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.
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I am 5′4 and my weight fluctuates between 120 and 125 pounds. I do not have wide shoulders and wear a size 32C bra. My waist is 26 inches and hips 34. Most of my other dresses are halters because I have trouble finding necklines that don’t make the area between my collar bones and breasts look concave and bony. I also do not like something super frilly. Will someone please help me?
whitney,
you sound like you have an hourglass shape which you are very lucky. mermaid styles are a great choice. avoid a 2 piece look cause you could end up looking choppy. scoop and square necklines should compliment. an aline works well for all body types.
*great tips
Hi,
I’m getting married in 2011 (looooong time from now) and are working hard to shed the last couple of kg before then. I am now 1.78m and 84 kg (my target is 72 kg). I have large upper arms and a big bust as well as broad shoulders and hips and VERY freakishly long skinny legs. I really have a huge problem finding a dress that looks good on me (with my arms and all). please let me know if you can help me?
Adri,
Hi thank you for the pics!!! you are a inverted triangle body shape.
*many great tips
*tips
*inverted triangle
*inverted triangle wedding dress pics, great ideas
Thanks Stacey! I really understand alot more about my figure now - now everything makes sense! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello,
I’m getting married summer or 2010 and am having a hard time finding a dress that I feel comfortable in, I’m 5′8″ 156 lbs. have an hourglass figure n bit of a tummy and just feel too heavy set in everything. I want something soft yet sexy something to take his breathe away but don’t know where to start…any suggestions? Oh, yeah my wedding is going to be outdoors, the ceremony will be on an oil rig so I really need some good help.
Thanks,
Renee
Ruching around the mid section that kind of bunchs at the side is always a nice way to hid the tummy. I have added some photos of the style I am talking about.
Hello, I’m 5′8 and pear-shaped. I have a fairly small waist in comparison to my bum/legs. I know something with a full skirt is recommended but it’s just not my style. I prefer something with no poof and I absolutely love lace. The dress I have tried and like is a one-shoulder, chiffon on the top and the bottom is lace that just drops. It’s fitted on the bodice and bum and I’m just wondering is this a big no-no???? My mom, sisters and friends say it’s flattering and gives me a Jlo bum in it but I don’t know if they are just trying to be nice and avoid any hurt feelings!! Any advice?
hi Iam 5.4 and on the bigger side of 16 Iam on a diet and lost 6 pound in 2 weeks woop woop! Iam hopeing to be a small size 14 in time for the wedding in march,please let me know what shape dress would look the best on a small fuller girl thanks stacey x
hi:
, weight 65 kg.., that is ok, i can deal with that, the problem are my arms, they are fat, hard to hide, and to top it all i have short round shoulders, spaghetti straps normally slice down. i am pretty ok with my body but i can never find clothes that suit me 
what kind of dress should i look for???? 
another challenge. i am barely 5″ tall, bra size 36 D, a bit chubby in the waist when sitting but when standing there is a soft waist there
dorys,
i think a aline gown of littel embellishment would work. a scoop, sweetheart, or v neck. if choosing a ball gown make sure it has a full yet slimmer skirt. instead of a very full skirt.
*tips
* more tips,
if you have broader shoulders and narrow hips you are an inverted trianglae body shape. if not, and you have a defined waist and shoulders and hips are close width you are an hourglass. there are some gorgeous sleeved dresses that would help with arms. avoid cap sleeves. also look into shrugs. avoid long sleeve and 3/4 sleeve they will make arms look out of proportionwith petite figures. you could try a short lacy sleeve.
*some great tips and gorgeous dresses here
Okay I am 5′8″, mostly legs, 34D, and about 140lbs, with a little bit of tummy and thunder thighs. I am really scared that I might get a dress that is just going show off my flaws. Help please!!
