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.
The Full-Figured Bride
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.
The Petite Bride
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.
The Large-Busted Bride
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.
The Bottom-Heavy Bride
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.
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!!
Hey! I really love this dress, but I’ve heard that small chested people shouldn’t do a strapless dress! I’m 5’8”, a 24 inch waist, 32 A bra size, and a flat stomach. HELP
Bria,
Yes, you can definitely wear this dress. It is recommended for brides with smaller chests look for added detail on upper part of dress. With the gathered top it will work perfectly! Your slender frame will carry this dress very well. If you are still concerned, you can talk to your bridal stylist for some tips, they may have some inserts they could do. GORGEOUS dress!
Hi,
Getting married in April 2010. I am 5’2″ 140lbs hour glass. My chest is a 36D and a little bit of a baby bump but looks flat with support and a little sucking in. I usually wear a size 8. This is a second marriage and I want a simple dress (no lace or very little embelishment). I love the dresses that have the rushing. Also like some of the mermaid with that as well. The first pic is from my wedding ten years ago. The next two are the best I could find to show my figure. I wear the exact same size as I did when I married before but now I have kids and my weight has shifted. Help!
liz,
I would look for a dress with v neck or sweetheart neckline. if you choose ruching make sure it is not poufy. A wrap wedding dress with clean lines would be ideal. Also try an aline. Mermaid dresses may not be ideal since they dont compliment a petite bride.
* tips
* more tips
So I tried on the dress I posted….and it looks like it was made for someone without a waist! I tried on some other ones…and HOT DAMN! What I thought would make my body look ridiculous actually was the most flattering….a straight fitted dress. Its amazing what those dresses can do!
Ladies…I say just get out there and try them on! I was seriously surprised at what looked amazing on.
Hi, I’m 5’9, 34B, little waist but a large bum + thighs in comparaison to the rest of me. I’ve fallen in love with this dress and was wondering if it would suit me? Also, I do not want to wear a strapless dress so would add sleves of some sort to it. I was thinking capped sleeves but I’m not sure… (Need an objective point of view) Thanks! x
Oh I’m the blonde on the right.
Catherine,
You are a classic pear shape. beautiful dress! Unfortunately this style dress does little to flatter a pear shape. Pear shapes should avoid full skirts and to much embellishment on the skirt, it can add more emphasis on the lower body. empire, aline, work well for your body type. clean lines.
* tips
* here are some ideas dresses for your body shape
* more tips
hey there!))..
along with everybody else, i also have a question. I’, 5’6, 120 lb. I got small butt and 34DD breasts and they kinda soggy so I cant wear anything strapless. My waist is not that thin. Will slightly dropped waist line make me look square? I have no idea what kind of dress would flatter me and make me look sexy:). help, please?
dee,
sounds like you are an inverted triangle and should wear a v neck, square, or sweetheart neckline. Your on the right track with a basque waist or dropped waist. It will elongnate your upper body. Make sure the skirt isn’t slim.
* tips
* more tips
Hello,
I am a 37 year old petite woman. I weigh 115lbs, 5 ’5 and my chest is a 34B. I am getting married on the beach and I want a simple dress that is NOT strapless. I am clueless where to even begin. I have never been married and want my dress to accent my frame and perhaps a little beading but nothing extravagent, I plan to be barefoot so I want a small train but not alot. Any suggestions where I should begin or how???
Kristy,
* this would be pretty
* this is gorgeous
* Take a look at these
* very nice
* love this one!
Hi,
I’m just about to start looking for my wedding dress but am a lil worried that the style I like isn’t the style that best suits me. I want a very fitted, sexy dress thats modern and quirky but I’m quite petite and am reading everywhere that I should go for princess style…which just isn’t me!
I’m 5”4, uk size 6 top and bottom and only a 30a cup but despite this am actually and hourglass shape, with 22inch waist. Is there any chance I could get away with something more fitted? I can’t normally even get away with long skirts or dresses!!!
Hi,
I’m getting married on July 2010.
