For our brides looking for a fitted gown, but don’t want the drama of traditional mermaid or trumpet silhouettes, we highly recommend a sheath wedding dress! Known for their clean and classic look, sheath style wedding dresses hug the body in an elegant way—showing off your curves without looking or feeling too tight. This silhouette is ideal for brides who want a long and lean look for their wedding day or just love a tailored gown. We’re breaking down the beauty of a sheath wedding dress for all sizes and in all styles so that you can find the perfect sheath gown for your big day! 

What Does Sheath Wedding Dress Mean?

Many new brides might recognize popular wedding dress silhouettes like trumpets and mermaids, but not the nuances of what differentiates a sheath wedding dress. This streamlined silhouette has a fitted look, following the natural curves of your body. Unlike mermaid and fit and flare dresses, sheath wedding gowns have a slightly looser fit featuring a skirt that hangs around the body in a column-like shape rather than form-fitting with a flared skirt. This means they also tend to be more comfortable and allow for more movement compared to mermaids, which have a bodice that is fitted to the knee. This silhouette is perfect for brides who want to achieve that statuesque look, offering a simple, sophisticated style that feels chic and minimal. That certainly doesn’t mean that sheath wedding dresses are plain and boring. Sheath gowns are incredibly versatile, designed with beautiful laces and blingy details, in silky satins and structured crepe. They suit various neckline and sleeve styles, making it a great choice for brides who want a fitted wedding dress, but value comfortability. And because of their clean and simplistic silhouette, sheath wedding gowns are great for brides who love to accessorize! 

Popular Sheath Wedding Dress Styles

While the most popular wedding dress style tends to be A-lines, we really think there’s something special about a sheath silhouette. The shape of a sheath feels both elegant and timeless, designed in chic fabrics that look modern. This beautiful balance of cool and classic makes a sheath gown an ideal choice for brides who want a more fitted style. A sheath style wedding dress hugs the body, usually till around the knee, where the skirt falls loosely around the legs. This silhouette gives you a tailored look, fitting closely without being tight or restrictive. With this in mind, it might be hard to tell the difference between a sheath and a fit and flare gown. There are many similarities between the two styles, and often wedding dresses can be classified as both silhouettes. The main difference is in the skirt. As the name of a fit and flare would suggest, the skirt usually has a noticeable flare, especially in the back of the gown. While sheaths can have a slightly flared skirt, they tend to have more of a column-like shape, falling straight down to the hemline. If you’re looking for a sheath gown, but see a dress described as a fit and flare, don’t write it off. Take a close look at how the skirt falls and you just might find that it’s the shape you are looking for. One of our most popular satin sheath wedding dresses is Camden, style 12121. This minimalist gown is both sultry and sophisticated, with a draped cowl neckline and beautiful open back. The soft satin fabric has a delicate shine and the front skirt slit reveals a sexy pop of leg. If you prefer a more conservative look, then check out Emma, style 30109. This minimalist crepe gown has subtle Alençon lace appliqués that enhance the shape of the sheath silhouette. The cap sleeves and high v-neckline keep this dress looking modest making it a great option for brides who are looking for high-neck sheath wedding dresses. Our favorite part is the romantic cut-away lace petal train. To mix things up, try a short sheath wedding dress. Perfect for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even for your ceremony, a short sheath is incredibly versatile. Lindsey, style 12607 is our pick! This figure-hugging gown has a clean look in crepe, contrasted by beautiful frosted embroidered lace. The off-the-shoulder neckline gives the dress a classic look, but the best part is the illusion back and long sleeves, perfect for sheath wedding dresses with sleeves.