If you are 5′8″ and 140 pounds, you do not have “thunder thighs”. You are the perfect weight for your height. I know this because I used to be 150 lbs. and 5′8″ and looked awesome. But, I quit smoking and gained 25 lbs! I am wedding dress shopping now and wish I had my old body back! But, I guess it beats lung cancer. Wait, enough about me. Don’t worry! You’ll look great.
brittany,
our height, weight, and measurements are pretty much the same. Aline. you can pretty much take the run of the mill with alines and see which flatters as far as skirt goes. slimmer or fuller. our height can usually carry off either. i prefer the slimmer skirt that flows into a sweep train. ( nothing clingy or bias cut.) i cant wear empire cause it adds inches on my chest( ugh!) and my height. i find the scoop and v neck flatter best overall. i hope some of these details help. good luck!!
i’m 6ft tall and full figured. broad in the shoulders and slimmer in the hips. i tend to describe myself as KFC bucket (breast, legs and thighs). i hope to loose some weight before the wedding but I know that no matter how much weight is lost my frame will pretty much stay the same. im very self concious about my shoulders so im looking for something flattering to my figure. please help any and all suggestions are welcomed.
capped sleeves will make you feel more comfortable. They can usually add them to any dress!
latoya,
you sound like your a inverted triangle body shape. fuller on top narrow on bottom.
*dress tips
*several links
*very good website with dress examples ( beautiful dress the model is wearing) ( fave site)
i love the wrap dress for the reason that empire can tend to make you look taller ( but it is still one of the better chpices for this body type) the wrap wont add height. it is lovely and would look stunning!! the cut of the dress is perfect for all wedding formalities with just a change of length of veil and accessories. i would try this particular style dress to see how it works. have a wonderful time shopping! dresses catered to body shapes will take the stress out of finding that perfect dress. enjoy this wonderful time!!
Hi,
Well, I am having alot of problems trying to find a dress that flatters my body i am 5ft, a 36 DD, 32 waist, and 38 hips. I would really appreciate any advice. Oh, yeah i am having a christmas wedding if you can give me any advice about that. Thanks!
shawny, i would begin my search in a simple aline dress. free of any beading etc.
*wedding dress tips
*great wedding dress tips
HELP!!! I am in desperate need of advice for my body type. I already have a dress, but my wedding is postponed bc I am pregnant with my third(we are already married just never did the ceremony). I am second guessing the gown bc it’s not flattering, and I have already changed it twice!!! I am 5 ft. 3 and my wieght flexuates between 118-130. This pic included was taken about 3 weeks ago, I was 3 months prego, I am due in Feb, and the wedding is set for Oct. 2010. I will need to sell the gown I have which is a Maggie Sottero-Jovi. my measurements are usually 36 27 37 or 38 …….. sorry for the racy photos…most recent (had a photoshoot done for hubby for anniv.) also…. here is the link to my current dress…just makes me look stumpy… maybe the waistline is to long??? Feedback?
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?keywordText=jovi&keywordType=any&page=0&pageSize=12&style=A3198
ashley,
you are an hourglass body shape. which means your bust an hips are almost the same ( within an inch or two) your waist is smaller than these by at least 4 inches.i am guessing that it has too much embellisment on it for you. sometimes a wrap on a petite frame will be a bit much. it really depends on the style of the dress. avoid straight styles( which can make you look boxy) heavily beaded gowns, too much ruching, cap sleeves may not flatter. a fitted a strapless or halter fitted aline would look superb!! i am an hourglass and i find that simple flowing dress style work best. for fun, i tried on a scoop neck, very slightly embellished gown that fitted slightly then flowed into a fishtail train, it had one inch spaghetti straps. it was the best fit for me but i am 5′8″. if you stick with something simple and have it flow with or without straps, halter, etc. you will find how beautifully it will accent your body type. stick with nonshiny material, sometimes it can make an hourglass look out of proportion by adding weight to the chest area. here is a fantastic guide….
