What body type are you? Its a question none of us want to face, but one that can really change the way we look at our whole lives. Knowing and understanding your body type can affect what you go shopping for for everyday clothes, but how does that translate when you are buying a wedding dress? We come in many shapes and sizes but I am just going to talk about four general categories: Apple, Pear, and Hourglass, Rectangle. Let’s look at a definition of each:
Rectangle: Torso and upper body are the same width as your hips – little waist definition
Apple: Torso and upper body wider than your hips – with little or no waist definition. You might have weight surrounding your waist. Tummy area is a big concern for you.
Pear: Torso and upper body smaller than your hips with waist definition. Hips and thighs tend to be the area of concern for you.
Hourglass: Torso and hips are approximately the same width – with waist definition. (I am definitely hourglass!)
Which category do you fit?
I can’t tell you which category you fit in, that is some research you will have to do on your own. But one of the most reliable ways to discover this is by taking your body measurements using a cloth tape measure. Measure at your bust, natural waist and hips, then compare those numbers with the definitions below.
Apple: Bust and natural waist measurements are greater than that of your hips. Example: 36in x 36in x 30in
Pear: Your bust and natural waist measurements are close to the same number but are far less than your hip measurement. Example: 28in x 28in x 40in
Hourglass: Your bust and hip measurements are almost equal to each other and your waist is much less. Example: 36in x 24in x 36in
Rectangle: All measurements will be within approximately 3 inches of each other. Example: 32in x 31in x32in
You may think "why does it matter" but the more familiar you are with your body, you will know what looks good and fits well versus what you want to look good that doesn't.
With these tips from Real Simple, I hope this guide will make dress shopping easier:
If you are a Pear Shape:
Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.
Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.
If You're Busty
Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).
Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that are gathered will have the same effect.
If You’re Plus-Sized
Look for an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. In my personal opinion, I think curves are beautiful…embrace them! I love this style of dress hugs the body. The dress should play up the curves. If it too loose it will add pounds
Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.
If You’re Apple-Shaped
Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.
Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.
If You're Tall
Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.
Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
If You're Petite
Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.
Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.
If the salon will allow it, take a photo of yourself in the dress so you can see how you look in photographs.
I can’t tell you which category you fit in, that is some research you will have to do on your own. But one of the most reliable ways to discover this is by taking your body measurements using a cloth tape measure. Measure at your bust, natural waist and hips, then compare those numbers with the definitions below.
Apple: Bust and natural waist measurements are greater than that of your hips. Example: 36in x 36in x 30in
Pear: Your bust and natural waist measurements are close to the same number but are far less than your hip measurement. Example: 28in x 28in x 40in
Hourglass: Your bust and hip measurements are almost equal to each other and your waist is much less. Example: 36in x 24in x 36in
Rectangle: All measurements will be within approximately 3 inches of each other. Example: 32in x 31in x32in
You may think "why does it matter" but the more familiar you are with your body, you will know what looks good and fits well versus what you want to look good that doesn't.
With these tips from Real Simple, I hope this guide will make dress shopping easier:
If you are a Pear Shape:
Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.
Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.
If You're Busty
Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).
Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that are gathered will have the same effect.
If You’re Plus-Sized
Look for an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. In my personal opinion, I think curves are beautiful…embrace them! I love this style of dress hugs the body. The dress should play up the curves. If it too loose it will add pounds
Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.
If You’re Apple-Shaped
Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.
Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.
If You're Tall
Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.
Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
If You're Petite
Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.
Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.
If the salon will allow it, take a photo of yourself in the dress so you can see how you look in photographs.
