How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Style for Your Body Type
Everyone thinks they know how to choose a wedding gown. What most women don’t realize is fabrics, style and measurements can influence the style of wedding dress that best complements a particular body type.
This article will help you choose the right wedding dress style for your own body shape.
If you’re a full-figured woman, the best silhouette is the A-line style. A-line style lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust, which conceals your waist and hips.
Many plus-sized girls tend to purchase wedding gowns that cover a lot of skin. If religion isn’t an issue, don’t be afraid to show some skin. Skin is sexy, and showing your arms and neckline can often make you appear slimmer.
Deep V-necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures, and always look best on full-figured women.
A-line wedding dresses are also flattering on petite women. As we stated earlier, this style lengthens the body. Sheaths seem to shorten a small body even more, so petite women should avoid sheath-style wedding dresses. Also steer clear of very full skirts, which will make you look ‘bottom heavy’. You want to keep your wedding dress proportionate to your body.
Be careful with strapless gowns — a petite woman may have to lift her arms to reach up to her new husband (can you say ‘wardrobe malfunction’?). A cap sleeve gives the feeling of a strapless gown, and also serves the practical purpose of holding the gown in place.
Off-the-shoulder gowns look wonderful on a full bust. It draws our attention upward, emphasizes the shoulders and minimizes the chest. Keep your skirt narrow. Wearing a full skirt will make you look large both on top and bottom.
Women who are larger through their hips and buttocks should look for a wedding dress that focuses on their upper body — preferably with a full skirt.
Show off your arms, back and bustline.
A corset-style bodice with lacing will highlight your upper body. We want to draw attention away from your hips. Avoid pleats or gathered fabric around the waist. An A-line skirted wedding dress always works the best for this body type.
Pages: [5] 4 3 2 1 » Show All
Hello i had such a hard time finding a wedding dress and i finally fell in love with one. the problem is because no place around here has the dress i want in a size that i can actually try on so i would have to order it but im worried that maybe the dress wont look good on my body shape. ive attached a picture of me(and the fiance) and a picture of the dress i TOTALLY fell in love with. please help!
also, the dress im in love with is a slim a-line.. forgot to mention that.
Chrissy,
The aline is a wonderful choice for your body type.
* here are some more tips
Make sure if wearing a strapless, it has good support. I am thinking an aline with a v neck would be ideal, even a v-neck halter. If you are unsure then I would print a pic of this dress and go to a local bridal shop, tell them this is the dress you would love to have and they should be able to pull a similar style. I would do this before ordering. Also make sure the company is reputable and you order in plenty of time before your wedding due to unforeseen issues when ordering ( if the company is) online etc. Have the bridal shop measure you so the bridal store can get your exact measurements ( for ordering).
alot of the stores dont have samples that will fit me to try on. i have tried on a strapless sweetheart neckline dress and it definately supports well. what worried me about the dress i fell in love with is how it is a SLIM a line and not sure if that will do good or do bad for me as i am 5′5. it seems like it has a slight dropped waist detail. i am getting a corset on the dress which i was thinking would do good for me? thanks so much for the tips!
Hi Stacey,
Been having major issues with the right dress. I’m a 40-34-40, an generally wear a size 14, oh and I’m 5 4”. I pretty much know I’d like a sweetheart or V neckline, but I’m not sure about the waist… I have the hugest belly
Also, the wedding is in a very traditional church, and they’ve requested its not too revealing! What possible styles do you reckon I should be considering?
Folz,
Just look for a simple wrap waist aline. The necklines are perfect for your shape.
Folz,
I would look for minimal embellishment. Avoid anything with a lot of embellishments at the bodice/waist/hips. Due to your height your considered a petite bride. A simple dress wouldn’t overwhelm your frame. But a wrap will be wonderful for your tummy if that is a concern.
* tips
A princess style dress will also lengthen the torso as will the aline. I would recommend a empire but it is not suitable for larger chest.
* great tips
thank you sooo much for the tips..
hi…..im really confused what the right wedding gown tha suit for me..my body figure is 29-27-34…pls help me…my wed will on 2nd wek next mos..pls..tnx a lot..
gracy,
it sounds like your a pear but can you post a pic so i can be sure? thanks!
Hello,
I have been looking for some dresses but i have my heart set on this beautiful trumpet/mermaid dress but i can only order it on line. I dont want to buy it if it wont look good. i am kinda hour glass shaped I am 5′8″ or 5′9″ im not really sure and my measurements are 40-32-40. so im not skinny but i have a butt and a chest and i want to show them off in a sutel way with my dress. What would be best?
