Dress shapes: Which dress suits which figure?

Sheath, shift empire, A-line, fit & flare, A-line - what reads like programming language here actually describes dress shapes and cuts. And even putting together your own look sometimes resembles a complex programming process, as there are many little things and details to consider depending on your figure type. Which dress is flattering for which figure? And which dress suits me best?

Of course, there are always particularly flattering cuts that make even problem areas disappear in an instant - and unfortunately there are also dress shapes that are not always flattering. But don't panic, with our tips you won't have to worry in future.

Different dress shapes at a glance

Dresses are not always dresses, as the large number of different dress types shows. With so many dress shapes and names, it's easy to lose track. We reveal the different dress styles for women here:

Fit & Flare Dress:

With this type of dress, the cut is hidden in the name: Fitted and flared, i.e. body-hugging and flared with a narrow waist and wide skirt. The flared A-line skirt not only looks particularly feminine, but is also perfect for cocktail dresses.

Sheath Dress:

The sheath dress is a timeless, form-fitting dress. It is often sleeveless, but of course there are also versions with half-length or long sleeves. With a narrow pencil skirt and a length to the knee, it is the perfect business outfit, provided you choose a model in a subtle, elegant material.

Shift Dress:

The shift dress is often equated with the shift dress. However, it has a less form-fitting cut, falls straight down from the shoulders and offers even more relaxed comfort thanks to a loose waistline. The neckline is again cut high and elegant. In classic materials such as tweed, this type of dress gives you an elegant look.

A-Line-Dress:

The term A-line is used to describe dresses that have narrow, fitted shoulders, but whose contour widens towards the hem, sometimes gently, sometimes sharply. This is why some modern oversize styles also fall into this category. The waist and hips disappear under the sweeping width. This conceals on the one hand, but also looks excitingly modern on small sizes.

Empire Dress:

The empire dress is characterized by a very high waist. This is usually just below the bust, from where the dress flows into a wider skirt in an A-line shape. This cut not only has a concealing effect on the waist and hips, but also emphasizes the décolleté. This is why this style is also very popular in maternity wear.

Mermaid Dress:

You'll feel like a fish in water in a glamorous gown like this at any big event. Why? Because of the really flattering cut. The skirt is narrow, but flares out to a great width from the knee. This also creates a beautifully curvy silhouette. 

Conclusion: There is no one true dress type for a certain figure. For example, which dress conceals a pear-shaped figure and which dress shape is helpful for wide hips always depends on different factors and personal preferences. Materials and design details also play a role here.

Which dress is right for my figure?

There is a good answer to this question: there are different dress styles for every figure type that will put you in the best light. The first step is to determine your figure type. Simply use this quick test:

Which dress suits my figure?

Figure type A:

You have a narrow waist and yet feminine curvy hips. But which dresses should you choose for an A figure? Dresses that accentuate your upper body, with strong colors and great prints, look particularly good on an A figure. Dresses with a fit & flare cut, i.e. with wide, swinging skirts, are also ideal for your figure type. Narrow-cut dresses, on the other hand, should emphasize the shoulders and narrow waist, for example with a Carmen neckline that makes the shoulders appear wider. Great draping that emphasizes your wasp waist even more is also a good idea. With figure type A, you also have another advantage: you can be experimental with your figure when it comes to tops. You can wear anything that stands out: flaps, puffed sleeves, bold prints! Pants, on the other hand, should be rather plain. This looks more flattering.  

A-essentials: Fit & flare dresses, print tops, V-neck looks, fitted blazers and jackets, straight-leg pants, pumps and sandals

Figure type V:

Sporty shoulders, cleavage, long legs - you really have reason to be happy. And you should show off your assets! In your case, this means that when it comes to pants and skirts, everything is allowed except restraint! Whether skinny jeans, Marlene trousers, swinging palazzo pants or skirts with a racy high slit - classic shift dresses, sleeveless or with elegant narrow half sleeves look particularly good on you. And the later the evening, the more glamorous you will shine in a classic mermaid cut, which works as the perfect counterpart to your broader shoulders. When it comes to tops, you should opt for a more subtle look. Shoulder pads, Carmen necklines and the like are a bit too much of a good thing. Instead, darker shades and slim silhouettes are flattering. Try an extravagant A-line top, narrow at the shoulders but with a sweeping width. Tops with peplums are also great, as they instantly give you more hip. 