Sheath Wedding Dresses for All Sizes

While sheath wedding dresses are known for their sleek and elegant look, that certainly doesn’t make them exclusive to slender body types. Sheath style wedding gowns can look gorgeous on brides of all shapes and sizes, highlighting your best features while looking effortless and feeling comfortable. Unlike other form-fitting silhouettes, sheaths have a unique way of skimming the body, showing off your figure without fitting too tightly. It gives your body definition and can help to elongate your figure with its statuesque shape making it a flattering style for many body types. If you’re looking for plus size sheath wedding dresses, we’ve got you covered! Evie, Style 3343 is a chic sheath with romantic details. The sheer bodice features lovely floral embroidered lace with boning for added structure and support. The crepe skirt has a streamlined look, softly skimming your curves, leading to a gorgeous train with a cut-away lace detail. This sheath dress also has the unique touch of detachable cap sleeves, allowing you to choose either a strapless sweetheart neckline or use the added support of the delicate sleeves. Another beautiful option is Esme, style 3347. This dreamy plus size sheath wedding dress has frosted floral embroidered lace that cascades down the dress over sparkle net fabric that shimmers from all angles. The classic v-neckline has crystal beaded trim leading to the open scoop back with sheer detailing. The relaxed nature of the sheath silhouette makes this an ultra-flattering look, so our brides can feel confident walking down the aisle on their big day. We at Morilee design our dresses with fit in mind, but if you’re looking for the perfect fit with your sheath wedding dress, consider purchasing a gown one size up. This will allow an experienced seamstress to tailor the dress exactly to your measurements, beautifully enhancing your shape for a dress that fits to perfection! 

Adding a Touch of Drama: Black Sheath Wedding Dresses

If the fitted look of a sheath gown isn’t enough drama for you, try amping it up with a black sheath wedding dress. Black wedding gowns have risen in popularity over the last couple of years, with brides embracing the untraditional look. It also helps that popular media, like Wednesday, have shown how fierce a black dress can be. If you’re looking to embrace this dark and dreamy look, consider a black sheath wedding dress in silk or satin. These luxe fabrics have a subtle luminosity that is intensified by the black color, adding depth to the look of your wedding dress, and are ideal for slip style sheath wedding dresses. Another way to rock black on your big day is with a sheath wedding dress with lace. A black lace sheath totally embodies the look of gothic romance with unique and swirling motifs that accompany the different types of laces. We think Venice or medallion style laces are beautiful options for your black sheath wedding dress as they feature a more baroque style that lends itself beautifully to the dark and dramatic look. If you’re not ready to commit to a full black sheath wedding dress, consider a simple sheath with a black sash or even a nude gown with a delicate black overlay as a more subtle nod to the onyx hue. 

Elegance Meet Comfort: Sheath Wedding Dresses with Sleeves

Sleeves can help elevate the look of your sheath wedding dress. From the modesty of long sleeves to the classic look of cap sleeves, and even dreamy detachable sleeves, a sheath wedding dress with sleeves offers versatility and can help express your personal style on your wedding day. Sleeves can also take away from the modern styling of a sheath wedding dress, so definitely consider your ideal sleeve style when picking your dress. A long sleeve sheath wedding dress can be modern or vintage, depending on the fabrics used and how the sleeves are cut. A sleek crepe style with fitted long sleeves would definitely lean more modern minimalist or a satin sheath with flowing sleeves. If you’re looking for long sleeves sheath wedding dress styles, check out London, style 30143. This vintage-inspired sheath is simply classic in silky crepe fabric that dances over the body with a column skirt that gives you a long and lean look. The gown features a high v-neckline and bishop sleeves with a cuff at the wrist and a pleated waist that cinches in your figure and leads to tie-back streamers for an extra dose of drama on this effortlessly chic gown. For a sheath wedding dress with sleeves that feels a bit more current, there’s Jewel, style 4104. This sophisticated gown takes the tailored sheath silhouette and dials up the romance with delicately beaded embroidered lace. The off-the-shoulder neckline looks clean and contemporary with a delicate cap sleeve to tie everything together. We love how the lace detailing pops on the illusion back and the cut-away effect on the chapel-length train, highlighting the streamlined look of the sheath silhouette. Still looking for a different sleeve style to go with your sheath gown? Meet Megara, style 15022. This sexy sheath drips down the body in liquid satin fabric with an intricate bodice featuring asymmetric draping and a peek-a-boo of exposed boning. The draped off-the-shoulder sleeves add an effortless edge to the gown and are detachable for two looks in one. 

