Finding the perfect wedding dress is tricky. Some dresses look incredible on the model, but they might not seem as flattering when you try them on. While tailoring is crucial for getting a dress to fit your body type, it’s also good to start with an ideal wedding dress shape. So, if you’ve been wondering, “What is the best bridal dress for my body type?” It’s important to consider the most suitable wedding dress styles during your search.
How Do I Choose the Best Bridal Dress for My Body Type?
The best wedding dress for you is the one you feel the best in. Yet, if you’re having trouble deciding which styles to look at, consider your body shape. Most body shapes fall into one of the following categories:
- Rectangle – Waist measurements are about the same as the hips and bust.
- Triangle or Pear – Shoulders and bust are narrower than hips.
- Inverted Triangle or Apple – Hips are much narrower than your bust and shoulders.
- Hourglass – Hips and bust are equal in size, but the waist is narrower.
- Spoon – Hips are wide, but everything above is narrow.
- Oval – Bust and midsection are wider than hips.
Knowing which body type is closest to your own can help you determine the most flattering types of wedding dresses for your body type.
Consider Wedding Dress Shapes
In addition to considering your body shape, you’ll also need to consider the dress shape. Focus on the skirt, silhouette, neckline, and other features when looking at dresses. The silhouette affects how your body shape looks in the dress, but certain aspects of the dress can affect specific areas. For example, the neckline alters the look of your breasts, the straps affect your shoulder appearance, and the dress length can influence your legs. Pay attention to every aspect of the dress when choosing it. The ideal dress should make every aspect of you look beautiful for your big day.
Types of Wedding Dresses for Every Body Type
There are so many wedding dress types to choose from, and each type suits specific body shapes best. Of course, trying on dresses is the best way to know if they suit you. Yet, familiarizing yourself with dress types and the body shapes they’re designed for can help you more easily find your dream dress.
A-Line
A-line dresses have a fitted bust and a skirt that flares out. They’re one of the most popular wedding dress styles because their design looks flattering on all body types. They look especially great on brides with pear-shaped, curvy, or petite bodies.
Mermaid
Mermaid dresses are a unique style that fits tightly around most of the body but flares out below the knee, somewhat similar to a mermaid fin. This dress is perfect for anyone who wants to emphasize their hips in the dress, especially those with hourglass and pear-shaped figures.
Trumpet
Trumpet dresses are like mermaid dresses, but they flare out higher (at the thigh). Like mermaid dresses, these wedding dresses look best on hourglass and pear-shaped figures.
Empire Waist
Empire waist dresses have a higher waistline that starts just below the fitted bodice instead of at the body’s natural waistline. This type of dress can look great on any body type, especially petite brides who want to look taller.
Drop Waist
Drop waists are the opposite of empire waists, with waistlines that sit below the body’s natural waistline. The dress is fitted above the low waistline and then extends into a wide skirt. This style makes the torso look longer, making it look especially great on brides with long legs.
Ball Gown
Ball gowns have fitted tops with large, flared skirts that make them look like princess dresses. These extravagant dresses complement most body types, but they might look overpowering on petite brides.
Fit-and-Flare
Fit-and-flare dresses describe any dresses fitted at the top with a skirt that flares out. They often extend at or below the hips. The flare is much more gradual than mermaid dresses, making it ideal for a wide range of body types.
Slip
Slip dresses fit loosely around the bride’s curves, which is great for brides who don’t want to accentuate their hips. The versatility makes this style great for all body types.
Sheath
Sheath dresses are often straight-cut with no waist seam. They’re ideal for curvy body types like hourglass figures. Brides with boxy body shapes will look best with a belt or sash to define their waist.
Column
Column dresses are another straight-cut option, but they are looser than sheath dresses. They’re often tailored to fit the bride’s unique figure. Thus, most body types look good in this style.
Tea-Length
Tea-length dress skirts rest just above the ankle rather than touching the ground. They often look great on inverted triangle shapes, and they often give off a vintage look.
Midi
Midi dresses are slightly shorter than tea-length dresses, with the skirts falling between the knee and ankle. This style looks great on tall brides, and they’re versatile for all body shapes.
High-Low
High-low dresses are shorter in the front than the back. They look especially great on short brides and people with straight body types because the style can create an illusion of height and curves.
Mini
Finally, mini wedding dresses have skirts that rest above the knees, perfect for casual weddings and reception dresses. They typically look best on brides with slimmer frames, but it depends on the exact style.
Best Formal Wedding Attire Plus Size Options
There are lots of wedding dress styles that look great on plus size brides, such as A-line, ball gown, empire waist, trumpet, and sheath. Ultimately, you should try on a variety of dress styles to decide which one looks best on you.
Tailoring Helps You Achieve the Best Bridal Dress for Your Body Type
Choosing the best bridal dress for your body type is only the beginning. Once you have a dress you look and feel your best in, you’ll likely need alterations. Alterations can ensure the dress fits you as perfectly as possible, making it look even more flattering than before.
If you’re looking for a tailor in the Houston area, consider Memorial Tailors for your alteration needs. We specialize in the delicate materials of wedding dresses, so we will handle your gown with care while ensuring it perfectly fits your expectations. Book an appointment today to help your wedding dress fit like it was made for you.