Know Your Body Type

If you don’t have a clue what wedding dress style works with your body type, or even what body type you are keep reading! This article will help you determine your body type.  This article also gives suggestions for what dress silhouette will most likely flatter you and what to avoid.  Silhouette refers to the overall shape of a gown.  Silhouette could be body hugging or flowing into a full ball gown.  Bear in mind, though, that the most important thing is to go out and try on a few dresses in different styles to see what you like and look best in.

Hour Glass Body Shape

A-line from Maggie Sottero

If your hips and bust are approximately the same size, and you have a defined waist smaller than either of these by at least four inches, then you’re an hourglass. Most wedding gowns you see in bridal magazines and bridal stores are cut for an hour glass shape, so of all the body types you’ll have the easiest time and fun finding a wedding dress.

Silhouette: A-line; empire waist
Neckline: V-neck, scoop, plunging necklines
What to Avoid: Ball-gown silhouettes

Pear Body Shape

Alita Graham from Kleinfeld Bridal

If your hip is larger than your bust then you have a pear shape. You have narrow shoulders and wider hips. Many women fall under this category! You will do well to add width to the upper part of your body and deemphasize your lower half.  Bring the focus upward with detail bodice.
Silhouette: A-line, basque waist, princess cut that moves with your body shape without being too clingy.
Neckline: V-neck, bateau, scoop, spaghetti straps, sweetheart
What to Avoid: Tight sheath, trumpet or mermaid silhouettes or any style that will add any weight to your bottom half such as beads or sequins, halter neckline that will accentuate your narrow shoulders.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Marisa Gown form Kleinfeld Bridal

If your bust is larger than your hip, which means you have broad shoulders and narrower hips, you’re an inverted triangle. Inverted triangles often have a full bust and yet wear a smaller-sized pant. You are the opposite shape of the pear, so you want to deemphasize your top and draw attention to your bottom half.

Silhouette: Basque waisted A-line, flat-front ball-gown
Neckline: Square, sweetheart
What to Avoid: Textured top with beads, lace or sequins; oversized sleeves with elaborate detailing, straight skits or empire silhouette

Apple

Alita Graham from Kleinfeld Bridal

If all your measurements are similar then you have an apple body type. To add definition and the appearance of an hourglass shape you’ll want to select dresses with gathers or other details on the hips and bust. This will highlight those areas and give you a feminine shape. Generally an A-line dress will be the most flattering and have the most options for you.

Silhouette: A-line; empire waist
Neckline: V-neck, scoop, plunging necklines
What to Avoid: Ball-gown silhouettes

Petite

Gown by Casablanca

If you are shorter than 5′4″, then you have a petite body type. The simple lines of an A-line dress elongates the waist and can make a small bride look taller

Silhouette: A-line, sheath, empire waist, princess seams
Neckline: varies depending on whether you are full or small breasted (see below)
What to Avoid: Ball-gown silhouettes, dropped waist- silhouettes, calf-length

Plus Size

Plus Bride by Alfred D'Angelo

Less is more. If you’re going to wear a dress with beads or crystals, keep them subdued and choose the flat rather than rounded ones.  A-line silhouette are ultra-slimming and flattering, especially if the wedding gown has a dropped waist.  Accentuate your waist.
Silhouette: Dropped-waist A-line, flat-front ball-gown,
Neckline: V-neck, scoop, strapless, sweetheart
What to Avoid: Sheath silboutte, dresses that are too fitted or clingy

Other Body Types

Tall

On a tall woman, the most common dress styles can appear too high waisted. To avoid this problem, choose an already high-cut princess or empire waist.

Small Chested

Add weight to your top with sequins or beads. will be flattering.

Silhouette: A ruched bodice
Neckline: Square neckline or spaghetti straps
What to Avoid: Strapless gowns

Full Chested

Go for a simple top that gives you more coverage and is not accentuated with beads, sequins, or lace

Silhouette: A-line
Neckline: Square, sweetheart
What to Avoid: Bateau and jewel necklines

How to Choose Your Bridal Gown
Types of Wedding Gown Silhouette
Popular Wedding Gown Necklines
Bridal Fabric Primer