Plz help thank you so much
Jessica,
You are an hourglass. Could you give me the website with the dress and I will be happy to check it out for you!!
* tips
* wedding dress styles
Jessica,
With your shape the dress you desribe will work. The best way to find out how it will look is go to a dress shop and try on similar styles, to see how it looks on you.
Hi Jessica,
You are an hourglass shape, however a mermaid style would not necessarily flatter your body shape as it would really emphasis your hips and bottom. You don’t want to be self conscious on your wedding day.
I would suggest a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline to show off your bust, perhaps some ruching over the bodice (to disguise any stomach- if you have one) and either an a-line skirt, or something more fitted if you really wanted to show off your body.
Sarah Koppl
hello..i would like to ask for your opinion regarding what type of wedding gown would suit my figure.. i’m only 5′2 in height..statistics of 36-29-36.. any suggestion? were planning to have a tradtional wedding. i would like the gown to be simple but head turning..hehe..as well as figure flattering. thank you
J-ann,
Could you post a pic?
Hi, I am now a size 22 and am having trouble finding the perfect dress! I think I am going to end up looking a mess walking down the aisle and just need some help!
I am a 42, 45, 50 and could do with some suggetions! I know empire line or a line would probably suit me best but how on earth do I look for that, dresses are not described as this I got so lost!
Karen,
Hi, Avoid ballgowns and look for alines and empire waist. It is best to look for gowns that don;t have a defined waist line.
* dress styles
Karen,
* this is nice
* tips
karen,
Hi,
I’m Mariah, I’m starting to look around at dresses, but I have no idea what would look good on me.
I’m pretty tall, 5′9″.
I have broad shoulders that are approx. 41 inches around.
My chest 38 in my cup size ranges from B-C depending on the bra. My waist is 31 in at the smallest part.
Around my hips I’m 38 in, and around my butt is 39 in.
Looking at my from front on, I have big dents where my hips connect to my thighs, instead of a smooth connection.
Like my hips look bigger, then it curves in, then curves back out to my big thighs.
I’d like to hide that.
I have untoned arms, and large thighs.
They are each 24 inches around at the widest part.
40 inches around both of them at the widest part, standing with my legs closed.
I’m sorry if I sound too whiny or negative.
Looking forward to your reply.
Mariah,
Could you post a pic? I could give a better idea of the dress for your body shape. Thanks!!
As you can see, i have some pretty untoned arms. They are downright flabby. Please excuse the mess, i took these in my fiance’s sisters room.
Mariah,
I think an aline would be beautiful on you. Something with a wrap waist. Look for a flattering neckline since your bust is average. v-necks are generally flattering on most women. You are a close cross between a inverted triangle and a hourglass. You could try on styles from both shapes.
Mariah,
* here are some tips for both shapes(just overlook the busty tips)
the pic in this link is what I am thinking will look beautiful on you. A bolero would be a gorgeous option in a sheer or lacy fabric, if you were wanting to cover your arms??? Don’t choose a figure forming dress, due to creating balance for your shape.It can make your shoulders look broader. Also consider a gorgeous short sleeve gown with a v neck, aline.
Hello. What style of dress would you recommend for a full-figured hour glass? I have full hips, thighs and chest. Also have a butt. My waist is proportionately small and flat. I am 5′2. The picture is a woman very similar to my size and shape. I am a little more dramatically curved in the hips. Slightly smaller in waist.
Kacey, Simple dresses are best for a petite bride, with little or no embellishment. Alines are great for full figured hour glass. V-necks are also great!
* ideas
* more tips
* great tips from Brides magazine
Kacey,
look for a slim skirt in a ballgown if you choose one. You can get lost in a fuller skirted ballgown. An aline that flows gently out into a fuller skirt would be beautiful.
Thanks!! That sounds great
Hi,
I am struggling with what kind of wedding dress would best suit my shape, particularly in terms of the neckline and straps (I don’t want to go sleeveless!) ..I’m 5′ 7″ with a 33 1/2″ bust, 27″ waist and 36 1/2″ hips and have narrow shoulders which are a pain! I live in a small town and haven’t found much in way of gowns to try on to see what might work, so it’s frustrating! I think I tend to look better in form fitting tops than anything that drapes because my shoulders can’t carry it off. But I don’t have a clue beyond that. Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated!
Thanks so much for your help!
Sue,
Culd you repost a pic? That won’t posted dark. Thanks and look forward to hearing talking to you!
