All body types

Wedding dresses for different body types

Wedding dresses come in many different styles. Before you choose your wedding dress, it’s a good idea to know what different silhouettes are available. It’s important to find out which silhouette suits your body type.

A-line

A wedding dress with a fitted silhouette at the top and a flared silhouette at the bottom, shaped like a capital A. It resembles an empire-line dress, but is cut at the waist instead. The A-line silhouette was first introduced by Dior in 1954–1956, before making a comeback in 1965–1967 and again in the mid-1990s. It is said that Dior was inspired by the shape of the Eiffel Tower.
Suitable for: Most body shapes.

Princess

The princess cut, which resembles the A-line, is fitted with bust darts that continue down a little way onto the skirt, creating a slimming line across the tummy. Often features a front panel on the wedding dress that points straight down, like a V. The waistline may also be cut off at the waist. The princess waist makes you look taller. The princess cut was invented by the Parisian tailor Charles Frederick Worth for the Danish-born Princess Alexandra in 1863.
Suitable for: Most body shapes.

Empire

The Empire style fits snugly across the bust and features a straight, flared skirt cut just below the bust. Ideal for a curvy bride, but also flattering for most body shapes.
Suitable for: Brides with a wide waist.
Not suitable for: Brides with a large bust, flat stomach and wide hips (hourglass figure).

Sheath

A slim, sleek style that hugs your body. Wedding dresses with this cut are most flattering for brides with narrow hips.
Suitable for: Brides with a slender figure.
Not suitable for: Brides with a flat bust, short waist and pear-shaped figure.

Mermaid

This style is quite similar to the ‘sheath’, except that it is tighter across the hips. Above or just below the knees, it flares out towards the feet. Great for shorter brides who want to look taller, and for those who really want to show off their figure.
Suitable for: Brides with a slender figure.
Not suitable for: Brides with a small bust, short waist and pear-shaped figure.

Ball gown (Cinderella look)

The most traditional cut, consisting of a fitted bodice with a very full skirt. This style emphasises the waist. Perfect when you want to conceal your pear-shaped hips.
Suitable for: Brides with a full bust, a flat stomach and wide hips (hourglass figure).
Not suitable for: Brides with a short waist and a curvier figure.

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