Dresses, dresses everywhere, not a name I know. Have you felt this way, looking at all the different types of dresses available in the stores?
There are hundreds of different kinds of dresses – in every style imaginable. Let us check out the most important types of dresses.
If you want to know the names of different kinds of clothes, check out this post.
Names of Dresses
1. Aline dress
This dress basically follows the Aline silhouette – ie flowy from the shoulders. It can also have a fitted defined waist but the hem is always flared giving the whole silhouette the shape of a capital letter A.
Who suits an A line dress: As the A-line silhouette flares out from the waist, it creates a balanced and feminine look. So it is suitable for most body shapes. A-line dresses are especially flattering for women with pear-shaped figures.
2. Tent dress
Tent dress is a shapeless tent-like full dress, that hangs loosely from the shoulders; it has a baggy silhouette and is usually worn short. The airy billowy dress is a favorite as a summer wear.
Who suits a tent dress: As this dress does not have a waistline, it is especially flattering for women with apple-shaped figures, as they help to hide a thicker waist. They are also a good choice for women with pear-shaped figures.
3. Yoke dress
This is a type of dress with a shaped top portion of the bodice which is separate from the bodice. The yoked dress can have a front yoke or back yoke or both.
Who suits a yoke dress: As this type of dress draws attention to the shoulders and bust, it is a good choice for women with pear-shaped figures.
4. Empire line dress
This is a ;high waist dress that has a fitting bodice till just under the bust and then a flowy silhouette
Who suits an empire line dress: An empire line dress can be flattering on plus-sized figures. It can create a long line so it can create an illusion of height for short figures. Choose an empire line dress in a solid color or with a vertical print to further elongate the silhouette.
5. Shift dress
This is a short sleeveless dress that skims the body without a fitted waist.
Who suits a shift dress: Shift dresses can be flattering for women with a rectangle-shaped body (“athletic” or “straight” body shape). It is also a flattering style for Plus-sized figures, Pear shaped body shapes and even apple shapes.
6. Dirndl dress
This is a European traditional dress originally worn by peasants there;The dress is made of a bodice, an accompanying dirndl blouse, a wide high-waisted skirt, and an apron.
7. Sheath dress
A close fitting dress usually ending near the knee. Usually there will be a slit in the back so that you can walk comfortably.
Who suits a sheath dress: A sheath dress is a good choice for some one with an hourglass figure. It can also be good on rectangle shaped body.
8. Low or drop waist dress
This is a loose fitting dress with the skirt seam being somewhere near the hip rather than at the waist length.
Who suits a high low dress: Drop waist dresses are a good choice for women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby. The low waistline can help to camouflage the stomach and create a more flattering silhouette. Shorter individuals can benefit from high-low dresses because the shorter front hemline can create the illusion of longer legs, making them appear taller.
9. Tunic dress
This is a loose fitting dress ending near the hips or near the knee , usually with slits on the side seams. Shorter tunics can work as mini-dresses, while longer ones can be styled with leggings or tights.
Who suits a Tunic dress: Tunic dresses can be adapted to suit various body types. Flowy and loose Tunic dresses can be particularly flattering for apple-shaped figures, who wants to conceal their big tummy.
10. Princess seam dress
This is a dress with a princess seam down the bodice.
Who suits a princess seam dress: Princess seams can create a streamlined look for all bodyshapes and accentuates the curves of the body. The vertical seams help to create the illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette.
11. Blouson dress
This is a dress with a fitted/clinched waist which will cause the top portion to have a billowing effect. It has a loose, blousy bodice that gathers at the waist.
Who should wear a blouson dress: Blouson dresses can add some definition to rectangle-shaped bodies by cinching at the waist and creating the illusion of curves. Blouson dresses can be flattering for taller individuals as they provide a relaxed, flowing silhouette that complements height.
12. Shirt waist dress
This kind of dress resembles a shirt in the top portion, with a collar and an open front button placket.
13. Wrap around dress
This is a style of dress with an Asymmetrical closing. This dress usually has one side wrapped over the other side and usually has a tie which closes the front opening.
14. Peasant Dress
This is a dress originally worn by the peasants in Europe, with raglan sleeves or very loose sleeves.
15. Baby doll dress
A baby doll dress refers to a short sweet dress with a fitted bodice ( at times a bralette) and a loose gathered skirt. This is usually is used as a nightgown. A dress with gathers above the waist and long sleeves is also referred to as a baby doll dress. Check out the tutorial to make a baby doll dress.
16. Body con dress
This refers to a tight fitting body hugging dress made of a stretchy fabric. It usually ends near or above the knee.
17. Cocktail dress
This is a short dressy dress meant for attending semi-formal functions. It is a must-have for events with a cocktail dress code.
18. Debutante dress
This is a white gown typically worn by debutantes on their first ball. The white formal full length gown is usually accompanied by white kid gloves.
19. Skater dress
This is a dress that has a fitted bodice and a very flared circular skirt. They have an Aline silhouette with a very defined waist.
20. Camisole dress
This dress resembles the camisole worn as a slip or nightgown. A camisole dress is a longer version of this and is usually worn over tops.
21. Pinafore dress /Jumber dress
This is a collarless, sleeveless low cut dress which is worn over tops / blouses.
22. Granny dress
A granny dress is a loose fitting dress with long sleeves. This dress usually has ruffles or flounces and a high collar.
23. Harem dress
This is a full length dress with a flared cut narrowing down to a narrower hem. It is usually made in a flowy fabric.
24. Trumpet dress / Mermaid dress
A trumpet dress has a fitted bodice till the knee or just below the knee where it flares to the hem.
