How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Type

You’ve said, ‘YES!’ to the love of your life — but before you can say ‘yes’ to the dress, there’s one important thing to consider: your beautiful body type.

Don’t worry! The journey to finding your perfect wedding dress doesn’t have to be daunting. At Cottonwood Bridal, we promise — finding the perfect dress for your body type can be a joyful and confidence-boosting experience.

Understanding your body type makes it easier to confidently choose dresses that complement your unique shape and beauty!

Discover Your Body Type

Whether you think you already know your specific body type or have no idea whatsoever, you’ll want to follow these simple steps to ensure you’re starting off on the right foot before walking down the aisle. 

Just remember these three words… Measure. Observe. Identify. 

Sure, that may sound like the beginnings of a science experiment, but no P.P.E. is needed here—just some measuring tape, a mirror (along with a good eye or two), and your deductive thinking skills. 

Then put those three words into action… 

Measure

It’s time to break out that measuring tape and jot down some numbers. You’ll want to measure and record your bust (the fullest part of your chest), waist (the narrowest part of your torso, likely above your belly button), and hips (the fullest part of your hips/rear). 

Observe

Now, stand in front of a mirror (preferably a full-length one) and observe the overall shape of your body in those three areas you just measured. Is your bust larger than your hips/rear? Or are your hips/rear larger than your bust? Perhaps your hips/rear and bust are almost equal in size, with a defined waistline. Your height will also be a factor in choosing your perfect wedding dress. 

Identify

With a clearer understanding of your body proportions, you can now pinpoint the body type that most accurately reflects your figure. Put those deductive thinking skills to use and identify which body type (from the ‘Common Body Types’ list below) most suits your unique silhouette. 

Common Body Types & Best Styles

With your measurements and observations in mind, it’s time to see which body type feels like the best fit for your body. 

1. The Hourglass Body Type 

If you’ve ever heard someone referring to having or wanting an “hourglass” figure, this simply means that the bust and hips are roughly the same size, with a slimmer and more defined waistline. 

Style to Consider: Your perfect wedding dress should accentuate your curves and highlight your waistline! Consider going with a mermaid/trumpet, fit-and-flare, or sheath style. 

2. The Pear/Triangle Body Type

With this body type, your hips are wider than your bust, mimicking the shape of an upright pear or triangle, where the top is noticeably smaller than the bottom. 

Style to Consider: Either an A-line (to accentuate your waist) or ball gown style wedding dress (to add volume to your upper body while creating balance) would work wonders for this body type! You also can’t go wrong with either something that is off-the-shoulder or has a bateau style to follow the natural flow of your neckline. 

3. The Apple/Oval Body Type

The opposite of the pear/triangle body type is the apple/oval, meaning that the top (bust/shoulders) is noticeably wider than the bottom (hips/waist). 

Style to Consider: With your apple/oval body type, you should opt for a wedding dress with an empire waist (helps create the appearance of a longer torso) or an A-line style (balances your upper and lower body). Don’t forget the neckline, though. Go with a deep V or plunging neckline to draw the eye vertically!

4. The Rectangle/Athletic Body Type

A rectangle/athletic body type (a.k.a. “straight” body type) is when the bust, waist, and hips/rear are all fairly uniform in size, without a significant difference. 

Style to Consider: To help elongate your body, try selecting a sheath or slip wedding dress. Both ball gown and A-line style dresses will cinch your waistline and create the appearance of more natural-looking curves. You could also add more dimension and shape to your body by choosing a one-shoulder wedding dress or something with an asymmetrical design!

5. The Petite Body Type

If you are shorter in stature (generally under 5’ 4” in height), you’ll likely fall into this body type category, generally regardless of your body proportions. 

Style to Consider: For a petite body type, either a sheath or modified A-line wedding dress will work best! You’ll also want to avoid any heavy embellishments or skirts with heavy volume, as they could make you appear shorter in stature. Instead, you should focus on dresses that have a higher waistline or vertical details to make you appear taller. 

6. The Tall Body Type

Similar to having a “petite” body type, you’ll likely land in the “tall” body type category if you’re taller than 5’ 9”, generally regardless of your body proportions. 

Style to Consider: Mermaid-style gowns are the perfect complement to your long legs, if you have this body type! But ball gowns or column dresses will work great for you, too. Add a hint of elegance by going with a drop-waist style or a high-neckline. To truly turn heads, you could opt for a wedding dress with a dramatic train or extra-special embellishments! 

7. The Plus Size/Curvy Body Type

This body type is typically either hourglass, apple, or pear, but with fuller-sized curves. 

Style to Consider: A plus-size body type would benefit from either an A-line or ball gown style wedding dress, as both will offer structure and support! Corset bodices are also a common choice, along with structured fabrics, as both are amazing at enhancing support and adding definition. Need the security of some extra support for your bust? You can feel even more confident in a dress that has sleeves or straps!

8. The Maternity Body Type

If you’re pregnant during the time you’ll need your bridal gown, then you’ll fall into this body type category! 

Style to Consider: So, you’re expecting a baby? You can also expect to feel confident on your big day by finding the perfect dress to show off your glowing pregnancy! Stretchy fabrics can be your best friend by offering some growing room for your waist area. A simple silhouette can combine both elegance and ease. Either a flowy A-line or an empire waist style can provide the perfect wedding dress to support your growing belly, while still highlighting your beauty!

Need help taking your measurements and identifying which body type you have? Cottonwood Bridal is here to help you! Call us today at (936) 444-4834 or contact us using this form.

We’ll take your measurements and give you uninterrupted, one-on-one time with one of our dedicated bridal consultants to help you find your perfect wedding dress!

Choose Your Perfect Wedding Dress

See...That wasn’t too overwhelming, right? Now you’re empowered with knowledge! You know how to discover your body type and which styles will best suit your unique features. Now, all that’s left is the fun part…Shopping and selecting your perfect wedding dress!

At Cottonwood Bridal in Conroe, Texas, every gown you’ll see has been carefully curated with YOU in mind. We’ve traveled the nation to bring you gowns from top designers like Cameron Blake, Casablanca Bridal, Martin Thornburg, and Montage by Mon Cheri!

We offer dresses in sizes 0-28, ensuring inclusivity for ALL brides! From your first fitting to the final selection, we’re with you every step of the way!