Bridal gown shopping can get a bit overwhelming. As if planning the wedding isn’t stressful enough, people will not let you forget that this is THE most important outfit you’ll ever wear. With this in mind, women tend to overthink the process, and sometimes end up confused, then subsequently morph into the dreaded Bridezilla. This blog post serves as a guide to all women who are currently dress hunting or have any plans to get married whether now in the near or distant future.
The first thing to consider when choosing a gown isn’t what you like, it’s not what you always dreamed about wearing as a child. It’s your budget, followed by your body type…yes, your shape , and the types of silhouettes, cuts and styles that will flatter a figure like yours. With this knowledge at the fore, I promise you bridal gown shopping will be a breeze. In knowing and understanding your body, you’ll be at a greater advantage of choosing a gown that will highlight your best areas and conceal the not so great ones.
There are five main body types among women: Rectangle/Square, Pear/Triangle, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, and Round.
- Rectangle/Square
A woman with a rectangular figure has straight up and down proportions, with little to no waist definitions. With this type of shape, the aim is to create a defined waistline, which results in the bust and hip area appearing wider. The types of gowns, which are perfect for this body type are the Ball Gown, A-Line and Empire. These styles cinch the waistline and have a gentle (A-Line) sometimes sharp and gradual flare (Ball Gown) from the waist all the way down to the floor.
Ball Gown
Photo Cred: The Art Hype
A- Line
Photo Cred: Maggiesotero.com
Empire
Photo Cred: Davidsbridal.com
- Triangle/Pear
The characteristics of this type of figure are hips that are wider than the waist and shoulders. This means that unlike the Square, there is a defined waistline, but narrow shoulders. The goal here, is to accentuate the top half of the body, from the waist to the shoulders , making them appear a little wider, while giving the waistline a little more definition. The types of gowns best suited for this body type are the A-line, Mermaid, Ball Gown and Empire. The Empire, which is characterized by its high waistline is also perfect for a pregnant or post natal bride.
A-Line
loveblushbridal.com
Mermaid
Dariuscordel.com
Empire
ecrater.com
Ball Gown
Davidsbridal.com
3. Hourglass
The hourglass figure is considered the superstar of all shapes, desired by many. This figure is characterized by a small waist, wide hips and a full bust. The shoulders and hips tend to have similar proportions, and as a result, pretty much any outfit on this figure is flattering. However a Mermaid, Trumpet or Sheath style gown will show off your best features.
Mermaid
Kjayscreativeagency.com
Trumpet
perfectformalsonline.com
Sheath
Dhgate.com
4. Inverted Triangle
This figure type is characterized by broad shoulders, full breasts, narrow hips and a small waist. The aim here is create the impression that the hips are wider than they actually are and present some amount of waist definition. The best types of gowns for this figure type are the Ball Gown, the Empire and A-Line. These gown cuts have a flared waist and hemline which adds volume to a narrow waistline and hips.
Ball Gown
Bonny.com
A-Line
Davidsbridal.com
Empire
Davidsbridal.com
5. Round
A round figure is usually well proportioned; however the majority of fullness is around the midsection, which means there isn’t a well-defined waist. The best types of dresses for this body type are A-line or Empire. These types of dresses help to create a natural defined waistline, while still emphasizing the fullness of the bust.
There you have it, simple enough right? Every bride should ensure that on her wedding day not only does her dress fit comfortably, but that it fits well and the key to the perfect fit is knowing your body type and the types of cuts and styles that flatter same. You can figure out your body type or shape simply by asking a friend to measure you or by doing it yourself. This way, you are able to determine what areas of your body are widest by measuring your shoulder, bust, waist and hips .
If your shoulders are wider than your hips and waistline, you have an Inverted Triangle body type. Conversely, if your hips are wider than your shoulders and waistline, you are a Triangle or Pear. If your hips or shoulder are of a similar width, and both are wider than your waist, you have an Hourglass figure. If your hips and shoulders are narrower than your waist, you have a round body type and if your waist, hips and shoulders are of relatively similar proportions, then that means you have a rectangular or athletic body type.
I hope this information serves you well and helps to simplify your process, also be sure to check out my portfolio right here on the site and my Social IG/FB: @amahlecreates 🙂
Happy shopping and talk soon!
Amahle Creates 
Great post! In the future, I would really keep this in mind for my wedding
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Awesome! Glad to know u found it useful.
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