The Best Fabrics for Flattering Plus Size Dresses In 2023

Flattering plus-size dresses are designed to fit and flatter the curves of fuller-figured women. These dresses come in a variety of styles and cuts, including A-line, wrap, maxi, and fit-and-flare, to accentuate curves and enhance body shape. Many dresses feature strategic design details, such as ruching, draping, and cinching, to create a slimming effect and highlight assets. Fabric choice is also important, with stretchy and breathable materials often used to provide comfort and flexibility. From formal occasions to everyday wear, there are plenty of options for plus-size women to look and feel confident in flattering dresses.

The 17 Best Plus Size Wedding Dresses of 2023

• Lace A-line Wedding Dress with Illusion Bodice: This dress features a stunning lace A-line skirt and an illusion bodice with delicate beading and a sweetheart neckline.
• Mermaid Wedding Dress with Beaded Illusion Bodice: For a more dramatic look, this mermaid dress features a beaded illusion bodice and a fitted silhouette that flares out at the knees.
• Off-the-Shoulder A-Line Wedding Dress: This romantic off-the-shoulder A-line dress is made of delicate lace and features a flattering waistline and flowy skirt.
• Embroidered A-Line Wedding Dress: This dress features intricate embroidery on the bodice and a flowy A-line skirt, perfect for a bohemian or rustic wedding.
• Cap Sleeve A-Line Wedding Dress: This elegant cap sleeve dress is made of soft chiffon and features a flattering A-line silhouette with a lace bodice.
• Ball Gown Wedding Dress with Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves: This dreamy ball gown dress features off-the-shoulder sleeves and a full skirt with layers of tulle and lace.
• Sleeveless A-Line Wedding Dress with Keyhole Back: This simple and chic A-line dress features a keyhole back and a flattering empire waistline.
• Halter Neckline Wedding Dress with Lace Applique: This elegant halter neckline dress is made of soft tulle and features delicate lace applique on the bodice and skirt.
• Strapless Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress: This classic strapless dress features a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice that flares out into a flowing skirt.
• Sheath Wedding Dress with Beaded Bodice: This sleek sheath dress features a beaded bodice and a simple, modern silhouette.
• Tea Length Wedding Dress with Cap Sleeves: This retro-inspired tea-length dress features a flattering A-line silhouette and cap sleeves, perfect for a vintage or casual wedding.
• High Low Wedding Dress with Lace Applique: This unique high-low dress features a lace applique bodice and a flowy chiffon skirt, perfect for a beach or outdoor wedding.
• Floral Embroidered A-Line Wedding Dress: This romantic dress features delicate floral embroidery on the bodice and a flowy A-line skirt.
• One-Shoulder Wedding Dress with Ruched Bodice: This modern one-shoulder dress features a ruched bodice and a sleek silhouette, perfect for a city or destination wedding.
• V-Neckline Wedding Dress with Lace Cap Sleeves: This classic V-neckline dress features delicate lace cap sleeves and a flowing A-line skirt.
• Sheath Wedding Dress with Illusion Neckline: This chic sheath dress features an illusion neckline and a fitted silhouette with a flattering empire waistline.
• Long-Sleeve Wedding Dress with Lace Applique: This elegant long-sleeve dress features delicate lace applique on the bodice and a flowing A-line skirt, perfect for a winter or fall wedding.

5 flattering plus-size dress options for a wedding guest

• A-Line Wrap Dress: A-line wrap dresses are a classic and flattering option for plus-size women. The wrap style creates a V-neckline that elongates the neck and flatters the bust, while the A-line silhouette skims over curves and flatters the waist. Look for dresses made of lightweight fabrics like chiffon or jersey that drape beautifully and move with you on the dance floor.
• Empire Waist Maxi Dress: Empire waist maxi dresses are another great option for plus-size wedding guests. The high waistline creates a slimming effect, while the flowing skirt drapes elegantly over curves. Look for dresses with a deep V-neckline or halter neckline to draw attention to the upper body and create a balanced silhouette.
• Fit and Flare Cocktail Dress: Fit and flare cocktail dresses are perfect for more formal or evening weddings. The fitted bodice and flared skirt create a flattering hourglass shape, while the knee-length hemline is both elegant and comfortable. Look for dresses with a structured bodice and a flared skirt made of fabrics with some stretch to allow for ease of movement.
• Lace Sheath Dress: Lace sheath dresses are a classic and elegant option for wedding guests. The fitted silhouette hugs curves in all the right places, while the delicate lace adds a feminine touch. Look for dresses with 3/4 length sleeves or a boat neckline to balance out the silhouette and create a polished look.
• Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress: Off-the-shoulder midi dresses are a trendy and flattering option for plus-size wedding guests. The off-the-shoulder neckline draws attention to the upper body, while the midi-length hemline is both sophisticated and comfortable. Look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt to create a balanced silhouette and add movement.

When choosing a dress for a wedding, it's important to consider the dress code, the time of day, and the season. For daytime or outdoor weddings, look for lighter fabrics and brighter colors, while for evening or formal weddings, opt for darker colors and more formal fabrics like silk or satin. Don't be afraid to play with prints or patterns, but avoid anything too bold or distracting that might draw attention away from the bride.