The Classic Beauty of Lace Sheath Wedding Dresses

There’s something so classic about a lace wedding dress. With beautiful motifs, lace gowns have a timeless and romantic charm that can’t be beat, though some brides might wonder if lace wedding dresses are still in style. The answer is absolutely yes! While certain laces may feel dated, French and Italian laces, like Venice, Chantilly, and Alençon, which are typically used on wedding dresses are elegant and can elevate the look of your sheath wedding dress. If we have your interest piqued, here are some of our favorite lace sheath wedding dresses. Jane, style 4110 is a classic sheath with fresh, feminine details. Allover frosted embroidered floral lace pops on the statuesque silhouette paired with a modern off-the-shoulder neckline and delicate cap sleeves. The lace shines on the sheer illusion back, cascading down to the dreamy chapel-length train. Our Giovanna Wedding Dress, style 1082 has more of a glamorous feel. This stunning lace sheath wedding dress features a swirling mix of Alençon and medallion lace appliqués over the romantic floral pattern of frosted Chantilly lace. The sculptured neckline has a delicate plunge, but the real showstopper is the back. The open back has illusion detailing with sparkling crystal beaded trim and a breathtaking petal-shaped train. If a full lace gown is too traditional for you, then try Carrie, style 5919! This modern sheath has a streamlined look in sleek crepe with simple design elements like the clean v-neckline and open back. Sheer Chantilly lace sides contour the body and show off all your curves with breathtaking frosted lace appliqués that enhance the lovely lace detailing. The cut-away lace train is the perfect finishing touch to this effortlessly beautiful gown. When styling your sheath lace wedding dress, we say keep it understated to let the lace shine! Dainty studs or small drop earrings, delicate necklaces that just graze the collar bone, or gorgeous tennis bracelets are great jewelry options to enhance the look of your lace gown. When it comes to your veil you have a couple of options. Some lace gowns have matching veils designed specifically for them. If your dress does not have a matching veil, try looking for one that features the same lace. This way, there is cohesion between the two styles. Another option is to go for a simple veil in sheer tulle or sparkle tulle for a subtle glitter so that your sheath lace wedding dress remains the star of the show! 

Choosing the Perfect Sheath Wedding Gown

To sum things up, here are some of our top tips for finding your ideal sheath wedding dress

• Sheath style gowns, with their column-like silhouettes, help to lengthen the body. Consider your proportions when deciding on the waistline of your sheath gown. If you have a long torso, a sheath with an empire waist will break that up giving you the look of long legs. A natural or drop waist is great for our brides with shorter torsos as it will help to elongate your body along with the shape of the gown.
• Think about what fabric you want. The type of fabric you choose can change the look of your sheath wedding dress. Crepe is great for sleek and modern looks, whereas lace feels more classic. Silks and satins are great for draped gowns or slip-style sheath wedding dresses.
• Sheaths can be paired with any neckline or sleeve style so pick your ideal neckline to beautifully highlight your decolletage. V-necks and plunging necklines will aid the silhouette in elongating your body. Sweethearts are great for giving a fuller look to smaller busts or emphasizing what you’ve already got. Straight necklines add to the clean and modern feel of a sheath gown, while square necklines create a beautiful frame to show off those collar bones. 

No matter what your sheath wedding dress looks like, we want you to go into your wedding day with confidence knowing your Morilee gown was designed to make you look and feel beautiful! If you’re ready to find your perfect sheath wedding dress, visit one of our incredible retailers. Use our Store Finder to locate your nearest store and book an appointment today!