette, formality, and cost of the dress. Here are some of the most popular fabric types used in wedding dresses:
Lace
Lace is one of the most popular and diverse wedding dress fabrics. It is woven from silk or cotton and comes in a variety of styles, including French laces like Chantilly, Alençon, and Venise. Lace is delicate, romantic, and supple enough to work with various shapes. However, it often requires the support of fabrics like tulle, organza, or lining fabrics to hold a fuller shape.
Tulle
Tulle is a classic, stiff, transparent netting made from nylon, silk, polyester, or a blend of fibres. It creates a voluminous, fairytale-like look and is often paired with lace, sequins, or beading. Tulle can also be worn underneath the dress to add fullness and body.
Mikado
Mikado is a heavier type of silk with a shiny finish. Its thickness provides structure and sophistication, making it ideal for formal weddings and various silhouettes like fit-and-flare, trumpet, or A-line styles.
Chiffon
Chiffon is an airy, lightweight, and sheer fabric, often used as an accent over heavier fabrics or in layers on its own. It was originally made from silk and is perfect for creating movement and a soft, effortless look.
Organza
Organza is a sheer fabric similar to tulle but less stiff. It is traditionally made from woven silk, creating a soft and lightweight feel. Adding more layers of organza increases volume and drama without adding too much weight.
Satin
Satin is a heavy fabric with a high sheen on one side and a smooth finish. While it is often used as a finish rather than a material, it is a popular choice for bridal lingerie, providing a sleek and comfortable fit.
Silk
Silk is a smooth and soft fabric, often used in high-end garments and dramatic ball gowns. It comes in various types, including faille, gazar, shantung, dupioni, charmeuse, and crepe de chine, each offering different levels of structure and fluidity.
Crepe
Crepe is a mid-weight silk-blend fabric that clings to the body and drapes beautifully. It is commonly used for sheath or fit-and-flare silhouettes and is ideal for brides who want to showcase their curves with a sleek, minimalist look.
Brocade
Brocade is a stiff fabric made from silk or synthetic fibres and distinguished by raised designs woven into the fabric. It is perfect for structured gowns and formal fall or winter weddings.
Georgette
Georgette is an airy fabric made from polyester or silk strands. It is similar to chiffon but less sheer and more textured. Georgette is ideal for lightweight silhouettes with lots of movement, such as a boho-style dress.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic, affordable, and wrinkle-resistant alternative to silk. It is durable and versatile, working well in many seasons and silhouettes. However, it is less breathable and can be uncomfortable in warm weather.
Velvet
Velvet is a soft and thick fabric with a vintage feel. Due to its heavy weight, it is perfect for winter and fall weddings.
Traveller Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$26.99 $31.99
Necklines
The neckline of a wedding dress is one of the first details that people will notice, as it frames the wearer's face and upper body. There are several different types of necklines to choose from when searching for the perfect wedding dress.
The bateau, or boat neckline, follows the curve of the collarbone and stretches out almost to the tip of the shoulders. This style gained popularity after Meghan Markle wore it during her wedding ceremony. A jewel neckline, or t-shirt cut, resembles the cut of a casual wardrobe staple—the t-shirt.
The aptly named sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top half of a heart, making it a sweet and romantic choice for brides. It is also commonly known as the "princess neckline" due to its soft edges and feminine shape. A variation of this is the illusion neckline, which can be a V-neck, plunge neck, or straight across, with a mesh that can have appliqué or beadwork. This style usually has a Grecian flair, with the fabric draped over one shoulder.
The halter neckline is another option, offering full coverage in the front with straps running up to the back of the bride's neck. This style typically leaves the upper back uncovered and showcases the bride's shoulders, creating a sense of balance. For brides who want to show off their collarbones, the off-the-shoulder neckline is a romantic choice that suits most body types.
The cat eye is a unique neckline that comes to a peak at both ends and dips lower in the centre, creating a structured, edgy look. A modern and clean option is the straight neckline, which is a popular choice for strapless dresses as it shows off the décolletage and collarbones while remaining modest.
The right neckline can add character to a gown, showcase accessories, or highlight a physical feature, such as elongating the neck or framing the shoulders.
Wedding Dress Shops: In-House Tailors?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Waistlines
The waistline of a wedding dress is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice and the skirt. It is an important feature as it helps to shape the silhouette of the bride and provides balance to the dress.
There are several types of waistlines, each creating a different look and suiting different body types. The natural waistline is the most common, sitting at the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button and above the hips. It creates a balanced, proportional silhouette for most body types, emphasising an hourglass figure.
The dropped waistline sits lower than the natural waist, often at the hip bone or slightly below. This creates a vintage look, inspired by the 1920s flapper dress, and also makes the legs appear longer.
The empire waistline sits high above the natural waist, just under the bust. It is favoured for its slimming properties, creating a flowy, ethereal look and elongating the torso. This style is good for small-chested brides as it emphasises the bust, but less so for larger-chested women.
The basque waistline features a fitted bodice that dips below the natural waist before flaring out again, creating a dramatic, vintage-inspired silhouette.
The princess line dress has no seam across the body but is created by sewing together long vertical strips of fabric. It follows the curves of the body down to the natural waistline and then flares at the hips, flattering most body types when fitted correctly.
An asymmetrical waistline is a modern style that bucks tradition, with diagonal seams across the dress instead of straight horizontal seams.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress with a Photo
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The top layer of a wedding dress is called the bodice. This is the section of the dress that extends from the neckline to the waist, covering the bust and stomach.
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt.
The bodice can be decorative and functional. It can be structured to create a specific shape along the midriff, or it can be loosely fitted. It also holds the dress in place for strapless gowns.
The waistline is a horizontal seam across the midriff that joins the bodice and skirt.