V-essentials: A-line dresses, mermaid cuts, monochrome tops with peplums, palazzo pants, hip skirts, hip belts

Figure type X:

The X already indicates that you are one of the lucky women with the classic hourglass silhouette. Where others have to play tricks, you can simply emphasize your assets. And they are versatile. Because thanks to your bust, narrow waist and accentuated hips, almost anything looks good on you - from a defined shift dress that gently traces your curves to a feminine fit & flare dress that emphasizes your waist. Feel free to change things up from time to time! Only one thing applies here: Less is more. You are already blessed with a few assets, so you can be more restrained otherwise. So it's better to avoid oversized cuts, ruffles, plunging necklines and ultra-short lengths. The choice of material can also be more subtle, with classic wool and tweed fabrics for everyday wear and shimmering satin for the evening being unusual options. 

X-essentials: shift dresses, fit & flare dresses, pencil skirts, figure-hugging tops, subtle fabrics, high-waisted pants, trench coats, simple accessories

Figure type H:

H(a)! You really have every reason to laugh, because after all, you can look forward to an athletic figure that so many women work out after in the gym every day. And there's another reason to envy you: With your androgynous figure, you can actually wear almost anything. However, your H-figure looks particularly good in dresses that conjure up a few curves and emphasize your slim figure. A calf-length wrap dress, for example, conjures up more curves. Don't be afraid of ruffles or flamboyant sleeves either - because when the shoulders are emphasized, the waist in particular looks all the narrower. Specifically, however, this also means that whatever dress you choose for an H-figure, you should not opt for more informal cuts, but rather for cuts with flared skirts. 

H-essentials: wrap dresses, tops with exciting details (ruffles, pleats, puff sleeves), flared flowing skirts, flowing soft necklines, Marlene pants, waist belts, flat shoes

Figure type O:

An enviable bust and slender legs - you really don't need to hide your figure. All too often, women with an O figure opt for dresses in XXL cuts that cover rather than accentuate. And this is exactly where the mistake lies! Which dress suits an O-figure better depends entirely on what you want to emphasize. An empire dress or a wrap dress with a V-neck will draw the focus to your bust, while a short A-line dress will emphasize your beautiful legs. Just decide spontaneously and according to the mood of the day. However, avoid pants that are too baggy. A slim cut in ⅞ length with a loose-fitting top will look much better on you. Prints should be styled with pants or skirts. Tops, on the other hand, should be more simple. Smaller women should always opt for shorter lengths. This stretches and immediately makes you look taller. 

O-essentials: empire cuts, print pants with a narrow leg, ⅞ lengths, longer cut cardigans and simple tops, long blazers, kimonos, sandals with high heels.

Which ball gown suits my figure? Which cocktail dress suits me?

New questions arise at the latest when a big, festive event is coming up. But there's no need to panic here either, as all dress styles are of course also available in a more festive version. Whether it's the large evening gown with a feminine Carmen neckline for the A-figure or the empire cocktail dress for the O-figure. This also applies to materials: flowing fabrics such as chiffon, matt jacquard or elegant velvet add subtle glamor, while sparkling sequins, luxurious jacquards with opulent patterns or lurex materials add excitement. For large balls, simply apply the figure tips to your evening look. And if you're really overwhelmed at an elegant dinner with business clients or the art club, there's still every woman's secret weapon: the little black dress. You should definitely invest in this classic in a cut that suits you. It's almost always the right choice in such event styling emergencies.

Discover glamorous evening and cocktail dresses for every figure in our boutiques in Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Zurich as well as online. Our team is at your side and will be happy to advise you in your search for the perfect outfit.