By Lesa 
Finding the best wedding dress for your body type isn’t challenging if you understand your body and what kind of dress will complement your natural beauty. In this article, we’ll cover the best wedding dress for body types that range from hourglass to pear. Our article will also explain different body types and how to find yours with measuring instructions.
What’s Your Body Type?
We all have unique bodies, and understanding the differences we have compared to others can make selecting the best wedding dress super easy, as you will know your body type and what will suit it. Here’s a general description for each common body type:
- Hourglass: If your bust and hips are proportionate and your waist is smaller, you have an hourglass body.
- Apple: Also known as an oval or rounded body type, you have an apple-shaped body if your bust and hips are smaller than your waist.
- Inverted Triangle: If your bust is broader than your hips and waist, you have an inverted triangle body.
- Rectangle: You have a rectangle body type if your hips, waist, and bust are around the same size.
- Pear: If your hips are wider than your waist and bust, you have a pear body type, also called the triangle shape.
To know your body type based on these descriptions, you must measure your body. Here’s how to take your measurements to find your body type:
- Bust: Measure the circumference across the fullest part of your bust. While measuring, hold the tape firmly, but avoid tightening up more than how a dress would fit.
- Hips: Measure your hips slightly below the hip bone – again, holding the measuring tape firmly but not too tight.
- Waist: Measure from the narrowest part of your waist by going around your body across the same line.
- Shoulders: Measuring shoulders on your own may be difficult, so have a partner to assist you. Get your shoulder measurement by starting from one edge of the shoulder and going around to the same point.
The Best Wedding Dress for Body Type
Now that you know how to find your body type, here’s what to pay attention to in order to find the best wedding dress.
Hourglass
Hourglass body types should avoid shapeless or oversized dresses. The best wedding dress for this body type is anything that highlights the waist. Those with an hourglass body shape can also look for dresses that have an open neckline or dresses with belted waists.
Apple
As a general rule, those with an apple body type should look for dresses that draw attention to the upper body. Dresses with a deep V-neckline, drop-waist dresses, and swing dresses are the best options. Wedding dresses with full skirts can also be a great choice if you have an apple body shape, as these dresses will tuck away the midsection.
Inverted Triangle
If you have an inverted triangle body shape, dresses that have fullness at the bottom that complement your broad shoulders are the best picks. A-line and fit and flare dresses best fit this description. You can also opt for dresses that cinch at the waist to create an hourglass appearance.
Rectangle
There are many wedding dresses that fit perfectly to the rectangle body shape. However, ball gowns and a-line dresses are often the best picks for those with a rectangle body type. Any dress that helps create extra dimension and shape can also be a fitting choice for this body type, like dresses with decorative details.
Pear
Those with a pear body shape should look for dresses that add volume to the upper body to achieve a more proportionate appearance. To achieve this look, off-the-shoulder dresses, strapless tops, and one-shoulder dresses that enhance the upper body are excellent picks that make the best wedding dress for this body type.
Shop for the Best Wedding Dress for Your Body Type
Wedding dresses mainly fall into the formal dress category. With many brands and boutique shops, like Sherri Hill, offering formal dresses for a wedding, you’ll have plenty of options and freedom to add your personal flair.
As you choose the best wedding dress for your body type, keep the tips we’ve mentioned in mind. While the body types we’ve covered may not be the exact description of your body, knowing what to highlight in your outfit will always be the right approach to finding the best wedding dress.