Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (2024)

With so many wedding dress styles, it might be hard to decide which silhouette will best flatter your body shape. In particular, three popular styles that are often confused are the mermaid, trumpet, and fit-and-flare dresses.

While they may appear similar at first glance, each has its own unique feature. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dress. Let’s jump right in!

Mermaid, trumpet, and fit-and-flare: characteristics

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A trumpet, fit-and-flare, or mermaid gown? Before you set off for your wedding dress shopping, it’s vital to have a basic understanding of different silhouettes.

What is a trumpet wedding dress?

So, what is a trumpet wedding dress? The trumpet silhouette features a fitted bodice that flares out at the mid-thigh, resembling the shape of a trumpet.

This wedding dress style is perfect for women who prefer to accentuate their curves while enjoying the ease of movement. From the body shape perspective, a trumpet dress is ideal for hourglass brides.

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Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (5)

What is a fit-and-flare bridal gown?

Fit-and-flare gowns combine a straight bodice and a flared skirt. Hugging the body from the bust through the hips and then flaring out from the mid-thigh, these dresses create a beautiful hourglass shape.

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Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (7)

This style is loved by brides who want to achieve a feminine look that is both elegant and comfortable. The fit-and-flare silhouette is an excellent solution for hourglass shapes as it accentuates the natural shape of your body.

What is a mermaid gown?

What is a mermaid gown? This sexy and curvy style is fitted through the bodice and hips and flares out dramatically at the knee or lower calf, creating a shape similar to a mermaid tail.

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Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (9)

This hip-hugging dress makes for a sexy silhouette, which is why it is a perfect choice for brides looking to showcase their natural curves. A mermaid-style dress looks best on the hourglass, inverted triangle, or rectangle body shapes.

Fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dress: what’s the difference?

The main fit-and-flare vs mermaid wedding dress difference is that the bodice in the fit-and-flare dress is straight, while the mermaid features a fitted, corset-style bodice. Another difference between fit-and-flare and mermaid is that a fit-and-flare dress is fitted to the waist and flares through the skirt. In contrast, mermaid dresses flare out at the knee or below.

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Again, the difference between mermaid and trumpet silhouettes is where the flare begins. A trumpet-style dress flares at the thigh, while mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee.

When comparing a trumpet wedding dress vs mermaid silhouettes, it’s safe to say that the latter makes for a more dramatic profile, accentuating the torso with a long bodice.

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Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (13)

The core difference between the trumpet vs fit-and-flare dresses is where the flare starts. In trumpet dresses, the skirt’s flare begins at mid-thigh, while in fit-and-flare wedding dresses, it starts higher, at the hip area.

Fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid wedding dresses: how are they similar?

Fit-and-flare, trumpet, and mermaid are all silhouette-hugging gowns designed to showcase the body’s curves. All three styles feature a fitted bodice.

How to choose the best silhouette for your figure?

To solve your fit-and-flare vs trumpet vs mermaid dress dilemma, you must find out which is most suitable for you. Let’s look at some factors to help you make a decision:

Best for your body type

Each bride has a unique body shape, and choosing the ideal dress for your wedding day is about finding a silhouette to flatter your figure.

While all three styles accentuate the bust, the waist, and the hips, each of them will work well with an hourglass body shape, creating a sultry yet charming look.

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However, it’s better to steer clear of these dress styles if you have a fuller midsection — the clingy gown reveals every inch of your shape.

The good news is that mermaid dresses are also an excellent choice for brides with inverted triangle body shapes — the flowy skirt can go a long way toward balancing out broader shoulders.

On the other hand, a trumpet-style gown offers a slightly more relaxed fit if compared to mermaid dresses, making them an excellent choice for pear-shaped bodies.

Consider the choice of movement

When selecting your wedding dress, you must consider how much freedom of movement you’ll need on your special day. If you prefer more room to move around, a fit-and-flare or trumpet gown may be a better choice than a mermaid dress.

How about emphasizing your individuality?

Of course, your wedding dress should also reflect your unique personality and make you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.

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Given that, when it comes to form-fitting dresses like the mermaid or trumpet silhouettes, it’s crucial to consider how comfortable you are with showcasing your curves. If you love making a bold statement and don’t shy away from showing off your figure, a mermaid dress might be your way to go.

On the other hand, if you’re into more subtle and understated looks, consider a trumpet dress. This glamorous style will accentuate your curves while providing a more relaxed fit.

Your wedding dress is your charming look, choose the right type

Selecting the perfect wedding gown is an important decision that calls for careful consideration of your unique body type, personal style, and wedding theme.

Whether you opt for the dramatic mermaid silhouette, a more relaxed trumpet gown, or the timeless fit-and-flare silhouette, the team at WONÁ bridal shop will help you select the best dress to perfectly capture your unique personality and make you feel like a queen.