I currently weigh 188 pounds and am 5’3. I have already lost 25 pounds in the past few months and am planning on continuing my diet and exercise program in order to lose another 40-50lbs by June (it’s healthy to lose up to 2lbs a week). I’ve always realized that I might not be able to achieve that goal but I am doing my best and decided that whatever weight I was by June, I would make my peace with it and not let ruin my wedding.
However, today found out that I need to choose my dress by late March at the latest in order to give them time to get the dress in the store (4-8 weeks) and then do the 1st alteration 4-6 weeks before the wedding- basically cutting my timeline by half
I’m freaking out a little because the style I was going to choose would be dependent on my body at the time…
I am pear-shaped. I have small bust, smaller waist, almost no stomach, and big butt and thighs (which I’m proud of because I’ve always had them even when I weighed 125lbs not to mention my fiancee absolutely loves them!). My problem right now are my UPPER ARMS! They are still pretty thick! I lost 2 bra sizes, inches of my waist enough to fit on a medium sized top, however, if I chose shirts with sleeve, I need to get a XL!!!
Help! I am getting married at a beach in Hawaii in the summer! I cannot wear mini-coats or whatever they’re called… Are there dresses that somehow wrap around the upper arm or somehow take attention from it without adding more chunk to my bottom???
Sorry for the long winded post…
Thank you very much for your help!
Tatiane, Congrats!!
you could definitely do a sheer chiffon wrap. Or look for something with a short sleeve( not capped) a nonhugging baby doll sleeve would work as long as it is on a longer side and not capped.
* look at this style with attached sleeve
* heavy arms tips
* more tips
* good article
* puffed sleeve style
I am 4’8 and about 130lbs I have a smaller chest but big hips and I’m having a horrible time trying to find a dress! I’m a complete princess so I love the big princess style dresses with all the embelishment but I’m afraid they will make me look shorter! which I deffinatly DO NOT need! please help!
Regan,
I highly recommend an aline. simple with little or no embellishments. youcan still find your princess style with this very popular dress shape! it will give a taller appearance on your petite frame.
* tips
* more aline tips
* more dress tips
Hello,
I was just wondering if there is anything to be careful of when choosing a one-shoulder gown? Is there any do’s or don’t's when it comes to a one shoulder dress???
Victoria,
it is a great option for a smaller chest, it gives the illusion of a fuller bust.
avoid if you have broad shoulders.
it is great if youwant to emphasize great collarbones.
if using for a religious ceremony, it is usually recommended to use a wrap, as with a strapless.
My 2nd question is this. What kind of dresses do I need for my girls. One is the all american stick and the other is… rather larger. M.O.H is about 5’2-5’3 and weighs like 170 ish. DD breast. (This is a guess) and my Bridesmaid is like 5’4 and 90 lbs. Honestly she probably wears a training bra. Obviously the wont look good in the same things. I dont mind to let them pick out their own dresses but my wedding colors are different than most and so you cant really order them different. Charcoal/Grey, yellow, and white. I’m in white so they need to be in the charcoal. Flowers are a white. Finding a Charcoal dress with a yellow ribbon or whatever around the stomach is hard. Let alone in the ones that fit their bodies. Please let me know what style should be the best for the both of them without making one look awful.
Well, I’m back again. I have 2 new question. I picked my wedding dress out and was wondering what you thought about it for my body type. Its only 230 bucks but I’m ordering offline with your blessing lol. A friend of mine ordered from the site and had no problems at all so I feel okay with ordering from it. I just wanted your opinion on it. My other questions if for my M.O.H and B.M. so I’ll ask it in a different comment lol. THANKS!
August,
that is stunning, you will be a beautiful bride!
Hi, I am about 160 lbs (try to get back to my regular 150!) and about 5 ’8 or 9. I have a bit of a tummy (i hold my weight there first usually) and really athletic tighs from years of soccer. I really love the classic dresses with not too much extra stuff and side runching near the hip. I am not sure about strapless. I always hate worrying about pulling up my dress! I havn’t found a pic of the one I love yet though.
What do you recommend?