16 Dreamy Plus-Size Maxi Dresses for All Your Summer Affairs

• Off-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress: This stunning off-shoulder dress features a ruffled neckline and flowy skirt, making it perfect for a summer wedding or special occasion.
• Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress: This romantic chiffon dress features a floral print and a flattering empire waistline, making it ideal for a garden party or a summer date.
• Striped Wrap Maxi Dress: This striped wrap dress is perfect for a day at the beach or a casual summer picnic. The wrap style creates a flattering V-neckline and cinches in at the waist for a slimming effect.
• Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress: This tiered ruffle dress is perfect for a summer evening out. The flowy skirt and off-shoulder neckline create a romantic, bohemian look that is both chic and comfortable.
• Lace Maxi Dress: This lace dress is perfect for a formal summer event or a summer wedding. The delicate lace adds a feminine touch, while the flowing skirt creates a stunning silhouette.
• Halter Maxi Dress: This halter dress features a playful polka dot print and a flattering halter neckline that draws attention to the shoulders and upper back.
• Bohemian Maxi Dress: This bohemian-style dress is perfect for a music festival or a summer concert. The loose, flowy silhouette and bold print create a fun, carefree look.
• High-Low Maxi Dress: This high-low dress is perfect for a summer beach wedding or a tropical vacation. The shorter hemline in the front allows for ease of movement, while the longer hemline in the back creates a dramatic, elegant look.
• Strapless Maxi Dress: This strapless dress is perfect for a summer date or a night out with friends. The fitted bodice and flowing skirt create a flattering, feminine silhouette.
• Wrap Maxi Dress: This wrap dress is perfect for a summer garden party or a casual weekend outing. The wrap style creates a flattering V-neckline and cinches in at the waist for a slimming effect.
• Embroidered Maxi Dress: This embroidered dress is perfect for a summer wedding or a special occasion. The intricate embroidery adds a touch of elegance, while the flowing skirt creates a stunning silhouette.
• Smocked Maxi Dress: This smocked dress is perfect for a day at the beach or a summer picnic. The smocked bodice creates a flattering, fitted silhouette, while the flowing skirt adds movement and elegance.
• Tropical Print Maxi Dress: This tropical print dress is perfect for a summer vacation or a beach party. The bold print and flowing silhouette create a fun, carefree look.
• One-Shoulder Maxi Dress: This one-shoulder dress is perfect for a summer wedding or a formal event. The fitted bodice and flowing skirt create a flattering, feminine silhouette, while the one-shoulder neckline adds a touch of elegance.
• Tiered Maxi Dress: This tiered dress is perfect for a summer date or a night out with friends. The tiered skirt creates a fun, playful look, while the fitted bodice adds a touch of sophistication.
• Grecian Maxi Dress: This Grecian-style dress is perfect for a summer wedding or a formal event. The flowing silhouette and delicate draping create an elegant, timeless look.

The Best Fabrics for Flattering Plus Size Dresses

• Jersey: Jersey fabric is soft, and stretchy, and drapes beautifully on curves. It's also breathable and comfortable, making it perfect for casual dresses.
• Ponte: Ponte fabric is a heavier knit that's structured and holds its shape well. It's perfect for dresses with a fitted silhouette and is great for both casual and dressy occasions.
• Chiffon: Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric that's perfect for flowy, romantic dresses. It's also great for layering over more structured fabrics to create a layered look.
• Crepe: Crepe fabric has a crinkled texture that adds visual interest to dresses. It's also lightweight and drapes well on curves, making it great for summer dresses.
• Cotton: Cotton is a breathable, comfortable fabric that's perfect for casual, everyday dresses. It's also versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
• Silk: Silk is a luxurious, elegant fabric that's perfect for formal dresses. It drapes beautifully on curves and adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's important for plus-size women to have access to clothing that fits well and makes them feel confident. Flattering plus-size dresses are an important part of this equation, providing style, comfort, and functionality for women of all shapes and sizes. With the right cut, fabric, and design details, plus-size dresses can enhance curves and showcase individual beauty. The fashion industry has made strides in recent years to offer more inclusive and diverse options for women, and it's encouraging to see more attention being paid to the needs and preferences of plus-size consumers.

FAQs

What style of wedding dress is best for plus-size?

A-line, ballgown, and empire waist wedding dresses are generally considered the most flattering styles for plus-size brides, as they accentuate the waist and flow over curves.

What is the best wedding dress to show curves?

Mermaid and trumpet wedding dresses are the best styles for showing off curves. They are fitted through the bodice and hips and flare out at the bottom, creating an hourglass silhouette.

What kind of wedding dress is slimming?

A-line and empire waist wedding dresses are typically considered the most slimming styles, as they flare out from the waist and create a streamlined silhouette. Dresses with vertical lines, such as lace or beading, can also create a slimming effect.

How do you dress plus size to hide your belly?

Dressing in loose, flowy tops and dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and wearing shapewear can help to hide a belly. Choosing tops and dresses with ruching or draping at the waist can also be flattering. Dark colors and vertical stripes can create a slimming effect.

How do you hide your stomach in a plus-size dress?

To hide your stomach in a plus-size dress, choose styles with empire waists or A-line silhouettes that flow away from the body. Ruching or draping at the waist can also be flattering. Wearing shapewear underneath the dress can help to smooth and flatten the stomach area.