*wedding dress styles and body types
an hourglass can wear many styles yet be hard to find something that works at the same time. i have found that some styles not recommended worked out perfectly due to the fabric and the cut. example: my body style is suppose to steer clear of empire waist dresses but inthe right cut and fabric it actually mde me look smaller in the bust instead of larger ( like it said). i would go to a bridal store with my known body type and ask the assistant what she has for a petite hourglass frame. i really think simple is the way to go and add embellishment in your hair accessory( whether a comb or a rhinestone veil, even a beautiful white rose in a pulled up twist) a blusher over the face is for a first time bride. then add rhinestone picks to a bouquet of creamy white roses for more accents maybe even beaded heels or jewelry.
if i had to pick what i could see you wearing from what i stated previously, it would be the billowy strapless aline, with the white roses with clear rhinestone picks, tied with a luxurious white satin ribbon and bow. have a matching white rose in a elegant twist hairstyle, wearing pale blue heels( for your something blue).
I recieved a wedding dress that a friend of mine bought and decided not to wear. It is a heavy dress, a lot of bead work and lace, you need a petticoat to get the “effect”. After years have past and I am more serious to planning my wedding, I have begun rethinking if that is a good dress. I am very small, 5′2, I weigh from 92.5-105lbs at this time. My bra sz is 34A-32B. I am very small boned. I have more saddlebags (thighs than rear rump) My waist is smaller than hips and bust, but it looks better (to me if I suck it in). Which is very easy. I want to be in something comfortable that I look stunning in and that I don’t have to “try” to look stunning in. One site says empire, another a frame, then if u have good colar bones show em off, if you have nice shoulders don’t hide em. Don’t do a strapless. So I really am not sure what to do, but have a little fear about the dress I have being one of those ones that wear the bride vs the bride wearing it. Please help-
Monica
monica,
the dress is not suitable for your tiny frame, it will overwhelm you. i think a empire waisted a line would be perfect for you. it will enhance the breasts, it will add height. empire waist looks beautiful on slender frames and it will skim over thighs. but try one on cause some empires look great on and some dont. empire and aline is the ticket. strapless is good for your collar bones. this is where a lil’ dress magic comes in with the enhancers or cup inserts( such as liquid filled “chicken fillets” which add a cup size or two. you have a pear shape and will look more balanced.some say stay away from this if pear shaped but i have seen it look beautiful and some recommend a very simple unadorned ballgown with a slimmer skirt instead of a full skirt( be careful here it needs to be more on the slightly fuller aline instead of straight ballgown, or it will overwhelm you stick with more modified a line or princess aline and not a dropped skirt) an off the shoulder style would be very nice. its touch and go so i would try on some styles but i have narrowed it down to: a line, modified ballgown, or empire. i would have the upper bodice with a lil’ adornment only and straps. this will suit very well.
*dress tips
*tips
hi ;
my tall is 168 cm,wide bone,very small breats,not thin waist, no hips ,my weight is good but my body somehow is straight,help me please to choose my wedding dress
nona,
here is a website. i am loving the empire waist dress. that would suit you perfectly!! it will give the illusion of a bigger bust while flowing gently over the body, narrowing the waist, and skims over the hips. dont be afraid to try on other dresses too. any embellishment will help a small bust while wrap dresses that flow into an aline skirt or a ballgown skirt ( if you wish) will provide balance. good luck!!
*dress guide
Hello, I’m 5′3″ and I’m 42 DDD ,I have no butt or hips but have a bit of a stomach…I was looking at an empire or sweetheart style wedding dress online but don’t know if I should be getting a dress with no straps. HELP!
Oh I’m also getting married in two months. EEKK
bobbie jo,
here is a great site i have provided to another bride previously.
*wedding dress tips
i have a slightly larger bust and i know strapless is very difficult for me to wear being a 34 D. it provides no support. i would seriously consider a strap. or find a dress with a convertible strap. your getting married in twomonths and i would highly recommend you being able to try on the dress and online makes that difficult. there are some great dresses online, however, the dress may come in and then you may have to get it altered or it may not fit the way you need it too. i highly recommend a store so they can help you with the fittings. i wish you the best!!
