There are many different wedding dress styles out there, each having a specific shape and design to flatter different body types. If you’re looking for your perfect wedding dress but are not sure which shape would suit you best, read this article! Here, you’ll learn how to choose wedding dress shapes for body types.
Body Types
Before you can start looking at wedding dress shapes, you need to understand your own body type. There are five main body shapes – pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Each shape has different characteristics that can help you determine which type of dress would look best on you.
Pear or Triangle
With a pear-shaped/triangle-shaped body type, your upper part is smaller than your lower part, with a relatively slim waist. Your hips and thighs are wider compared to your bust and shoulders.
Apple or Oval
With an apple-shaped/oval-shaped body type, you tend to carry most of your weight around the midsection. Your bust is usually large, and your hips are narrow in comparison.
Hourglass
The hourglass body shape is characterised by a well-defined waist, with hips and busts being almost equal in size. This body type has a natural feminine silhouette, making it easier to find a dress that accentuates the curves.
Rectangle
A rectangle-shaped body type has a more athletic build, with almost equal measurements for the bust, waist, and hips. This body type is also known as a “straight” shape.
Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle body shape has wide shoulders and busts, with narrower hips and waist. This body type is sometimes referred to as a “top-heavy” shape.
If you’re still unsure about your body shape, use this body type calculator that uses your bust, waist and hip measurements to determine your body type.
Once you have determined your body shape, it’s time to look at the different wedding dress shapes!
Choosing The Right Wedding Dress Shape
Wedding dresses come in 5 primary shapes: A-line, ball gown, mermaid, trumpet, and sheath. Each of these shapes has its unique characteristics that can help enhance or minimise certain parts of your body.
A-Line
The A-line dress shape is considered the most universally flattering wedding dress shape. This classic style features a fitted bodice and a skirt that gradually flares out from the waist, resembling the shape of an “A.” It works well for all body types as it accentuates the waist and disguises wider hips.
Here are three examples of our A-line style dresses:
Ball Gown
The ball gown dress shape embodies the timeless and enchanting style of a fairytale princess wedding dress. Ball gowns are traditional wedding dresses with a fitted bodice and a full skirt that flares out at the waist. This shape works well for those with an apple-shaped body, as it disguises the midsection and accentuates the bust.
Here are three examples of our ball gown style dresses:
Mermaid
The mermaid dress shape is all about drama and glamour. This style hugs the body from the chest to the knees and then flares out into a dramatic skirt. It works well for hourglass and pear-shaped bodies as it accentuates curves and creates an hourglass silhouette.
Here are four beautiful examples of our Mermaid style dresses:
Trumpet
The trumpet dress shape is similar to the mermaid shape, but it flares out slightly lower on the body, usually around the mid-thigh. This style is perfect for those with a straight or athletic body type, as it adds curves to the hips and thighs.
Here are two examples of our Trumpet style dresses:
Sheath
The sheath dress shape is a minimalist style that features a form-fitting silhouette from head to toe. It works well for lean and petite body types, as it elongates the body and creates an illusion of height.
Here are four examples of our Sheath style dresses:
Feel Confident In Your Perfect Wedding Dress!
Comparing different dress shapes for body types and finding the right one can be a little intimidating, but with the right knowledge of your body type and the different dress shapes available, you can feel confident in choosing the perfect dress that flatters your figure.
Keep in mind that you can always consult with a professional wedding dress stylist here at Bridal Wardrobe. Our team members are trained to provide expert advice on dress shapes and styles that will complement your body type!
