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’d like advice for someone who has broad shoulder and narrow hips, somewhat like a gymnast, 5′6″ tall, athletic build. What style wedding dress should we look for that would be flattering. Thank you.
hi, mary.
you were asking about a dress for someone w/ very broad shoulders and narrow hips, somewhat like a gymnast.
it sounds like you are describing me to a T, so i figured i would respond.
first off, i am five-four, 130 pounds, but very toned (i wear a size 5 jean and a s/m top). i am broad in the shoulders (was a gymnast for years), have a small chest (34 a), a 27-inch waist, and maybe a 35 inch hip (which is only that measurement because my butt is big, but only from the side view)
from the front/back view, i am very slender in the hip.
okay, that being said, i know what you are talking about w/ the dresses showing off your broad shoulders.
i’ll tell you, i ended up getting a trumpet satin wedding dress w/ a lace up corset.
the corset pulls the waist in and traces over your hips giving the illusion that you are curvier than you are.
don’t know if that helps or not, but i see that everyone on here is asking a question and not necessarily getting answers.
anyway, hope it helps, and i’m posting a link to my dress that i am wearing for my wedding 1/9/09…
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=3064&prodgroup=127
good luck!
soon to be mrs. u.
I am 5′1″ Busty 34D waist 23 hips 33…I want a corsett top and sheath style dress. I workout and want something that shows that.
I am so lost…………….I do not know what size of wedding dress i should buy.
Here are my measurements : 35 in the chest (wear a 36B bra) My waist is 30 1/2 inches and my hips are 35 inches. I am wanting to buy a gown off of ebay. I have checked everything out about the seller and there store. They are legit and will refund your money.
I called their store and they told me i would wear a size 10 but then i asked them again through email and they said a size 14 cause of my hips.
The dress is a ballgown and the hips are free so why a 14? I weigh only 125 pounds.
Please help…….
I’m 5′3” and a little heavy. about 135. I have a large bust and small butt. However my middle is a little chunky. I would like to hid it. What would be best for me.
I am a 36DD. I weigh 145lbs. I have thin arms and legs. My waist is 10 inches smaller than my hips. I am a size 6 on the bottom and a 12 on top. I am very hour-glassey and curvy. What gown can I wear to my sons Bar Mitzvah? I need to have some kind of sleeve.
I’m 5′ 2″, almost 110 lbs, and I have a long torso but short legs. I normally wear between a size 0 - 2. I was wondering what kinds of dresses I could get away with, because I have my eye on one that would hug my hips a little, and I want to make sure it won’t make me look any shorter and more like a “shrimp”. Can you help?? Thanks!
I am 5′6 and 129 lbs. i am bottom heavy but small busted. What style wedding dress would look right on me. Please help!!
i am 5′6 , 240 lbs and have a large bust 44dd. what is the best dress style for me?
your website is so helpful, i am sending it to my daughter who’s saying her vows next summer. thanks. jan
We are having an evening ceremony. I want a elegant sparkling classy no fuss ..clean lines type of a wedding dress for the evening I love the idea of a short corded veil with crystal on the cording.
I’m 5″6 and weigh 105 I’m 32D bust …
I need help I do not even know where to start when it comes to a dress
i have brod shoulders and dont know what kind of dress will go with me plz help
Hi,
I am 5″ 4″ = 164cm tall and 59.8 kg. I am not so sure what is my body type, the more i read articles on body type the more confuse i am!! I cant seems to find any wedding gown thats complements my body type from the bridal shops. I almost give up already so i decided to tailor made my gown. I have broad shoulders, big arm-not so tone. I have big frame body. My bottom is heavy as well..i have broad hips and well defined curves at the waist. Could you help me and give me some ideas of what style i should go for?
Hello,
Your articles are of great help,thanks.I am 5′7 and weigh 126lbs.Do not have a very defined waistline, slender hipsand have broad sholders.What kind of dress would u recommend.thanks.
I am 157cm 55Kg, broad hip (but still looks hourglass shape ), big arm, but small shoulder, please give me advice to choose a best gown for my wedding party, better if you can show me figure or picture of that gown. thank you
I am desperate, top heavy, bust size 38 G, arms not that toned.. with rounded stomach, please what’s the best style of dress to hide all the sins and look best on my day?
I am 5′2″ with a long torso, short legs and broad shoulders. What style shoud I be looking for that will make me look slimmer and taller without shoulders of a football player? I would probably be between a size 14 and 16. I am getting amrried on an island so I am also looking for something that won’t be too hot to wear. I don’t know where to start looking.
Thanx :-)
Your best choice would be an A-line style with off-the-shoulder sleeves like you mentioned above. As the article indications, the off-the-shoulder sleeves will help minimize your chest. An a-line style is a gown with a skirt that is not huge, but is not fitted either. It covers nicely without adding to much extra dimension to your hips and thighs.
Hi,
Read your article and your suggestions, but I have a very large bust and I am also full figured. Not what I would call a big girl but thick. My ideal dress size is around a 12-14. I was thinking something off the shoulder with long sleeved lace, my wedding is in November. what type of dress would you recommend for me.