I am having a really difficult time finding a dress that is flattering on me. I am 5′1″. I weight 154. For years I weight 132 and I just recetly gained the weight. My measurements are 34″ 30″ 44″. I have large hips and rear. I usually look like I have an hour glass figure but my waist and hips have recently increased. I actually already have a dress but the new weight totally kills the look on the mermaid style. Does anyone have any idea what dress would look good on me. Every dress that I like makes me look super short and fat…
you are probably trying on dress that have too low of a waist line. i have a similar body type and i would say that you should consider a waist line closer to the bust. this will make the lower half of your body seem more fit to the dress. Also if you find a dress that does not hit the floor and that is closer to your ankles, it will make you look taller with heels. please consider my advice and i hope you find a beautiful dress
Hi I am 4ft 11” and I am a DD cup I was wondering if you think this dress would look okay it is a 2 hour drive to try it on so I want some extra opinions first.
nikki, youare going in a good direction a v neck. i am concerned it wont be enough coverage or support for an ample bust. the plunging neckline and neckline fabric may not suit well. i would look for something with a little more coverage, but look for something in the similar style, if you love it and it suits your frame. it might be worth the drive, try it on if you cant resist, younever know what you might find on your trip!! bring an honest friend that will help you and just have fun!!!
*Want a Wedding Dress
that Flatters a Big Bust
Hi,
I am 5”3 and a half, rather large breasts, 36dd, and have hardly any hips and bottom. I wear a size 8 in street clothes, I have a little tummy so I would like to hide it:) I found a gorgeous oleg cassini 2 piece a line with sweetheart neckline, it has intricate embroidery along the bottom of the dress and train as well as the middle and top part of the bodice, it is style cv008… do you think this would work for me??!?! Thanks for any replies or suggestions!!
lisa,
if you can i would try it on. two piece can sometimes be tricky. they stop at the waist and the eye will not flow like in an aline. i do love the dress it is GORGEOUS! i do love that more modified and simple; the skirt is more body skim then it goes away from the hips which will give you a great balance with a larger chest. you will want to avoid anything clingy or a sheath; it will not add curves on your lower half. tip: some ballgowns skirts + larger chest may add the illusion of more pounds. so choose carefully. i am a 34 D. i do know strapless does not work for me because it has no support. if you want this dress and it looks amazing on. consider adding straps ( not halter) for more support. if you want to minimize your chest. a v neck, scoop, and of course, the sweetheart neckline are key.
*wedding gown style: a dress that flatters a big bust
Thanks Stacey!! I will try it on and see, fingers crossed!!
Hello, I am 5′8″ approx, and very VERY small breasted (36 AA) but have a nice size bottom. I love the style of this dress, but I would never be able to fit in the top…. Any suggestions? Also, I will be wearing a vest or something for the ceremony do to religious reasons, of not showing my shoulders….
maeve, you could ask the dress shop for ways to emphasize a smaller breast. they have these wonderful add a cup inserts you could purchase. also undergarments may add ( if that is what you are wanting) to emphasize. beautiful dress!!
So I am short; about 5′2″, not very curvy, but a little bit, but am rather large busted for my size (32C-hard to find…) I have no butt, wider shoulders then hips…. wanting something modest. Anybody have any suggestions?
heather, i would try empire wedding dresses something that hugs just a bit. it will all be in the skirt, find with just a tad of fullness, to full will overwhelm you to balance the figure. you should be able to find these styles easily! ample busts also favor the modest v neck or scoop. i have many links i have given brides previously and i have marked some with “best website”.
i am 4ft 11 inches and weigh 13 stone i am a size uk 20 about a 22 - 26 in a wedding dress, basically i look like a beer barrel, i am getting married in july and i just cant find a dress to suit me does anyone have any ideas xxxxxxxx
tracy,
google search wedding dress to fit your body shape
hi im a size 16 a d cup and only just over 5 ft tall what should i wear on my wedding day