Bridal Vocabulary Guide

A-line: Fitted through the bodice, then flares gradually from the waist into the shape of a capital A. Flattering on nearly every body.

Slim A-line: An A-line with a narrower skirt that skims the hips. Less volume, more ease.

Ballgown: A fitted bodice with a full skirt that starts at the waist. The most traditional bridal shape, with the most volume.

Fit-and-flare: Fitted through the hips, then flares gently from about mid-thigh. Easier to move and dance in than a mermaid.

Trumpet: Fitted through the hips, then flares from mid-thigh into a fuller skirt. It sits between fit-and-flare and mermaid.

Mermaid: Fitted through the bodice, hips, and thighs, then flares dramatically at or below the knee. The most body-hugging silhouette.

Sheath: A slim, straight shape that follows the line of your body with no flare. Light and easy to wear.

Shop by silhouette: 

A-line · Slim A-line · Ballgown · Fit-and-flare · Trumpet · Mermaid · Sheath

Sweetheart: A curved neckline shaped like the top of a heart.

Straight-across: A clean horizontal line across the bust, usually strapless.

Square: Straight lines with defined corners across the bust and up to the straps.

V-neck: A neckline that dips into a V, from subtle to deep. It lengthens the torso.

Plunging V: A deep V that extends below the bust line, often with illusion fabric for support.

Scoop: A soft, rounded neckline.

High neck: Covers the collarbone and rises toward the neck.

Halter: Straps wrap around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders bare.

One-shoulder: A single strap or sleeve over one shoulder.

Off-the-shoulder: Straps or sleeves sit just below the shoulders, framing the collarbone.

Strapless: No straps or sleeves. Support comes from the bodice structure.

Illusion: Sheer fabric, often with lace, that gives the look of bare skin while adding coverage and support. It’s also used on backs, sleeves, and straps.

Shop by neckline: 

Sweetheart · Square · V-neck · High neck · Halter · Off-the-shoulder · Strapless

Cap sleeve: A short sleeve that just covers the top of the shoulder.

Short sleeve: Ends above the elbow.

Long sleeve: Ends at or near the wrist.

Puff sleeve: Gathered for volume at the shoulder or along the sleeve.

Bishop sleeve: Full through the lower arm and gathered at the wrist.

Flutter sleeve: A light, loose sleeve that moves as you do.

Detachable sleeves: Sleeves you can remove to change your look between ceremony and reception.

Corset bodice: A structured bodice that shapes and supports, often adjustable at the back.

Boning: Flexible supports sewn into the bodice to hold its shape. The hidden structure behind a well-made gown.

Cups: Padding sewn into the bodice so you may not need a bra. Your seamstress can adjust or add them.

Natural waist: The seam sits at the narrowest part of your torso.

Basque waist: Dips into a V at the front, which lengthens the torso.

Dropped waist: Sits below the natural waist for a longer line through the body.

Empire waist: Sits just below the bust, with the skirt falling from there.

Zipper: A hidden zipper, the most common and easiest closure.

Buttons over zipper: A row of buttons for looks, with a zipper underneath so you’re not buttoning 40 loops.

Corset back (lace-up): Laces up the back like a corset. It’s adjustable, which gives you a little flexibility in fit.

Illusion back: Sheer fabric across the back, often with lace appliqués, so it looks open but stays secure.

Low back: A back neckline that dips toward the waist.

Sweep: Barely brushes the floor behind you, a few inches long.

Court: Extends about a foot behind you.

Chapel: Extends about three to four feet behind you. The most common bridal train.

Cathedral: Extends six feet or more. Formal and dramatic.

A bustle lifts your train after the ceremony so you can walk and dance. Your seamstress adds it during alterations.

American (over) bustle: The train is hooked up and over the skirt.

French (under) bustle: The train is tucked and tied underneath the skirt.

Ballroom bustle: The train is lifted all around so the gown looks floor-length.

Tulle: A light, fine netting. Layered, it creates soft volume.

Illusion tulle: The sheerest tulle, used where a gown should look like skin.

Organza: Sheer and light like chiffon, with more body. It holds volume without weight.

Chiffon: Light, airy, and flowing. It moves beautifully outdoors.

Satin: Smooth with a soft sheen. Classic and structured.

Charmeuse: A lightweight satin with a fluid drape that follows the body.

Mikado: A heavier, structured fabric with a subtle sheen. Made for clean lines and architectural shapes.

Crepe: A smooth, matte fabric with a soft drape. A favorite for modern, minimal gowns.

Jacquard: A fabric with a pattern woven in rather than printed, so the design shows through texture.

Lace: Openwork fabric with patterns such as florals, scallops, or geometrics.

Shop by fabric: 

Tulle · Satin · Crepe · Lace · Chiffon · Mikado

Lining: The smooth layer against your skin, for comfort and coverage.

Underlay: A layer beneath the outer fabric that changes how a gown’s color reads, for example a blush underlay under ivory lace.

Crinoline: A stiff underskirt that adds volume, especially to ballgowns.

Screens show color differently, so here’s what each shade looks like in person. 

Ivory: A soft, warm white. The most common bridal color, and flattering on most skin tones.

Off-white: Slightly brighter than ivory, with less warmth.

Champagne: Ivory with a golden, beige warmth.

Nude: A skin-toned layer, usually under lace, that makes lace appear to float on the skin.

Blush: A barely-there pink, often as an underlay.

Appliqué: Lace or fabric motifs sewn onto the gown for dimension.

Beading: Pearls, crystals, sequins, or beads, applied by hand or machine, for texture and sparkle.

Embroidery: Decorative stitching that creates patterns on the fabric.

Horsehair trim: A flexible band sewn into a hem to give it shape. Despite the name, today it’s usually synthetic.

Cut-outs: Intentional openings in the design for a modern look.

Slit: An opening in the skirt that adds movement.

Pockets: Exactly as great as they sound.

Overskirt: A removable skirt layer that adds volume to a slim gown for the ceremony.