How to Choose a Wedding Dress for Your Body Type

Choosing the right wedding dress to accentuate your best features can be a daunting task. Knowing whether the dramatic, sweeping skirt of a princess cut or the fitted profile of a mermaid style best suits you depend on your natural figure. Begin the search for your dream dress well-equipped with our list of some of the best wedding dresses for various body types. 

Understanding the different body types can help you pick out a design that best flatters your figure. Below is a brief breakdown of some of the most common body types.  

An hourglass figure resembles the namesake: the shoulders and hips are relatively equal in size with a well-defined waist. The best wedding dress for curvy body types will accentuate your silhouette and highlight your waistline.

A pear-shaped body type is defined by wider hips and a smaller upper torso. For these figures, a gown that highlights your décolletage helps balance out your proportions.  

With a fuller mid-section and an upper torso larger than the hips, ideal wedding dresses for apple-shaped body types will create a more defined waistline. 

A rectangular body type is characterized by a straight silhouette, with the bust, waist, and hips being similar in size. If you have a rectangular figure, you'll want to consider a wedding dress that adds curves and definition to your frame. 

When selecting a wedding dress for petite body types, it's important to find a style that elongates your figure. Petite silhouettes are typically smaller than average, so it’s important to pick a gown that doesn’t overwhelm your proportions. 

With a well-defined, feminine silhouette, some of the best wedding dresses for hourglass figures will emphasize your curves. Trumpet-style or mermaid wedding dresses perfectly complement your profile. The designs hug your curves and flare out at the bottom for an elegant silhouette. For a more dramatic skirt, consider picking out a fit-and-flare wedding dress as the bottom of the gown flows outwards from a higher angle, achieving more volume.  

The best wedding dress for pear-shaped figures will help balance out your proportions. Ball gown wedding dresses with a fitted bodice draws attention upwards to your décolletage, while the dramatic skirt creates a stunning contrast, defining your waistline even further. Consider gowns with embellishment along the upper torso, or long-sleeved wedding dresses with intricate detailing that ensures the focal point remains on your bodice.  

The best wedding dress for body types with a fuller midsection will elongate your silhouette and streamline your waist. An empire-style wedding dress with a high waistline gently skims over the midsection to achieve a lengthening effect. The gentle flare of A-line gowns helps create a more defined waistline while providing balance to your overall silhouette. For those searching for a wedding dress for larger busts, a corset style provides extra support and structure for optimal comfort.   

The best wedding dresses for athletic builds or rectangular figures will create a feminine silhouette by defining your waistline. Ballgown bridal dresses are a great choice, for the fitted corset contrasted with a dramatic skirt creates a striking profile. Column or sheath wedding dresses can also elongate your figure, and accessorizing with a belt can create the illusion of curves. For brides wishing to show off their strong features, consider selecting a wedding dress neckline in a deep V shape for an hourglass effect that highlights your toned arms.  

If you have a smaller figure, you'll want to choose a gown that doesn't overwhelm you. The best wedding dress for body types with petite proportions can be sheath or A-line wedding dresses. The design elongates your figure with a streamlined silhouette, giving you the illusion of height. An empire waist is also favorable for petite brides, as it lengthens your legs while providing a structured décolletage for an elegant and romantic look.  

Selecting a wedding dress that flatters your body type allows you to celebrate your special day in a gown tailored to you. By understanding your body shape and knowing which cuts complement different profiles, you can find the perfect gown that highlights your best features. Whether you’re hoping to create a defined silhouette or balance out your proportions, you can begin shopping with these tips in mind, assured you'll find the wedding dress of your dreams.