Hi again,
Thanks so much for your help here, you’re a godsend…I finally managed to commandeer a camera to get some clinical shots…pretty pear shaped I think!
thanks again
Sue,
you are a pear shape/small frame. Look for inspiration from Keira Knightley with same body shape.
* tips
Since ballgowns are great for you I was looking at this dress and thinking it may work. It is hard to tell since your a close run to an hourglass.
* like here
Sue,
Look at these tips here* wedding dress/body shape
try dresses on under the category pear shape and thin/small frame. I know it is gonna knock each other out. But I would try on some empire dresses “just to see” cause on a tiny frame it may work, it isn’t recommended for a fuller pear shape. I wish I could have been more help but I would just start trying on dresses to see which ones give balance. My sister is tiny but petite ( 5′2″) and she can carry off a number of styles, even some that isn’t recommended. I have a gut feeling something like the reese gown or empire is gonna work for you with a flowing skirt.
Thanks so much Stacey…you are right, I finally went and tried on dresses and the empire worked out the best of all., which I didn’t expect..I am so pleased….I have fallen in love with a beautiful empire dress with a slightly medieval feel with draping half-sleeves-it is so pretty and it looks ‘just right’….Thanks so much for the advice. You are honestly so lovely to do this. It is realy helpful and appreciated!
I am trying to find a dress that will fit all of my bridesmaids. They are all very different body types. One is average siz, one is a little heavier, one is very petite, and the other is shorter and heavier set. I also would like my jr. bridesmaid to wear the same or similar dress and she is a taller petite 13year old. Any suggestions????
Brittany,
I would have them go to a dress shop and try on different styles. With different body types it is very difficult. I would go to Davids Bridal, they have mix and match, each of the bridesmaids could buy a dress that flatters her in your color scheme and will look uniform and beautiful even though the dress is slightly different.
Hi
I would agree with the other ladys suggestion, i would take all my bridal party to different bridal stores and try on different styles for there shapes, they dont all have to wear the same styles or colours, you can have them all wear different or two of them wear one colour and two wear a different colour even if they are different styles, as different styles does look very good on a bridal party
I am having so much trouble finding a dress that suits my body type. I am pear shaped, but my fiance thinks I have more of an hourglass shape. I have my heart set on a mermaid style wedding dress. I am 5′11 175 pounds so I am little to heavy to pull this style off. I have slimmed down alot through my waist, I wear a 12 in jeans. I also have a killer corset/longline bra so then maybe I could pull it off. Here is a picture of me please be kind!!
Tonya,
You look like your an hourglass shape due to your body type being close in measurements. Your lower body ( pear shape) would be quite a bit larger than your upper body. The mermaid dress should be stunning on you especially with your figure.
* here is some body types to see
* more tips
* dress tips
Hi. I have a question. I am having my wedding in October. I am a rather big girl. I try an 18 in womens and it fits everywhere but, my waist. I have to go all the way to a 22 in order to fit my waist but, then it’s big everywhere else. I wear a XL in tops. I have a 40 DD chest and NO bottom. lol. I honestly don’t know what size I wear. I want a HUGE poofy princess ball gown strapless dress [I've attatched some pictures of some dresses I like] but, I don’t want to look funny.. I have broad shoulders but, not manly shoulders. Please help!! :)
Tawni,
You are an inverted triangle. The higher cut halter will flatter you, just make sure you have support and coverage as halters can tend to give more cleavage causing spillover. You are right going with a fuller skirt but I would try on a fullskirt then a slimmer full skirt like your last pic, to see which balances.
* tips
* more tips
Thanks so much! :) I am going Sunday to try on dresses! :) Thanks for your help.
Ah, I ran across this article trying to find other ladies with my body type…but so far not a huge lot of luck, I guess. I’m 5′9 or 5′10 [haven't checked in 7 years, since i was 19.. ahha]. I don’t know my measurements :[
I'm 130-35lbs and have wide shoulders, but also have a ridiculously stupidly big chest for my frame [32D]. A lot of the sites I’ve read only mention either large chest or ‘good’ shoulders… how the hell do I know what GOOD is?! They never mention both large bust and wide shoulders together so…hard to know what I will look best in.
Aside from those things, I have prolly not the most defined waist and hips..and my butt is pretty flat LOL. [def need something to make it pop aha]
Here’s a buncha pics..cos it’s hard to get much full body pics of me lol:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2936647619_32cd91e839_b.jpg [at my friends wedding...i don't like how this dress looks on my bottom half =(]
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3625803901_37b1fd16b2_o.jpg please ignore the horrible face I am making LOL… this is just to show my wide shoulders.
