Choosing the Right Wedding Gown for Your Body Type
What type of dress will make you shine the brightest on your wedding day? A full, fabulous ball gown? A sleek and sexy mermaid style? Or maybe a classic A-Line?
Every bride is one-of-a-kind, and so too is the dress that will suit them best. There are different factors to consider when choosing the right wedding gown for you, and one of those is your body type. No two bodies are the same, but there are a few "main" body types that most women fall under. Knowing your body type will help you determine which styles of wedding gowns will look the most flattering on you.
Knowing Your Body Type
You might already know your body type, in which case, you can skip this step. But if you're unsure or want to double-check, here are the main body types and their defining characteristics.
The Apple Shape
The apple shape gets its name from the way weight tends to distribute on this body type. If you have an apple-shaped body, your bust and waist are larger than your hips, giving you a rounder, more full-figured appearance.
The Pear Shape
Opposite of the apple shape is the pear shape. A pear-shaped body typically means your hips are wider than your bust, with more weight in the lower half. This body type often has a well-defined waist and narrower shoulders.
The Hourglass Shape
The hourglass shape is the most balanced and proportionate body type. If your body is hourglass-shaped, your hips and bust are about the same size, and you have a defined waist.
The Rectangle Shape
Next, we have the rectangle shape. If you have this body type, your bust and hips are close to the same size, but you lack a defined waistline. Your body tends to be straighter and more athletic looking.
The Inverted Triangle Shape
The inverted triangle shape includes broad shoulders and a larger bust, with narrower hips and waist. This body type often has more slender legs.
Which Dresses Look Best on Which Body Types?
Now that you know your body type, you can start looking for dresses that will accentuate your best features and flatter your figure.
Dresses for the Apple
For apple-shaped bodies, A-line or empire waist dresses are great options. These styles will help create balance and draw attention away from the midsection. Avoid form-fitting mermaid or trumpet style dresses, as they may accentuate the tummy area.
Dresses for the Pear
For pear-shaped bodies, you'll want to choose a dress that accentuates your defined waistline and draws attention upwards. A ball gown or A-line dress with a fitted bodice will do just that. You may choose to stay away from overly voluminous skirts, as they could add extra width to the hips.
Dresses for the Hourglass
Hourglass body types can pull off almost any style of wedding gown, and form-fitting dresses that hug every curve will really make a statement. Go for mermaid or sheath styles to really show off your figure.
Dresses for the Rectangle
The rectangle body type benefits from dresses that create curves. Look for gowns with ruching or draping to add dimension and create the illusion of a defined waistline. A-line dresses with cinched waists are also flattering on this body type.
Dresses for the Inverted Triangle
For the inverted triangle body type, it's all about balancing out your proportions. A-line or ball gown styles with full skirts will help create a more hourglass-like shape. You may want to avoid heavily embellished or ruffled bodices, as they may draw too much attention to the top half of your body.
If you’re searching for your dream dress, Justin Alexander has many of these styles and more available to view on our site and try on at one of our authorized retailers around the world.
Keep the Little Differences in Mind
Everyone’s body is unique, and even within the five main body types, there are subtle differences that can make a big impact when choosing the perfect wedding gown. For example, one bride with an apple shape may carry weight differently in the midsection, while another may have a different balance in the proportions. Similarly, an hourglass-shaped bride might have varied proportions in the hips or bust. Embracing these personal details will help you find a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your big day.
The best way to discover your perfect dress is by trying on a variety of shapes and designs to see what feels right for you. While a qualified stylist will suggest options that complement your silhouette, only you can truly know which style inspires your heart and makes you feel fabulous. Experimenting with different styles and silhouettes is key to finding the one that works best for your unique figure.
What if You Love a Dress That Doesn't Fit Your Body Type?
It’s important to remember that these are just guidelines. If you fall in love with a dress that doesn't flatter your body type on paper, don't be afraid to try it on and see how it looks on you. Sometimes, things can surprise us and look completely different once we have them on! That mermaid dress you thought wouldn't work may end up being the one that makes you feel like a million dollars. It's all about feeling confident and beautiful on your special day.
You might see a dress on the hanger and think it’s not for you, but often, your stylist can make clever adjustments and smart styling choices to make it work. Adding a belt or altering the neckline, for example, can completely transform a gown and make it even more flattering. If you love it, don’t be afraid to try it on—sometimes the unexpected is exactly what you’re looking for!
While it's helpful to know your body type and which styles of dresses look best on it, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in your wedding gown. Trust your instincts and try on different styles to see what works for you. And if something doesn't work right away? Don't give up—there are always ways to make a dress work for you and your unique body type.
At Justin Alexander Adore, we create designer wedding dresses for every shape, offering a variety of styles to suit every bride. All our designs are available in sizes US0 – US32. Whether you’re an apple, a pear, or an inverted triangle, we have a dress to fit and flatter your body type. Explore our collection online, and there’s a dress that catches your eye, you can find it available for try-on at one of our authorized retailers near you.