Thanks! -Marie
HI,
i have a bit of an akward body. I am 5’3″, 34C, 27 waist line. My thighs are thick from sports in highschool and my bottom is juicy, too. I’ve been reading several sites trying to figure out which would be the best design of a dress to wear. i attached a pic of me and a pic of a dress i’m in love with. what do you think?
brooke,
beautiful dress! this style of dress would work with less drape. it can add pounds below the waist. also being petite it can overwhelm a small frame. you can definitely go with this style but i would look for a similar one without alot of the ruching.
Okay, here comes a tough situation!!
I am about 5’3″ and weigh close to 155lbs. I wear a 36F bra!
I can’t find my tape measure to tell you my exact measurements, but I wear a size large top, and anywhere from a size 10-12 bottom. I have quite a big booty, I think! lol But as far as my tummy, I have gained a bit of extra weight there but when I suck it in, it’s almost flat…
I’m interested in the mermaid skirts. I do not want one that is full/poofy. I want something that is slim & straight. I don’t like my arms, or that ’4th boob’ thing, so I want some sort of sleeve, as I’m sure you know I could NEVER pull off a strapless dress with these breasts!
Ok the pictures: The first is of me and my hubby-to-be
and the second is me (left) summer 2008, and the third is me (far left) May 2009.
Allison,
i think something with a slightly fuller skirt like an aline would be ideal, more on the slimmer/full side of skirt. it will give balance without being to much dress.
* neckline tips
hello,
i really loved this wedding dress but i want to make sure this is the best style for me ….. i need your expertise! i am 5’4″, 116 lbs, 34B, 27 waist, 35 hips. thank you in advance!
kate,
can you post a pic? it was be easier to make a sound answer. thanks!!!
hi stacey!
there’s a problem while downloading the pics. here we go…. my picture last summer and my dream wedding dress. thanks again!
kate,
this dress will be beautiful for your body shape. one suggestion, go to a bridal store and make sure the embellishments wont be to overwhelming on your frame. the dress embellishments look delicate. so that will be a plus. i wish you the best!
thanks stacey! great to hear your suggestions. now,
im very much excited to wear my dream dress….
I think this dress would look wonderful! My sister is getting married this summer and found a similar one. I loved the ‘surprise’ in back… its backless! It does require a slender silhouette. According to your description, it would not be a problem! . good luck!
I love this wedding dress! I just want it so bad. The problem is that its discontinued and I will have to risk ordering it without trying it on/seeing it in person.
My measurements are 36-28-41 (41 being the absolute largest part of my hips). I’m 5’4 130 lbs.
In your opinion, would this dress be flattering? It is listed as a modified A-line. I like A-lines…but I really don’t want a big poofy ballgown.
Please let me know what you think….this dress is shouting my name! I’ve spent weeks searching…and its the only dress calling out to me.
I appreciate any input! Thanks.
Deb D,
what i would do is take this pic to a local bridal store and ask the consultant to find one that is similar and try it on.unfortunately, i am thinking it is gonna be to much beading for your petite frame. but i would seriously consider the bridal store just to see before ordering. i usually dont recommend ordering without trying it on because it could turn out to be a major situation if the dress doesnt work for the body type, you cant get professional fittings, and it may be made poorly. it is a a beautiful dress though and i can see why you love it so much! it has style similar to a victorian era but with modern clean lines and simple but very elegant silouette. it appears to wear extremely well. alines are a very good way to go for almost everyone, so that is a plus. i do hope everything works out! please keep me posted.
I’m not sure if I’m hourglass or pear….because if the measurement around my shoulders is 41 or 42. If that counts I’d be an hourglass….but if only bust counts I’m a pear!
DebD,
* pics of pear shape body
* hourglass
a pear shape has a smaller upper body( small shoulders and bust) and a bigger lower section. hourglass
* good article
an hourglass has at least 10 inches difference between waist and hips. with the bust and hips measure within 2 inches of each other. so you may lean more toward a pear. would you be willing to post a pic? i could tell better. thanks!!