Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding dress that suits your body type is an important part of wedding planning. The right dress can make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day. Understanding your body shape and knowing which cuts complement different profiles can help you find a dress that accentuates your best features. For instance, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style or a mermaid dress will highlight your curves. If you're petite, an A-line dress or a gown with an empire waist will elongate your figure. Pear-shaped bodies can balance out their proportions with a ball gown that has a fitted bodice, while those with a fuller midsection can try an empire-style dress with a high waistline.
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What You'll Learn
Pear-shaped bodies
If you have a pear-shaped body, you will typically have larger hips, thighs and bottom, with a more petite upper body. This can make it difficult to find clothing that fits well, and the same goes for wedding dresses.
To balance out your proportions, you should opt for a gown that highlights your décolletage, drawing attention upwards to your upper body. A ball gown with a fitted bodice and a dramatic skirt can create a stunning contrast, defining your waistline. Look for dresses with embellishment along the upper torso, or long sleeves with intricate detailing.
A-line dresses are also a great choice for pear-shaped brides. This style flares gently from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette and enhancing the upper body while flattering the hips. A-line dresses are versatile and can be made from a variety of fabrics, such as lace or satin.
Empire waist dresses are another style that suits pear-shaped figures. This style features a high waistline, usually just under the bust, which flows into a loose, flowing skirt. This design skims over the hips and tummy, drawing attention to the bust and upper body.
When it comes to the neckline, pear-shaped figures can benefit from a top that draws the eye upwards. A sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder, halter, or scoop neckline can all work well to balance out the silhouette.
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Hourglass figures
If you have an hourglass figure, you have one of the most desirable body shapes there is, with a well-defined waist, wider hips, and a bigger bust. When choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider whether you want to emphasise your figure or change up your look. To maintain your hourglass proportions, it's important to choose a dress where the top and bottom are balanced in size.
There are several wedding dress styles that are commonly chosen for brides with an hourglass figure. Trumpet or mermaid dresses are a popular choice, as they emphasise the waist and hips, hugging the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, before flaring out dramatically. These styles will beautifully accentuate your silhouette and highlight your waistline. A trumpet dress will also visually lengthen the legs, adding elegance to the fit.
If you want to add a little drama to your wedding look, a mermaid-style dress is a versatile option that will embrace your figure and expand only below the knees, creating a magnificent and eye-catching silhouette. A sheath dress can also elongate your figure, and accessorising with a belt can create the illusion of curves. A-line, ball gown, and princess-style dresses are also recommended for hourglass figures, as these styles have a fuller bottom that will help bring more definition to your shape and create the illusion of a curvier figure.
If you want to emphasise your figure in a more traditional way, consider a sleeved dress to balance out your smaller shoulders with your wider hips.
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Petite proportions
If you have a petite frame, you may want to avoid ball gowns, enormous trains, and overly embellished veils, as these can overwhelm your body shape with too much fabric. A slinky A-line gown will help elongate your shape, as will a clean, modern gown with minimal embellishment. A halter neckline is a great option for brides with petite body types.
If you're a petite bride with a small bust, you might be concerned that a wedding dress will look strange, but there are plenty of options that can emphasise your curves or flaunt your chic shape. A straight, strapless neckline is a great option for smaller-chested brides, as is a sweetheart neckline, which adds to the illusion of curves. A plunging V-neck is another alluring choice for small busts, beautifully showing off your décolletage and chest.
If you're a petite bride who wants to look taller, consider a sheath dress. This body-hugging style instantly gives you a long and lean look, and is minimalist in design, made with lightweight material that drapes well, accentuating your figure as you move. A sheath dress is perfect for outdoor or destination weddings.
For a petite bride who wants to show off their curves, a mermaid style wedding dress is a great choice. This style is fitted at the bodice, emphasising the hips, with a drop waist to lengthen the body and draw the eye down the torso for a more elongated figure. A high slit in the skirt will also help to keep your legs looking long and enhance your petite frame.
