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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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

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

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. Again, the difference between mermaid and trumpet silhouettes is where the flare begins.

What does fit and flare wedding dress mean? ›

Fit and flare wedding dresses, also known as trumpet or mermaid dresses, have a fitted bodice that flares out at the hips and thighs, creating a dramatic silhouette. These form-fitting wedding dresses hug the body's natural curves, making it a style that truly works for every body type.

What is a mermaid style wedding dress? ›

The mermaid dress gets its name from its characteristic flared-out bottom, which resembles a mermaid fin. This style is designed to accentuate the curves of the female body by hugging the waist and chest and flaring out at the bottom, creating an hourglass figure or a “mermaid silhouette.”

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's the difference between a trumpet dress and a mermaid dress? ›

The difference between a mermaid wedding dress and a trumpet wedding dress is all about where the flare of the skirt starts: Mermaid wedding dresses start to flare just above the knee while trumpet wedding dresses flare below the knee.

Is fit and flare mermaid? ›

It comes in many shapes and sizes – a mermaid gown is a type of fit-and-flare dress as is a trumpet. Fit-and-flare is what a lot of people think of as mermaid apart from it's a lot softer than a mermaid dress and generally a lot easier to walk in!

What body type should wear fit and flare dress? ›

This style is most flattering on hourglass and triangle (or pear) shaped body types because it accentuates and balances curves. 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.

Who should wear a fit and flare wedding dress? ›

For those with an hourglass figure, a fit-and-flare dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette. However, it's important to keep in mind that fit-and-flare dresses can be more challenging to wear for those with a straight body shape as they can accentuate a lack of curves.

Who should wear fit and flare dresses? ›

Adaptable for Various Body Shapes: fit and flare dresses for women cater to a wide range of body shapes. Whether you're pear-shaped, apple-shaped, or hourglass, there's a style that complements and enhances your natural curves.

Are mermaid wedding dresses hard to walk in? ›

In summary, mermaid wedding dresses may require a bit more effort to move comfortably in, but with proper preparation and practice, a bride can move around with ease and grace on her wedding day.

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.

Can short girls wear mermaid wedding dress? ›

Mermaid or Trumpet Gown

Trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses are flattering for many body types, including short brides. If you want to show off your curvy figure, this silhouette emphasizes the bust and hips. To make your legs look even longer, opt for a waistline higher than your natural waist.

What to avoid in wedding dress? ›

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Dress
  • Bringing a large entourage. ...
  • Trying On Too Many Dresses. ...
  • Deciding in advance on a style of gown. ...
  • Demanding the Wrong Size. ...
  • Expecting it to fit without alterations. ...
  • Looking at a dress-in-a-bag. ...
  • Buying online. ...
  • Not choosing your store carefully.

Do mermaid dresses look good on plus size? ›

Plus size mermaid wedding dresses celebrate curves, offering a romantic and glamorous look. These dresses can be particularly flattering for plus-size brides who want to showcase their hourglass figure. The mermaid style adds a touch of drama while ensuring a comfortable fit.

Who can wear a mermaid wedding dress? ›

They're Great for Petite Brides: The danger of full skirts is that they can be overwhelming, especially on more petite brides. Mermaids are great for smaller brides because the longer bodice adds length to the body. Select a slim skirt.

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