George Boyle
Choosing a wedding dress is an important and exciting part of wedding planning. Knowing your body type can help you select a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable. The first step is to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and body length. There are several different body types, including pear, rectangle, hourglass, oval, apple, and inverted triangle. Once you know your body type, you can choose a dress style that complements it. For example, A-line dresses are universally flattering, while ball gowns are suitable for most body types but may not be ideal for petite brides. If you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style or a mermaid dress will highlight your curves. Pear-shaped bodies may favour a fitted bodice with a skirt that flows away from the body, while apple-shaped bodies can benefit from a dress with a defined waist. The fabric and sleeve style you choose can also complement your body shape and add to the overall theme of your wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pear-shaped | Smaller upper body and broader hips |
| Rectangle-shaped | Straight silhouette with similar bust, waist, and hip measurements |
| Hourglass-shaped | Balanced proportions with a smaller waist |
| Oval and apple-shaped | Similar bust and hip measurements with a larger waist |
| Inverted triangle-shaped | Wider bust than hips |
| Athletic | Off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses to accentuate arms |
| Fuller chest | Wider straps or sleeves with sweetheart or V-neckline |
| Petite | A-line or empire silhouette to elongate the body |
| Pear-shaped/Triangle-shaped | A-line or ballgown style to emphasize the waist and bust |
| Hourglass-shaped | Fitted bodice or mermaid-style skirt to hug curves and emphasize the waist |
| Rectangle-shaped | Fitted bodice with a flared skirt to add volume and definition |
| Oval-shaped | Avoid halter or high-neck gowns to prevent overwhelming the bustline |
| Pear-shaped | Empire waistlines or skirts that flow away from the body to elongate the torso |
| Apple-shaped | Avoid mermaid-style dresses that can visually enlarge the lower body |
| Small bust | Visual detailing on top, such as sleeves, interesting neckline, beading, or lace |
| Larger bust | Lace-up back for extra support and lift |
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What You'll Learn
Pear-shaped body
A pear-shaped body is defined by wider hips and a smaller upper torso, bust, and waist. When shopping for a wedding dress, pear-shaped brides may want to consider gowns that highlight their décolletage and balance out their proportions.
To achieve a beautiful, balanced look, consider styles that gracefully skim over the hips and accentuate the waist, highlighting your shape. A-line dresses are a universally flattering choice for pear-shaped brides. They emphasise the waist while skimming over the hips to create a balanced silhouette. Fashion expert Karan Berry notes that "an A-line gown hugs the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust." He adds that "it can make a petite bride look taller with its overall slimming effect."
Empire silhouettes are also a good option for pear-shaped brides. They feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. This silhouette elongates the body, making it a flattering choice for petite brides.
Ball gowns with a fitted bodice can also work well for pear-shaped figures. The dramatic skirt creates a stunning contrast, further defining the waistline. Consider gowns with embellishment along the upper torso or long sleeves with intricate detailing to ensure the focal point remains on the bodice.
Additionally, a dress made from a structured fabric or with a corset can help to cinch in the waist and create a more defined silhouette. Flowing fabrics like chiffon or tulle can also help to create balance.
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Rectangle-shaped body
If you have a rectangle-shaped body, your shoulders, bust, and hips are all about the same width, and your waistline is less defined. To create the illusion of curves, you should choose a dress that adds volume to your bust and hips.
A-line dresses are universally flattering and can create a balanced silhouette. Fitted at the bodice, they gently flare out from the waist to the hemline, creating a classic shape. Ballgowns, with their fitted bodice and full, voluminous skirts, can also create a dramatic and romantic look, while emphasising your waist.
Sheath dresses are slim and straight, following the natural curve of the body, usually creating a sleek and modern look. However, one source suggests avoiding them as they may not create the desired curves.
Empire waistlines are another excellent option, as they cinch just below the bust and then flow gracefully, giving the illusion of a higher waistline. Tea-length dresses are also a stylish option, ending just below the knee and drawing attention to your calves and legs.
To add definition and volume, look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out. Adding a belt or sash at the waist can also accentuate your waistline and add interest to a simple dress. Embellishments, ruffles, and lace details can also create dimension and shape, drawing attention to your bust and waist.
When it comes to the neckline, opt for sweetheart or bow tie styles. Sweetheart necklines can enhance your bust, while bow-tie necklines are very flattering, enhancing the visual effect of your dress. Avoid high-neck gowns, as these can overwhelm your bustline and elongate your torso.
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Hourglass-shaped body
If you have an hourglass-shaped body, you're in luck! This body type can usually find a flattering fit in almost any of the typical gown silhouettes. However, to make your wedding dress shopping easier, here are some specific styles that will accentuate your curves and highlight your waistline:
Mermaid
A mermaid wedding dress is a great choice for those who want to emphasise their curves. This style hugs the body at the bodice, waist, and hips, and then flares out at the knees. It is a popular silhouette for those with hourglass frames who want to flaunt their curves.