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Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses (2024)

FAQs

Difference between mermaid, trumpet, and fit & flare wedding dresses? ›

What is the difference between a fit and flare, trumpet and mermaid wedding dress? A fit-and-flare wedding dress flares out higher up the body, just below the hips, rather than the knee. A trumpet wedding dress is the same as a mermaid wedding dress.

What is the difference between fit and flare and mermaid style? ›

The main fit-and-flare vs mermaid wedding dress difference is that the bodice in the fit-and-flare dress is straight, while the mermaid features a fitted, corset-style bodice. Another difference between fit-and-flare and mermaid is that a fit-and-flare dress is fitted to the waist and flares through the skirt.

What is the difference between a trumpet and mermaid wedding dress? ›

Trumpet wedding dresses flare at the thigh to elongate the legs. Mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee, making for an even more dramatic silhouette and highlighting the torso with a long bodice.

What are the cons of a mermaid wedding dress? ›

Restrictive- The fitted silhouette of a mermaid wedding dress can be restrictive and may limit the bride's movement or ability to dance.

What does fit and flare wedding dress mean? ›

Fit and flare wedding dresses are characterized by a fitted bodice and flared skirt. This creates a dramatic and curvy silhouette. This style is different from other gown styles, such as A-line or ballgown, which have a full skirt and a fitted bodice.

What body type can wear mermaid dress? ›

For those with an hourglass figure, a mermaid dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette. For those with a pear-shaped body, a mermaid dress can help balance out their proportions by adding volume to the upper body and creating a defined waist.

What body type is fit and flare dress for? ›

This design of fit and flare dress instantly creates a more defined waistline, regardless of body type, whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangular shape. By accentuating the waist, the dress brings attention to this area, which is often considered the focal point of a flattering feminine silhouette.

Are trumpet wedding dresses hard to walk in? ›

The trumpet shape will allow more mobility and freedom of movement than the mermaid-style dress, as it is not quite as form-fitting. If you decide on the mermaid dress, your movements will have to be more cautious and slower as it can be somewhat constricting.

Why are mermaid wedding dresses so popular? ›

Mermaid dresses are elegant and sophisticated, and look and are made in all necklines as well. This style is especially flattering for brides with hourglass figures, as they accentuate the curves in all the right places. They can also help create the illusion of curves for brides with straighter body types.

Can you bustle a mermaid wedding dress? ›

Trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses are often the hardest to bustle while still keeping the beautiful fitted form. For these types of gowns, we often recommend a french under-bustle, where we tuck fabric up and under.

Do mermaid dresses look good on plus size? ›

Mermaid wedding dresses are designed to hug the body's natural curves, accentuating the waist and hips before flaring out at the bottom. Plus size mermaid wedding dresses celebrate curves, offering a romantic and glamorous look.

Can short girls wear mermaid wedding dress? ›

Mermaid styles emphasize the bust and the hips, and the moderate skirt size won't overwhelm a petite bride. This style flatters most body types and elongates your frame.

How should a mermaid wedding dress fit? ›

Mermaid wedding dresses are fitted to below the knee where they then fan out like a mermaids tail. They tend to have a lot of tulle and structure in the bottom to give a dramatic flare.

What is the difference between fit and flare and trumpet? ›

Trumpet silhouette is similar to the mermaid silhouette but flares out more gradually from the mid-thigh. Fit-and-flare silhouette is fitted through the bodice and hips and then flares out below the hips.

What is the difference between a mermaid and a trumpet wedding dress? ›

The key difference between mermaid and trumpet wedding gowns is where the flare begins, which in the case of the trumpet style is mid-thigh. A mermaid dress is a style of evening gown that fits closely to the body through the torso and hips, then “fishtails” out in a flare to the floor.

Who does fit and flare dresses look good on? ›

Fit & Flares are fitted throughout the bodice, waist, & hips and start to flare out around the lower thigh. This style is most flattering on curvy, hourglass, and small framed body types.

What is mermaid style? ›

The mermaid style is characterized by a fitted silhouette that hugs the body from the chest down to the knees or mid-thighs, where the skirt flares out into a dramatic mermaid “tail”. Mermaid dresses are usually made in stiffer fabrics like lace and satin, and sometimes even crepe.

What is fit and flare design? ›

A fit and flare dress is a dress silhouette featuring a fitted upper body (the "fit") and a full skirt (the "flare").

What is a fit and flare silhouette? ›

Fit And Flare

This silhouette often gets confused with A-line. The difference is in the fit. A fit and flare dress stays fitted until right above the knee. The flattering fit is then contrasted with a sudden flare at the knee. This highlights a bride's gorgeous shape while also adding in a romantic skirt.

What is another name for a mermaid dress? ›

(This is why it's also known as a fishtail dress.) Thanks to the dramatic cut, a mermaid style dress can highlight a curvy figure or even add curves where there are none, making it one of the best dress styles for hourglass figures.

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