The Complete Guide to Dress Lengths

The length of your dress has the power to change the way your overall outfit looks. It can flatter your figure and amp up your comfort level. But what exactly does dress length refer to? How many types of dress lengths are there? How long or short should your dresses be? Read on to understand!

First, What Does Dress Length Refer To? 

Dress length, quite simply, is the length of a dress. It is a measurement from the top of the shoulder to the bottom edge (hemline) of the dress. Dress length is typically measured in inches and centimeters and different styles come with different lengths.

For instance, the length of a dress with a straight cut remains the same from all angles whereas a dress with an asymmetrical hemline can have more than one length. As a general rule, the shortest length is always used for a dress that comes with multiple measurements.

Dress lengths can be short or long. Short lengths typically include mini, cocktail, and knee-length dresses. Longer dress lengths include tea-length, midi, midaxi, maxi, and floor-length gowns.

Your Guide to Different Types of Dress Lengths 

The six most common types of dress lengths include:

Mini Dresses

Mini dresses boast the shortest dress length. Their hemlines fall just below your bottom. Mini dresses can either offer a flowy skirt or come with a figure-hugging silhouette. Form-fitting mini dresses create a sexy look by accentuating your curves and highlighting your gorgeous figure. The more relaxed mini-dresses create a fun and casual look. These dresses come in a variety of styles and are perfect for casual outings and cocktail events.

Above the Knee Dresses

An above-the-knee dress features a dress length that lies somewhere between a mini dress and a knee-length dress. It brings both the playfulness of a mini dress and the sophistication of a midi dress. These dresses fall just above your knee and are often more flowy and whimsical in nature. They are versatile enough to be dressed up and down for different occasions.

Knee-Length Dresses

A knee-length dress would fall right below your knee. The length makes way for a more versatile style because a knee-length piece can either have a flowy skirt or a figure-hugging silhouette. These dresses can be paired with flats, sandals, heels, and stylish sneakers. Knee-length dresses harness the power of both style and comfort. They are perfect for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. You can either wear it for a cocktail event or a casual outing with friends.

Midi Dresses

If you put on a midi dress, it is likely to fall in between your knees and your mid-calf area. Midi dresses are often a favorite choice of women attending formal events like weddings and those with a 9-to-5 job. These dresses can unlock both casual and polished looks. You can style a midi dress to create a formal look (by teaming it with a structured blazer) or a more casual look (by putting on an oversized cardigan).

Maxi Dresses 

The hemline of a maxi dress falls near the ankles. Compared to a midi dress, a maxi dress features a more relaxed silhouette. It comes in both flowy and curve-hugging silhouettes. Maxi dresses are a great choice if you’re looking to create an illusion of height while looking effortlessly stylish. Shorter figures can slip on a pair of heels to bring out the best in a maxi dress. If you like the idea of creating a more flowy look, you can always cinch the waist using a stylish belt.

Floor-Length Dresses

Floor-length dresses bring a heavy dose of drama to your overall attire. The hemline of these dresses quite literally falls on the floor. These long dresses are perfect for all fancy events including weddings, galas, red-carpet events, and other black-tie occasions.

How Does the Length of a Dress Impact Your Overall Attire? 

The length of a dress can impact two critical things:

• How casual or formal an outfit appears 
• How comfortable it is to wear for long durations

The factors that determine the type of dress lengths you can choose include the dress code of an event, the time of the year, the location you’re in, and the nature of the event you’re attending.

Dress lengths also have the power to either downplay or highlight certain features of your body. For instance, a maxi dress will take the attention away from your legs and highlight the overall shape of your body whereas a cocktail dress will elongate your legs.

Fashion-conscious ladies even use dress lengths to balance out their overall body proportions and accentuate their curves in an appealing way.

The Link Between Your Height and Your Dress Length 

Aside from the nature of the event you’re attending, the shape of your body and your height are two things to pay attention to when choosing a dress length. While the length of a dress you choose is a matter of your personal style and preference, there are certain guidelines you can follow to find the most flattering dress length for your height.

For instance, taller women oscillate more toward longer lengths because it helps them create a sophisticated silhouette while accentuating their height. Shorter women, on the other hand, prefer mini dresses to elongate their legs and build an illusion of height. Average-height women typically choose tea-length and midi dresses to create a more balanced look.

Picking the Right Dress Length for You

Now that you know the different types of dress lengths out there, it’s time to pick pieces that would flatter your figure the most. As with everything, a few general guidelines often dictate the type of lengths women with different heights must choose. However, the only guideline that truly matters here is your personal preference. What are you comfortable with the most? Do you prefer longer dresses to shorter ones? Are you more of a moody and whimsical dresser? Which dress lengths do you love the most? Answering these questions can help you determine the dress type that will fit your style and comfort needs.

Now, with everything said and done, go find the dress of your dreams and rule the world!