At Plus size bride Australia, We believe that every woman is unique and beautiful. We believe that every bride deserves to feel like a million dollars on her wedding day. That is why we have put together the ‘choosing the right wedding gown for your shape’ series, to help you decide which style of wedding gown will best suit you.
Whilst every bride-to-be might have an idea in her mind of the style of wedding gown she would love, it is a good idea to consider your shape when selecting your style in order to best compliment your beautiful, unique figure. Knowing your body type can help point you in the right direction when searching for wedding dress styles.
Below is a list of body shape types. Once you have found your body type, click on the link for more details –
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Pear shaped body type
This is the most common body shape. Your hips are wider than your shoulders and your waist is quite well defined.
Most flattering design features –
- -A line or ball gown with natural waist
- -Bodice detail
- -One shoulder, scoop, V or sweetheart neckline
Least flattering design features –
- -Sheath, bias cut and mermaid silhouettes
- -Halter and high cut necklines
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Mona Lisa
Rose
Michelle
Celia
Isla
Genevieve
Shauna
Lilly
Caitlyn
Julia
Indira
Helena
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Apple shaped body type
Your torso and upper body are wider than your hips with little or no waist definition.
Most flattering design features –
- -Empire silhouette
- -A line with natural or high waist
- -Bodice detail
- -Deep V or sweetheart neckline
Least flattering design features –
- -Sheath and mermaid silhouettes
- -Excessively full ball gown silhouette
- -Straight across neckline
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Evelyn
Phoebe
Tigerlilly
Paula
Michelle
Dorothy
Tiffanie
Tina
Anya
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Rectangle shaped body type
Your hips and shoulders are about the same width with little or no waist definition.
Most flattering design features –
- -Empire silhouette
- -Full skirt designs such as A line or ball
- -embellishments that create a waistline
- -One shoulder,V or straight neckline
Least flattering design features –
- -Sheath and trumpet silhouettes
- -High necklines
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Adelle
Mona Lisa
Carina
Margaret
Lilly
Jessica
Uma
Juanita
Caitlyn
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Hourglass shaped body type
Your hips and shoulders are about the same width with a well defined waistline.
Most flattering design features –
- -Dropped and asymmetrical waistlines
- -Mermaid silhouette will accentuate curves
- -scooped neckline
Least flattering design features –
- -Empire silhouette will hide your small waist
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Calista
Violet
Eleanor
Indira
Aria
Lucy
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Triangle shaped body type (inverted triangle)
The most common shape of fashion models. Your shoulders are wider than your hips.
Most flattering design features –
- -Sheath to ball gown, most styles suit this figure
- -wide and lower cut neckline
Least flattering design features –
- -depending on your individual concerns and desires click here
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Astrid
Shae
Tillie
Pearl
Octavia
Harriet
Individual concerns and features
Below are some of the most common areas of concern for many brides-to-be. If you would like some more information about accentuating your features or minimising those you are concerned about, click on any of the items below.
Individual concerns and features
Busty
Want to accentuate your assets whilst maintaining your modesty? scooped or sweetheart necklines will flatter, along with V neckline styles and off the shoulder straps.
A structured bodice with a ‘lace up’ corset back will give you support. All of our gowns can be made with a lace up back.
Avoid straight necklines, as they will add volume to the bust, along with ruching and fabrics that have a sheen finish (such as organza) over the bust area.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Chantal
Shae
Tillie
Harriet
Julia
Lucy
Sarah
Gardenia
Isla
Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape
Individual concerns and features
Small Chested
To add volume and curve to a smaller bust, choose a style with a ruched bust.
Gowns with lots of bodice embellishments such as beading, and the use of fabrics with sheen such as organza give the appearance of a fuller bust.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Rosabelle
Jewel
Alice
Jessica
Lulu
Pepper
Individual concerns and features
Large hips
To shift focus from large hips, choose a style with a full skirt and natural or high waistline, or a highly embellished gown with an undefined waist line and full skirt.
The flow of the embellishment through to the skirt gives a flowing silhouette with beautiful detail.
If you would like to minimise the appearance of large hips, avoid figure hugging silhouettes such as sheath or mermaid.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Lilly
Charlotte
Tiana
Caitlyn
Tina
Adara
Tiana
Individual concerns and features
Tall Stature
Simple silhouettes Such as sheath and A line are best for the taller bride. Gowns with a dropped waistline and asymmetrical waistline will suit your tall physique.
Highly embellished gowns are not recommended, as they may appear to be a little too busy on a taller bride.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Chantal
Calista
Tillie
Individual concerns and features
Shorter Stature
If you would like to appear taller, look for an empire waistline, it will elongate the figure.
A natural waistline would also be suitable for a shorter bride, whilst a dropped waistline will shorten your legs. Try to find a style with more detail on the bodice than the skirt, as a long clear flowing line from the waist line will give you more height. Excessively full ball gowns may appear to be too much.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Astrid
Carina
Julia
Peony
Kleio
Tiffanie
Large Upper Arms
A sheer or lace bolero over any wedding gown adds a beautiful accent to your wedding day look, and gives subtle cover if you are concerned about your arms.
Off the shoulder straps with a V neckline will draw attention inward.
Some wedding gown design suggestions –
Tanya
Shae
Jessica
Abigail lace bolero
Grace lace bolero
Dahlia Bolero
