Barbados Destination Weddings Onsite Magazine

Choosing a Waistline

Today there are several choices for a bride to select, when deciding on exactly what waistline she would like on her gown. 

Generally, the waistline of a dress is where the bodice of the gown joins with the skirt at the seams.  However not all styles have a horizontal seamed cut and brides often use clever design to enhance or disguise certain features of their natural waistline.

Each waistline style has its own beauty and particular attributes which would make it suitable for some figures or a poor choice for others. 

Selecting a waistline for your gown is equally as important as your veil, headpiece, neckline and all your other features, as this sets the tone and outline for your finished look, creating the shape you desire.

Consider carefully, to flatter your figure and to create your dream look for your special day.
 
BASQUE WAISTLINE

A central dipped V or U front elongated style. This style makes the width of the waist appear smaller and creates an hourglass shape.

Recommended: For adding length to a petite figure.  Minimising full hips and slenderising the waist.

Avoid for: Pregnant figures, thick waists or large protruding tummies.

 
DROPPED WAISTLINE

This waistline is true to its description as it falls several inches below the natural waist.

Recommended:  For adding the illusion of length to a short torso and slenderising the waist.

Avoid for: Narrow shouldered brides as it can create an “A” shaped look, or those who already have a naturally long torso.

 
EMPIRE LINE

A high seamed, short bodice gown which falls slightly below the bust line.  The skirt is usually slightly “A” line but can be straight.

Recommended: For enhancing a small
bust. Gathered and flowing skirt varieties create a soft line for a large tummy or pregnancy.  Adds length to the body and draws attention away from a thick waist.

Avoid for:  Large busts and / or full hips as this style places emphasis on these two areas.

 
PRINCESS LINE


This body hugging style features no horizontal seamed waistline.  Vertical seams shape and contour from the neckline of the dress to the hem.

Recommended:  For petite figures and those with short natural waistlines.

Avoid for: Thick natural waistlines as this cut will emphasis the middle.

 

 
ASYMMETRIC WAISTLINE

Different levels from one side to the other.  This style is best tried on before deciding on consideration, as variations in cut will affect the overall look.

 

 
NATURAL WAISTLINE

This cut lies on the natural curve of your true waist, between the hip and ribcage, a little above the bellybutton.

Recommended: Universally flattering for most figures.

Avoid for:  Those who are wider around the middle than their other statistics.

 

 

 

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