Women with curvy figures can look good in this dress.
25. Maxi dress
This is an informal full length / ankle length dress usually made with a flowy fabric.
26. Apron dress
Apron dress is a sleeveless dress with a bib and a skirt attached to it just like an apron.
27. Sweater dress
A sweater dress is a long sweater that can be worn on its own as a dress. It is usually knee length.
28. Swing dress
A swing dress has a fitted top portion near the bust and then flaring to a knee or above knee length hem.
29. Tutu dress
Tutu dress is a tutu (gathered skirt made with tulle fabric ) with a bodice attached.
30. Sun Dress
A sundress refers to any dress which is casual and suitable for the summer. They are usually made in flowy lightweight breathable fabrics.
31. Little Black Dress
This refers to a short dress made in black.Usually this is a fitting dress which is short. Read more on an LBD here.
32. Coat dress
A coat dress resembles an overcoat with lapels and openings.
33. Corset dress
This is a dress that is fitted around the bust using a corset . The corset shapes the body with lacing.
34. Balloon Dress
A balloon dress refers to a dress with a hemline turned inwards so that the bottom edge looks like a blown up balloon.
35. Bouffant dress
This is a full length gown with lots of ruffles.
36. Paneled dress
This is a dress which is fitted in the top portion and then flares gradually towards the hem. This effect is usually achieved with panels.
37. Handkerchief hem Dress
This type of dresses have an asymmetrical hem which looks as if a handkerchief is held from the middle.
38. Gathered dress
This is a dress with a gathered waist.
39. Kaftan Dress
Kaftan is a loose fitting dress with billowing side seams; it is sewn as one with bodice and sleeves and usually ends near the ankles or feet. Check out the pattern and sewing tutorial to make a Kaftan.
40. Pillowcase dress
This refers to a dress made for kids with fabric from a single pretty printed pillowcase and some fabric straps to tie them to the neck.
41. Slip Dress
A dress which simply looks like a slip you wear inside as an undergarment. A slip dress is usually worn as an overgarment .
42. Shirt dress
This is a longer version of the shirt with collar and an opening in the front (full or partial).
43. Ball gown
Ball gown is a formal full skirted gown.
44. Party dress
This is a generic name for a dress worn for different kinds of parties. Basically it is an elaborately made dress.
45. Off Shoulder Dress
A dress without straps or shoulder joining seams and sleeve caps; the shoulder is laid bare with the sleeves and the bodice cut off at the shoulders. When this kind of dress has a shoulder seam with only the top of the sleeves cut off, it is called a cold shoulder dress.
46. One shoulder dress
A dress with straps or shoulder joining seams only on one shoulder; the shoulder is laid bare on one side.
47. Strapless Dress
This refers to a dress without straps holding the dress together at the shoulders. It is a form fitting style of dress.
48. Halterneck Dress
A dress that features a halterneck.
49. Draped Dress
A Dress with additional fullness pleated ;gathered or held to one side or both sides.
50. Xray Dress
This is a see through dress made with sheer/transparent fabrics like lace chiffon organza etc. It is usually worn with a slip underneath or strategically placed fabric lining/ embroidery/fabric patches or body stockings underneath to cover modesty.
51. Fit and flare dress
A dress with a fitting bodice and a skirt that flares out from the waist or hips.
52. Cape Dress
This is a dress that incorporates a cape as part of the dress.
53. Two color Dress
This dress has different colors for the top and bottom – the bodice will be in one color and the skirt will be in another color
Extra questions
What is the name of the loose fit dress worn in Hawaai?
Name of some loose fitting dress styles
Name of some tight fitting dress styles
Spelling…
Dirndle not drindle!
Sorry!
Born with red pen in my head!
Hi Louise
My bad, Thanks for pointing -I have corrected
I enjoyed browsing the dress types and other pages to get inspirations for my next dress project. I’ve been sewing my own clothes since I was a kid, but I never learned how to design the patterns from scratch so I’m always trying to adapt store patterns to a design I envisioned. It can be pretty frustrating!
DDo you know if I could find a sort of ‘master pattern’ for dresses, that would have all the common bodice, sleeve, skirt styles that can mix and match to build any basic dress style? I don’t know if it exists but it would be so useful! I could easily make minor tweaks to accomplish my vision, instead of trying to reinvent a pattern that only matches half my design. Thanks!
Hi, I’m a (semi)retired seamstress, and I’ve always seen “fit and flare” (number 36) most often referring to the classic bombshell dress from the fifties – think Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot” standing over the air grate with the skirt of her dress waving up around her hips. Folkwear Patterns actually made a pattern named “Fifties Fit and Flare”, with both the long sleeved and halter version (like Marilyn’s) included. I used to work with Kate, the originator of Folkwear, at Lark Books, when Folkwear patterns were sold by Lark. (I still have my “Fifties Fit and Flare” pattern, which was actually given to me by Lark as a gift – one day I’ll use it – it takes a LOT of fabric, compared with most dress patterns!) I can testify that she is a pre-eminent scholar and historian of fashion.
Here’s a link to a picture of the cover shot of “Fifties Fit and Flare”:
The pattern is no longer available from Folkwear’s catalog, for some reason. You can find used copies on Etsy and other locations, if you want to make one. I highly recommend Folkwear, though, for all kinds of historical and vintage clothing patterns. My favorite vintage pattern is “the Glamour Girl” – 30s – 40s styled dress. So cool looking, even today! I have a burning desire to make the “Model T Duster Coat” too, one of these days.
Hi Raelin
Yes, you are right; thanks for the clarification. I will make the change