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Athletic builds
For those with an athletic build, wedding dress shopping can be a challenge. Athletic body types are characterised by a well-balanced figure with minimal curves and less of a defined waist. However, there are many dress styles that are specifically designed to complement a strong, muscular physique.
One of the most flattering styles for athletic builds is the fit-and-flare silhouette. This style subtly widens from the mid-leg, creating a visually pleasing balance between the upper and lower body. The fitted bodice and elegant skirt create a chic and classy look that will accentuate an athletic figure. The flared skirt also adds graceful movement and provides a visual contrast to the more streamlined torso, creating a harmonious and balanced look.
Another style that can beautifully complement an athletic build is a strapless dress. With its strapless design, this style shows off the strong arms and shoulders of those with muscular figures, while exuding elegance and femininity. A strapless wedding dress allows the bride to draw attention to their toned torso and highlight their fit body. Off-the-shoulder styles or strapless corsets are particularly feminine and romantic, adding a delicate and graceful touch to the bridal look.
A sheath or column wedding dress is another sleek and elegant choice that can perfectly complement an athletic body. With its slim and figure-hugging silhouette, this style shows off a strong physique while giving off a sophisticated and contemporary vibe. This style is also a good option for those who want to create the illusion of curves, as it can be accessorised with a belt to emphasise the waist.
Ballgown bridal dresses are another great choice for athletic builds, as the fitted bodice contrasted with a dramatic skirt creates a striking profile. This style can help to balance out broader shoulders and make them seem smaller, while the voluminous skirt creates more even proportions.
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Apple-shaped bodies
If you have an apple-shaped body, there are several things to consider when choosing a wedding dress to flatter your figure. Firstly, it is essential to create a balanced silhouette by defining the waist and drawing attention to your best features. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect wedding dress for your apple-shaped body:
Define the Waist:
The key to flattering an apple-shaped figure is to create a defined waistline. Look for dresses with a fitted bodice or a waistband that sits just under the bust, often called an empire waist. This will highlight the narrowest part of your frame and give you a curvier silhouette. You can also accentuate your natural waist by choosing a dress with a belt or a lace-up back, which will give you incredible waist definition.
Choose Lightweight and Fluid Fabrics:
Opt for lightweight and fluid fabrics that create a harmonious silhouette and allow for effortless movement. Avoid excessive fabric and details around the waist, as this can add bulk and hinder your ability to move freely. A light and airy dress will not only flatter your figure but also ensure comfort and ease on your special day.
Draw Attention to Your Best Features:
Avoid Boxy and Column Styles:
Stay away from boxy dress shapes that hide your waist, as these can make you look larger. Column or sheath styles tend to be shapeless on apple-shaped bodies. Instead, opt for styles that add shape or volume below the waistline, such as A-line silhouettes or ball gowns. These styles will not only define your waist but also add fullness to your lower half, creating a beautifully balanced silhouette.
Remember, while these tips can help guide you, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal style. Don't be afraid to experiment and try on different styles to find the one that makes you feel like a princess on your wedding day!
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses that cinch at the waist showcase an hourglass figure. A fitted bodice or a mermaid-style skirt will hug your curves and emphasise your waist. A-line dresses are also universally flattering for hourglass figures. Trumpet-style dresses are also popular for this body type.
A pear-shaped body has a smaller upper body and broader hips. To achieve a balanced look, look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows away from the body. Ball gown wedding dresses with a fitted bodice draw attention upwards to your décolletage, while the dramatic skirt creates a stunning contrast, defining your waistline. A-line dresses are also a good option for pear-shaped bodies.
For petite body types, consider an open back to elongate your shape. An empire waist is also favourable for petite brides, as it lengthens your legs while providing a structured décolletage. A sheath or A-line dress is also a good option, as it elongates your figure with a streamlined silhouette.
An apple-shaped body is characterised by a larger waist and bust and hips of a similar size. Mermaid wedding dresses are a great choice for this body type as they emphasise the waist and hips.
