Different Body Types: How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress for You in 5 Expert Tips

by | Feb 25, 2025

Let Us Help You Find the Dress of Your Dreams at K&B Bridals

At K&B Bridals, we understand that finding your perfect wedding gown can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, fabrics, and designers to choose from, how do you know which dress will make you feel like the best version of yourself on your big day? The key to choosing the right gown is understanding your body type and how different styles flatter your shape. Our expert stylists are here to guide you every step of the way, so let’s dive into how to find the perfect wedding dress for your body type!

1. Hourglass: Accentuate Your Curves

If you’re blessed with an hourglass figure—where your bust and hips are roughly the same width and your waist is well-defined—congratulations! You can pull off almost any bridal gown style, but the key is to embrace those curves.

Best Wedding Dresses for Hourglass Figure Body Type:

  • Mermaid & Fit-and-Flare Styles: These dresses hug your curves and flare out at the knee, creating a stunning silhouette. The form-fitting bodice and flared skirt will enhance your natural curves beautifully.
  • V-necklines & Sweetheart Necklines: A V-neckline or sweetheart shape will elongate your neck and highlight your bust without overwhelming your shape.

Tip: Don’t shy away from dresses with dramatic details at the waist, like a belt or sash, which will emphasize your natural curve.

Mermaid Wedding Dress with Lace , Reilly for hour glass body type

2. Pear-Shaped: Balance Your Curves

For brides with a pear-shaped body, where your hips are wider than your bust and shoulders, the goal is to balance your proportions. A dress that highlights your upper body while flattering your hips is key.

Best Wedding Dresses for Pear-Shaped Figure Body Type:

  • A-Line Dresses: A-line gowns are perfect for pear-shaped figures as they gently skim the hips and flare out, balancing the proportions of your body.
  • Ball Gown: A ball gown with a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt can also help create a balanced silhouette.
  • Off-the-Shoulder or Boat Necklines: These styles will draw attention to your shoulders and collarbone, creating the illusion of a more balanced upper body.

Tip: Look for dresses with embellishments or details on the top, like lace, beading, or a deep neckline, to draw the eye upward.

Sequined Lace and Tulle Ball Gown, Hosanna - for pear shaped body type

3. Apple-Shaped: Embrace Your Full Figure

If you have an apple-shaped body type, where your torso is fuller with a less defined waist, the goal is to create balance and elongate your figure. The key is to choose a gown that flatters your upper body and provides shape at the waist.

Best Wedding Dresses for Apple-Shaped Figure Body Type:

  • Empire Waist Dresses: An empire waist dress, which sits just under the bust, will draw attention to your smallest point and allow the fabric to flow gently down, creating a longer, leaner look.
  • A-Line or Ball Gown Styles: Both of these shapes will skim over the stomach and hips, providing a flattering shape that won’t cling to your torso.
  • V-necklines: A V-neckline will elongate your body and draw attention upward to your face, creating a beautiful balance.

Tip: Avoid dresses with too much volume around the midsection. Look for silhouettes that skim over your body, offering a more streamlined look.

Tulle A-Line Bridal Dress with 3D Flowers 66339

4. Petite: Show Off Your Shape

If you’re on the shorter side, don’t worry! You can look just as stunning in a wedding gown as any tall bride. The key is to choose a dress that elongates your body type and doesn’t overwhelm your frame.

Best Wedding Dresses for Petite Figure Body Type:

  • A-Line or Sheath Dresses: These styles are perfect for petite brides because they provide a sleek, streamlined look that doesn’t overwhelm your frame.
  • High-Waisted Dresses: High-waisted dresses can create the illusion of longer legs, making you look taller.

Tip: Avoid heavy, voluminous skirts that can overwhelm your figure. Opt for a dress with clean lines that show off your shape.

Stunning Crepe Sheath Bridal Gown with Lace Train | Oliviana

5. Athletic: Show Off Your Strong Silhouette

Athletic brides tend to have a lean and toned figure with fewer curves. The goal is to create the illusion of curves and add softness to your silhouette.

Best Wedding Dresses for Athletic Figure Body Type:

  • Ball Gowns: The fullness of a ball gown skirt will add curves to your figure, creating the appearance of a more rounded shape.
  • A-Line Dresses with Soft Draping: A flowing A-line dress with soft draping will add movement and shape to your body.
  • Sweetheart Necklines: A sweetheart neckline will give the illusion of a fuller bust, creating curves and highlighting your natural shape.

Tip: Look for dresses with tulle or layers of fabric that create volume and give your silhouette more dimension.

Floral Brocade Bridal Dress, Josette

Ready to Find Your Perfect Wedding Gown?

At K&B Bridals, we have a beautiful selection of wedding gowns for every body type. Whether you’re an hourglass beauty, pear-shaped princess, or petite bride, our expert stylists are here to help you find the dress that makes you feel stunning. With a range of styles, designers, and sizes, there’s something for every bride.

Book Your Appointment Today!
Don’t wait to find your dream gown! Call us at (410) 838-1135 or click here to schedule your bridal appointment today. Our stylists can’t wait to help you find the perfect dress that fits your body type, style, and vision for your big day!

**As an added bonus, brides who purchase their wedding gown at K&B Bridals can enjoy a special discount on bridal gown alterations at Bridal Alterations of Maryland, ensuring your dress fits perfectly for your big day.**