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs142.snc1/5256_1108978641803_1146950679_30335684_5865901_n.jpg aside from the top one this is the only other really ‘full body’ pic of me =[
anyway, any advice on maybe the best neck line and silhouette would be nice. I really have enjoyed the a line dresses with the dropped waist on them.
lemme upload a pic of the dress i kinda fell for lol…i love the pleated look so i am really attracted to any dress with this… but the back of this one…prolly will make my tiny butt look even smaller
Thanks in advance if you can help xD
Heather,
This will be flattering for you, just make sure the bodice has the support you need.
Lol okay, thanks… I was mostly worried my shoulders would look awkward or my bootwa flat ha.
Hi i am looking for a wedding dress and i think i might have found one. The only thing is i am not sure of the same. I am attaching a picture of the dress and a picture of myself. The dress is very simple, there is a little embordery ( not sure how to spell it sorry) around the bust and down the left hand side and around the bottom of the skirt. Will this suit me???
I have to add my own photograph in a seperate post. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Vicki,
Actually the style will work for you. Just try it on and make sure you love it as much as the pic. It is minimal embellishment so that is great for you.
Thanks I have now bought the dress as it is a one off from ebay. I hope that it is just as nice as the pictures. Thank you for your input you have helped but my mind at ease.
Hi, I need some help figuring out my body type. I am 5′2″, 155 pounds, size 38D breasts. My waist is about 36 1/2″, bust 40 1/2″, hips/ butt 45″. I gain weight pretty proportionately all over. What type of dress do you think would flatter me? I need something with lots of support up top, so I was thinking of a cap sleeve gown w/ a sweetheart neckline. Any help you can give m would be appreciated!
Audra,
It sounds like your a hourglass or pear, could I get a pic do be sure? thanks!
Help!…I’m looking for a wedding dress that will flatter my curves and make me look slim….yet I’m large busted…40DD and I have a big stomach….I usually wear a size 22 in tops…the rest of me is not bad…what would be the best style of dress I should be looking for?
Ang,
Could I get a pic to see what would be best for your body type? Thanks!
Hi,i’m looking for the perfect wedding dress style i’M 5″3 27 waist 34B bra size Help !!
Stepheny,
What size is your hips? Could I also get a pic?
Stacey,
I’m 44 yrs old, marrying my high scool sweetheart in May. I’ve been looking for the right dress for 9 mos and running out of time fast. I’m very petite/athletic-5′1″ 95lbs, 34A-25-34. My ideal dress would be ivory chiffon, wide v-neck, empire waist with a sweep train. I’ve found a highly recommended seamstress that has agreed to rescue me. Do you think I’ve made the right choice on style for my body shape?
Shelly,
The v is not the best choice. I would go for a simple spagehetti strap neckline. The empire waist is a perfect choice.
* tips
* more tips
Hi! I am 5′1″. My measurements are 34-27-34 and I love Monique Lhullier’s Scarlet, but I can’t try it on because I’m overseas for a few more months. Do you think it will be okay, or will the mermaid flare make me look shorter? I do not really like A-line dresses. Also–not sure if you have an opinion on this–but do you have a recommendation for veil length? I like the thought of chapel length but am afraid that will be overwhelming.
Thanks!
Liz,
First gorgeous dress! Could you post a pic? Youhave perfect measurements. Your a petite bride
so a chapel or elbow length veil is a stunning choice. Chapel length offers a clean uninterrupted line. Just make sure it is very simple and not poufy also for the hair accessories too.
Hi Can someone help me chose a dress
I am 5′4… 114 lbs… skinny on the top… muscular legs due to sports.. 32B bust..25 waist…and 30 on the buttocks…
Renita,
Could you post a pic? So I can see for sure what body type you are?
Here is a pic..hope it helps..
:D
hii got married in 2008, and i am roughly the same size as you, there are so many dresses to choose for as you have the perfect figure, i went for white greek style- empire line fited at the bust, which made me fuller looking on top.. that style would suit you.if you want to see a picture let me no
Renita, you are a petite hourglass.
stick with a aline or princess cut. make sure it is not poofy or has a long train. it will overwhelm your frame. use adorning at bodice. think strapless or empire.
* tips
* more tips
Renita,
also look at alines. they are fantastic for you! avoid low waisted dresses. or two piece will can make you look out of proportion. slimfitting is a good choice, as well as mermaid style dress.
* great tips!!