With so many wedding dress styles, it might be hard to decide which silhouette will best flatter your body shape. In particular, three popular styles that are often confused are the mermaid, trumpet, and fit-and-flare dresses.
While they may appear similar at first glance, each has its own unique feature. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dress. Let’s jump right in!
Mermaid, trumpet, and fit-and-flare: characteristics
A trumpet, fit-and-flare, or mermaid gown? Before you set off for your wedding dress shopping, it’s vital to have a basic understanding of different silhouettes.
What is a trumpet wedding dress?
So, what is a trumpet wedding dress? The trumpet silhouette features a fitted bodice that flares out at the mid-thigh, resembling the shape of a trumpet.
This wedding dress style is perfect for women who prefer to accentuate their curves while enjoying the ease of movement. From the body shape perspective, a trumpet dress is ideal for hourglass brides.
What is a fit-and-flare bridal gown?
Fit-and-flare gowns combine a straight bodice and a flared skirt. Hugging the body from the bust through the hips and then flaring out from the mid-thigh, these dresses create a beautiful hourglass shape.
This style is loved by brides who want to achieve a feminine look that is both elegant and comfortable. The fit-and-flare silhouette is an excellent solution for hourglass shapes as it accentuates the natural shape of your body.
What is a mermaid gown?
What is a mermaid gown? This sexy and curvy style is fitted through the bodice and hips and flares out dramatically at the knee or lower calf, creating a shape similar to a mermaid tail.
This hip-hugging dress makes for a sexy silhouette, which is why it is a perfect choice for brides looking to showcase their natural curves. A mermaid-style dress looks best on the hourglass, inverted triangle, or rectangle body shapes.
Fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dress: what’s the difference?
The main fit-and-flare vs mermaid wedding dress difference is that the bodice in the fit-and-flare dress is straight, while the mermaid features a fitted, corset-style bodice. Another difference between fit-and-flare and mermaid is that a fit-and-flare dress is fitted to the waist and flares through the skirt. In contrast, mermaid dresses flare out at the knee or below.
Again, the difference between mermaid and trumpet silhouettes is where the flare begins. A trumpet-style dress flares at the thigh, while mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee.
When comparing a trumpet wedding dress vs mermaid silhouettes, it’s safe to say that the latter makes for a more dramatic profile, accentuating the torso with a long bodice.
The core difference between the trumpet vs fit-and-flare dresses is where the flare starts. In trumpet dresses, the skirt’s flare begins at mid-thigh, while in fit-and-flare wedding dresses, it starts higher, at the hip area.
Fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dresses: how are they similar?
Fit-and-flare, trumpet, and mermaid are all silhouette-hugging gowns designed to showcase the body’s curves. All three styles feature a fitted bodice.
How to choose the best silhouette for your figure?
To solve your fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid dress dilemma, you must find out which is most suitable for you. Let’s look at some factors to help you make a decision:
Best for your body type
Each bride has a unique body shape, and choosing the ideal dress for your wedding day is about finding a silhouette to flatter your figure.
While all three styles accentuate the bust, the waist, and the hips, each of them will work well with an hourglass body shape, creating a sultry yet charming look.
However, it’s better to steer clear of these dress styles if you have a fuller midsection — the clingy gown reveals every inch of your shape.
The good news is that mermaid dresses are also an excellent choice for brides with inverted triangle body shapes — the flowy skirt can go a long way toward balancing out broader shoulders.
On the other hand, a trumpet-style gown offers a slightly more relaxed fit if compared to mermaid dresses, making them an excellent choice for pear-shaped bodies.
Consider the choice of movement
When selecting your wedding dress, you must consider how much freedom of movement you’ll need on your special day. If you prefer more room to move around, a fit-and-flare or trumpet gown may be a better choice than a mermaid dress.
How about emphasizing your individuality?
Of course, your wedding dress should also reflect your unique personality and make you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.
Given that, when it comes to form-fitting dresses like the mermaid or trumpet silhouettes, it’s crucial to consider how comfortable you are with showcasing your curves. If you love making a bold statement and don’t shy away from showing off your figure, a mermaid dress might be your way to go.
On the other hand, if you’re into more subtle and understated looks, consider a trumpet dress. This glamorous style will accentuate your curves while providing a more relaxed fit.
Your wedding dress is your charming look, choose the right type
Selecting the perfect wedding gown is an important decision that calls for careful consideration of your unique body type, personal style, and wedding theme.
Whether you opt for the dramatic mermaid silhouette, a more relaxed trumpet gown, or the timeless fit-and-flare silhouette, the team at WONÁ bridal shop will help you select the best dress to perfectly capture your unique personality and make you feel like a queen.