Trumpet
Similar to the mermaid style, trumpet wedding dresses feature a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out. This style is perfect for brides who want a toned-down version of the mermaid design, as it doesn't have an overly dramatic flare.
Fit-and-Flare
This silhouette features a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before gradually flaring out toward the hem of the skirt. It is a good option for brides who want to showcase their waist while still having a dramatic skirt.
Ballgown
Ballgown bridal dresses create a striking profile with a fitted corset contrasted with a dramatic skirt. This style is flattering for most body types, including hourglass shapes, as it accentuates the waist and hides the lower body.
A-line
A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering and complement all body types. This style is especially recommended for petite brides as it creates a slimming effect, making the bride appear taller.
When choosing a wedding dress, it is important to consider not only your body type but also your personal style and the wedding's season and venue. Additionally, ensure that your dress allows for comfortable movement and ease of sitting.
Happy wedding dress shopping!
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Athletic body type
If you have an athletic body type, there are many wedding dress styles that can enhance your beauty and natural features. Athletic builds can range from well-defined hourglass figures to inverted triangle shapes. If you have an hourglass figure, dresses with a defined waistline or curve-hugging features will complement your natural, feminine silhouette. Brides with inverted triangle shapes can soften their shoulders with an off-the-shoulder or strapless dress or create the illusion of longer legs for a balanced look.
For an athletic body type, a universally flattering silhouette is an A-line dress. Fitted at the waist and flaring gently to the hem, A-line dresses add shape to the hips while maintaining clean lines. A-line dresses are perfect if you want just a hint of volume and they can also help to balance out broader shoulders. A ball gown is another silhouette that adds volume to the lower body, creating an hourglass effect and emphasising the waist. These dresses are ideal for more formal weddings and brides who want a fairy-tale feel.
Fit-and-flare dresses are another excellent choice for athletic body types. This style combines a fitted bodice that skims the waist and hips before gently flaring out into a voluminous skirt. This silhouette is specifically designed to create and enhance the appearance of curves and works to accentuate the waistline. The flared skirt adds graceful movement and provides a visual contrast to the more streamlined torso, creating a harmonious and balanced look.
When it comes to fabrics, lighter and softer materials such as silk, chiffon, tulle, organza, or crepe are preferable, as they drape beautifully around the body without adding extra volume. If you want to show off your legs, consider a dress with a shorter skirt or a skirt cut. Dresses with delicate lace or embroidery can also be considered for a soft and romantic look. Statement earrings or hairpieces draw the eye upward, while a belt or sash can further define the waist.
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Ballgown styles
Ballgown wedding dresses are a classic choice, featuring a fitted bodice that trails into a voluminous skirt, creating a princess-inspired silhouette. This style is known to complement a variety of body types, with the full skirt balancing the fitted top and accentuating the waist.
Ballgowns are a good choice for brides who want to emphasise their bust, with sweetheart and V-necklines exposing the décolletage and framing the face. For brides with fuller chests, wider straps or sleeves can provide support while still achieving a soft and pretty look.
Ballgowns can also be a good option for those who want to create the illusion of an hourglass figure, as the voluminous skirt can help to hide the lower body. Additionally, the elongated silhouette of a ballgown can create a more statuesque appearance, making it a flattering choice for brides with long legs.
While ballgowns can work for many body types, petite brides may want to be cautious as the voluminous skirt can overpower a small frame. Similarly, those who are conscious of their hips may want to avoid this style as it can lead to the illusion of widening them.
Ballgowns can be customised to suit different bridal styles, from chic boho to elegant glam to classic vintage. Unconventional fabrics, asymmetrical details, tiered skirts, and horsehair trim can add unique touches to a ballgown silhouette, making it a truly iconic and unforgettable look.
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Frequently asked questions
To highlight your curves, opt for a fitted dress that cinches at the waist. A fit-and-flare or mermaid style dress will also look stunning.
To play up your gorgeous arms, go for an off-the-shoulder or strapless dress. A halter neckline will also enhance your shoulders. If you want to emphasise your strong personality, choose heavier, more durable materials like satin over light and flowy fabrics.
Look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows away from the body, creating a balanced silhouette. Empire waistlines are also a good choice as they elongate the torso. To draw attention to your upper body, consider a dress with lace detailing on the top half.
A ball gown with a structured bodice and full skirt will cinch in your waist and play up your silhouette. This style will give the illusion of fuller hips without swamping your frame with fabric.
To add volume and definition, look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out. Adding a belt or sash at the waist can also help to accentuate your waist and add interest to a simple dress.
