Your wedding dress A-Z

Your wedding dress A-Z

As you click through our fashion articles in your search for the perfect dress, you may sometimes wonder exactly what we're talking about! Here's a guide to bridalwear terminology to make sure you always know your Empire line from your fish-tail...

A-line So-called because this dress shape looks like the letter A. Basically, an A line dress hugs the body at the shoulders and then flares gently outwards.
Apron Extra material on a skirt that falls a bit like a kitchen apron and has the effect of making the skirt look fuller.
Ballgown/full skirt A wide skirt that flares out from a narrow waist, and reaches at least to the ankles. A ballgown dress often comes with a fitted bodice.
Ballerina A wide skirt that reaches just above the ankles.
Ballet veil A veil that reaches the ankles.
Band A neckline with a high collar giving a choker-like effect.
Basque A long, tight-fitting bodice that finishes with a V shape at the front of the dress. Also a type of corset.
Bodice Upper part of a dress.
Bias cut Material cut at a 45-degree angle across the length and width of the fabric, to very flattering effect.
Bustle Material gathered at the back of the skirt to make the bottom look shapelier.
Cap sleeves Small, tight sleeves, slightly wider at the top, which only just cover the shoulder.
Classic A dress with a timeless quality and clean lines.
Column/straight A long, straight dress.
Contemporary/modern Used to describe a dress with clean, straight, uncluttered lines.
Corset A corset-style bodice is strapless, fitted, boned and often laced or snap-fastened like a corset.
Décolletage/décolleté A low-cut neckline.
Draped Loose, soft material attached to a garment, usually a skirt.
Dropped waist This type of dress has a waistline with a seam that falls a few inches below the natural waist.
Elbow gloves Gloves that go up to the elbow.
Empire line Dress with a high waistline and a seam just under the bust.
Fish tail A figure-hugging dress where the skirt fits tightly to the knee before flaring out at the bottom.
Flounced A skirt with a ruffle at the bottom, or with lots of layers.
Garter A traditional part of the bride's underwear, a bride's garter belt is a prettily-decorated piece of elastic which goes on the top of the stocking.
Gauntlet glove A long glove which goes down to the wrist but doesn't cover the hand.
Historical design A design which incorporates elements of dresses from different periods, eg 1920s, Edwardian, 50s, medieval. Can resemble period costume. Perfect for themed weddings.