Wedding Gown Glossary of Terms
A-line gown Form
fitting bodices that flares out from the waistline to a full
skirt. These gowns have a seamless waist.
Back drape A length of material attached either at
the shoulder or the waist that flows over the back to floor
length. In some cases can be removable.
Ball gown Very full skirt that begins at the waist
and continues to a formal length.
Ballerina neckline A low neckline that usually occurs
with strapless or spaghetti strapped dresses.
Basque waist/V-waist Dropped waist starting at or
just below the waistline, and dips in the center creating a
V shape.
Bateau neck/boat neck A high, wide, straight neckline
that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the
shoulders. It is the same depth in the front and back.
Cap sleeve A small short sleeve, which sits on the
shoulder, either forming a stiff cap or falling on to the arm.
Provides minimal coverage.
Cathedral train/Monarch train A cascading train
extending six to eight feet behind the gown.
Chapel train (most popular) flows from three to four
feet behind gown.
Column Skirt/straight skirt Straight-line skirt with
no flare or fullness at the hem or waistline.
Corset top/boned bodice Form fitting, usually
strapless bodice with boning and either laces or snap
closures, worn as an undergarment in the past, now popular as
outer-garment.
Crinoline AKA Petticoats, stiffened slip worn under
the dress to give the skirt height or poof. Most common is
found in 2 styles. A-line and Full. A-line is 2 layers, Full
is 3.
Diamond neck Diamond shaped cutout that fastens at
the front or back neckline.
Dropped shoulders Style that the shoulder or sleeve
is falling off the shoulder.
Empire bodice Bodice that ends just below the bust.
Empire waist Waistline begins just below the bust.
Fishtail train Fitted around the hips and flares out
from the knee to the hemline.
Fitted point sleeve Long, narrow sleeve that tapers
to a point, which rests against the back of the hand.
Gauntlets Dress gloves extending above the wrist.
Halter-top Sleeveless bodice with a high choke or
wrap neck that may be backless.
Keyhole neck tear shaped or round cutout that fastens
at the front of back neckline.
Mermaid Skirt that hugs body until it reaches the
knees then ends in dramatic flare.
Sheaths Usually have straight or close fitting
skirts, accompanied by a form-fitting bodice. Skirt is often
ankle length and sometimes has a slit in either the front,
side, or back to make walking easier.
Spaghetti strap thin tubular strap that attaches to
the bodice
Square neck an open neckline shaped in the form of a
half square.
Sweep train The shortest train, barely sweeping the
floor.
Sweetheart neck Neckline shaped like the top half of
a heart
Tank top Short, sleeveless top with wide armholes.
Tulle skirt/Bouffant gown A sheer, puffed-out skirt
often made of stiffened silk, rayon, or nylon net.
V-neck/V-back An open neck/back coming to a V shape
midway down the bodice. |
