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Fit Guide

How to choose the most flattering wedding dress | JasonsBridal.com

Brides come in all shapes and sizes, and different dress silhouettes can complement some body types better than others. Follow our guide below to learn how to identify your body shape and select the perfect dress to enhance it.

Women Dress Styles:
Ball Gown    Princess/Empire    A-Line    Sheath    Column    Trumper/Mermaid    Short Gown

When selecting your special occasion dress, wedding gown, or formal dress, consider your body type and desired look. This guide is also helpful for bridesmaid dresses and other special occasion gowns.

Ball Gown or Pick Up

Perfect fit

If you have a slim-hipped figure and a fuller bust, the ball gown or pick-up style with a full skirt will balance your proportions beautifully. This silhouette gives you a “fairytale bride” look, often considered the most romantic shape.

What to avoid

If you have a smaller bust, the full skirt might make it appear even smaller.
Petite brides may feel overwhelmed by the volume of this dress style.
Women with wide hips should avoid a ball gown, as the volume of the skirt could emphasize them.

Princess or Empire Line

Perfect fit

This style offers a classic fairytale look, with a waistline starting just below the bust. It’s ideal for brides with smaller busts, and the longer silhouette elongates petite frames. The princess or empire line is also great for covering wider hips, offering a flattering fit for many body types.

What to avoid

Tall brides may find this style makes them appear even taller.
If you have a curvy figure and want to accentuate your shape, a more fitted dress might be a better choice.

A Line

Perfect fit

The A-line dress is similar to the princess style but features a more fitted bodice that cinches at the waist, flattering your waistline and emphasizing your bust. This shape also works well for brides with wider hips, as it creates a smooth, flowing line that hides them.

What to avoid

Brides with fuller figures may want to avoid a dress that hugs the waist too tightly.
The tighter bodice may draw attention to a smaller bust, so if this is a concern, consider a style with more volume at the top.

Sheath(Bias Cut)

Perfect fit

The sheath dress is sleek, chic, and ideal for brides with a slim figure. It follows the natural lines of your body, making it a great choice for taller women or those with a petite frame. The bias cut adds a graceful drape that differentiates it from the more structured column dress.

What to avoid

The sheath style hugs the hips, so if you have fuller hips, this may not be the best option.

  • While it accentuates a curvy figure, it might highlight areas you prefer to downplay.

Column

Perfect fit

The column dress is similar to the sheath but features a straight cut with vertical seams, creating a sleek, figure-hugging look. This style is great for tall, willowy women, giving a streamlined, catwalk-inspired silhouette. It also works well for petite brides, as it creates an elongated effect.

What to avoid

The column dress fits closely to the body, so it may accentuate fuller hips. If you’re concerned about this, consider another silhouette.

Trumper/Mermaid (fit to flare)

Perfect fit

The trumpet or mermaid wedding dress fits closely through the bodice and hips, then flares out from the knees. This style highlights your curves, creating a dramatic and sexy look that’s sure to make a statement.

What to avoid

Like the sheath, the trumpet and mermaid styles hug the hips, making them less ideal for brides with wider hips or fuller thighs.

Short Gown

Perfect fit

For the bold, sassy bride, a short wedding dress (typically ending above the knee) is a fun and modern choice. It’s perfect for showcasing your legs and works particularly well for informal or outdoor weddings.

What to avoid

Short dresses are best suited for casual or outdoor weddings, especially during the summer or for beach weddings.
While this style can be flattering for both taller brides and shorter brides who want to appear taller, it’s important to consider the formality of the event.


Each of these silhouettes offers a unique look, and by understanding which one complements your body type, you can choose a wedding dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect dress, feel free to contact us!