As you click through our fashion articles in your search for the perfect dress, you may sometimes wonder exactly what we're talking about! Here's a guide to bridalwear terminology to make sure you always know your Empire line from your fish-tail...
| A-line | So-called because this dress shape looks like the letter A. Basically, an A line dress hugs the body at the shoulders and then flares gently outwards. |
| Apron | Extra material on a skirt that falls a bit like a kitchen apron and has the effect of making the skirt look fuller. |
| Ballgown/full skirt | A wide skirt that flares out from a narrow waist, and reaches at least to the ankles. A ballgown dress often comes with a fitted bodice. |
| Ballerina | A wide skirt that reaches just above the ankles. |
| Ballet veil | A veil that reaches the ankles. |
| Band | A neckline with a high collar giving a choker-like effect. |
| Basque | A long, tight-fitting bodice that finishes with a V shape at the front of the dress. Also a type of corset. |
| Bodice | Upper part of a dress. |
| Bias cut | Material cut at a 45-degree angle across the length and width of the fabric, to very flattering effect. |
| Bustle | Material gathered at the back of the skirt to make the bottom look shapelier. |
| Cap sleeves | Small, tight sleeves, slightly wider at the top, which only just cover the shoulder. |
| Classic | A dress with a timeless quality and clean lines. |
| Column/straight | A long, straight dress. |
| Contemporary/modern | Used to describe a dress with clean, straight, uncluttered lines. |
| Corset | A corset-style bodice is strapless, fitted, boned and often laced or snap-fastened like a corset. |
| Décolletage/décolleté | A low-cut neckline. |
| Draped | Loose, soft material attached to a garment, usually a skirt. |
| Dropped waist | This type of dress has a waistline with a seam that falls a few inches below the natural waist. |
| Elbow gloves | Gloves that go up to the elbow. |
| Empire line | Dress with a high waistline and a seam just under the bust. |
| Fish tail | A figure-hugging dress where the skirt fits tightly to the knee before flaring out at the bottom. |
| Flounced | A skirt with a ruffle at the bottom, or with lots of layers. |
| Garter | A traditional part of the bride's underwear, a bride's garter belt is a prettily-decorated piece of elastic which goes on the top of the stocking. |
| Gauntlet glove | A long glove which goes down to the wrist but doesn't cover the hand. |
| Historical design | A design which incorporates elements of dresses from different periods, eg 1920s, Edwardian, 50s, medieval. Can resemble period costume. Perfect for themed weddings. |
| Jewel | A type of neckline which circles the natural neckline. |
| Juliet cap | A small hat which sits on the back of the head. |
| Keyhole yoke | A high-necked dress with cut-aways near the bust or throat. |
| Medieval/gothic | A dress that incorporates elements of medieval costume. Could include Celtic embroidery or a floaty veil. |
| Off-the-shoulder | A neckline which lies just over the top of the bust with shoulders uncovered. |
| Opera gloves | Gloves which go up to the upper arm. |
| Peplum | A flap of material at the waist of a dress that is attached to create the impression of an hourglass figure. |
| Pillbox | A high, small, brimless hat. |
| Portrait | An off-the-shoulder neckline. |
| Princess | A princess line dress fits tightly at the top, then flares out gently from a seamless waist. |
| Romantic | Used to describe a big, floaty, dreamy dress. |
| Ruched | A style with regularly spaced gathers of material, usually on a skirt. |
| Sample | Dresses kept in bridal wear shops from which orders are taken. |
| Sheath | A straight, body-hugging dress with no waistline. |
| Shoestring/ Spaghetti straps |
Very thin straps attached to bodice. |
| Shrug | Short, round-edged, non-fastening jacket. |
| Tiara | Jewelled headdress to which a veil can be attached. |
| Tiered | A skirt made up of layers of varying lengths. |
| Three-quarter-sleeve | Sleeves which reach just below the elbow. |
| Victorian | Dress which incorporates elements of Victorian costume. Often a more formal style. Could be based on a Victorian ballgown with a straight front and train, or could be more frilly. |
| Waltz veil | A veil which reaches the floor. |
| Wrist gloves | Gloves which go up to the wrist. |
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