Gown Terminology

GOWN STYLES & LENGTHS

A-Line
A silhouette characterized by a close fitting bodice and waist and flared hem.

Ballet
Skirt length that falls at or just above the ankle.

Basque
Elongated waist about two inches below the natural waist that is defined by a V-shape at the center front.

Corsetted Bodice
A fitted bodice usually reinforced with stays to give support and detail.

Dropped Waist
Waistline positioned several inches below the natural waist.

Empire
Shortened waist style created by attaching the skirt to the bodice just below the bustline.

Intermission
Hemline that is floor length in back and mid-calf length in front.

Mermaid
Skirt flared at or below the knee.

Peplum
A short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline.

Sheath
Straight, fitted gown, often floor length and often worn with a detachable train.

NECKLINES

Bateau
A boat-shaped neckline formed by a straight line between the shoulders, sometimes dips in the front.

Halter
A bodice that ties behind the neck, leaving the arms, shoulders and back bare.

Jewel
Neckline that circles the base of the neck. When the neckline is made with a sheer fabric, it is known as a Sheer Jewel.

Portrait
Neckline that begins just inside the shoulder and falls to the bustline in the center.

Strapless
Neckline coming across the top of the bustline leaving the shoulders and the top and back of the neckline completely bare.

Sweetheart
Open neckline that begins two inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart.

V-neck
Neckline that is shaped like the letter “V” with the bottom point coming at the center of the bustline.

TRAINS

Bustle
The gathering of the train caught up in the back of the dress below the waist, usually secured with multiple buttons, hooks and eyes.

Cathedral
A long train extending nine feet from the waist.

Chapel
A train extending four feet from the waist.

Watteau
Train attached at the shoulders of the gown rather than at the waist.