We know every bride has high expectations of her dream dress. Your wedding dress needs to fit perfectly, feel comfortable and supportive, flatter your apple body shape to the max and express your unique sense of style, all while making you look and feel amazing.

Wedding dress shapes for apple bodys shapes.

There are also so many styles and shapes out there that it’s hard to know where to begin. So, if you haven’t already, make you sure you take a look at our Guide to Wedding Dress Shapes, which will help you work out which body shape you’re closest to. Also, our amazing bridal experts are always on hand (both online and instore) and are brilliant at helping even the most unsure or nervous bride. Below they’ve put together their top style tips for apple body shapes, with everything you need to know about what to look for in a dress. Alternatively, for all our other body shape guides just click here!

Attractive apples

You’re an apple shape if…

  • You have a full mid-section and undefined waistline
  • The fullest part of your body is your stomach and waistline
  • Your busts is average to large
  • You have slim legs and arms
  • You have broad shoulders that sit in line with your hips or shoulders and hips that are narrower than your mid section
An illustration of an apple body shape

However, every bride’s figure is beautifully unique, so you most likely won’t fit the ‘apple shape’ box exactly. You may well overlap with other body shapes, too. For example, rectangle figures also have an undefined waist but might lack the curves and fuller bust of apples. Or you may lean towards a pear shape if your hips are slightly wider than your shoulders.

Decide what’s right for you

Then, once you’ve given your body shape some thought, take a minute to think about the following too…

  • What do you love about your body and want to highlight?
  • Which parts do you feel neutral about?
  • Are there any areas you’d like to draw attention away from?

These will be different for everyone, regardless of body shape. You might love your full curves and want to highlight them, while other apples would prefer to minimise their cleavage and show off great arms or legs instead. The choice is yours, so use the following tips as a guide to suit your needs, there’s no right or wrong!

Key advice for apple body shapes

  • Try to balance out the upper body by adding fullness to the lower body
  • Create a more defined mid section with designs that pull it in visually and make your waist appear to be the narrowest point
  • Keep details above the bust line and below the hipline and avoid excessive fabric/detailing around your middle
  • Invest in a good push-up bra or a well-made bodice with internal support

Design details to look out for…

1 The right support 

Apple body shapes often have a larger bust, so a great bra or a well-made bodice with internal support is key. Look for styles with internal corsetry and/or a lace-up back for a great fit and to enhance and support your cleavage, while giving you a clearer waistline.

Front and Back view of Jacinta by Viva Bride a lace up back wedding dress for apple body shapes
Wedding dress featured: Jacinta by Viva Bride

2 Silhouettes 

A lines and ball gowns are ideal for creating waist definition and adding fullness to your lower half. Try one with a sexy split to show off great legs, too! Avoid sheath styles, which can be a little shapeless on an apple, and also mermaids which may highlight an undefined middle. If you like the fitted look go for a softer fit and flare style instead.

3 Necklines

When it comes to necklines, sweetheart and V necklines are great for creating an attractive cleavage. A V-neck also adds a nice vertical line to break up the chest and draw attention away from the mid section. Avoid deeply plunging V-necks though, which may not offer enough support. A gently scooped or wide off-the-shoulder neckline is also good, as your midriff will appear smaller in relation to it. An on-trend, square neckline will also flatter your bust and give your look a modern edge. High or narrow necklines, like halter necks, are best avoided. They will make your waist seem wider in proportion, plus the extra material can emphasis your bust and constrict its natural shape.

Front and Back view of Latasha by Viva Bride a sweetheart neckline wedding dress for apple body shapes
Wedding dress featured: Latasha by Viva Bride

4 Straps and sleeves

Strapless is great on apples, as long as you have a well-made, supportive bodice. For a little more coverage and support, elegant illusion straps are also a lovely choice (remember you can always add some straps if you want to). Illusion sleeves will flatter the arms and draw attention away from the waistline with pretty detailing, while angel sleeves or cap sleeves will add volume to your shoulders. This complements the flare of the skirt so your middle is the smallest area.  

Front and Back view of Rubie by Viva Bride a wedding dress with straps for apple body shapes
Wedding dress featured: Rubie by Viva Bride

5 Embellishment

Detailing around your neckline and shoulders is a great way to draw eyes upwards. Detailing around the hem will do a similar thing in reverse! Simply avoid too much going on around your waistline, which you want to keep simple and unembellished. 

Front and Back view of Kyrah by Viva Bride an embelished wedding dress
Wedding dress featured: Kyrah by Viva Bride

6 Accessories 

Lastly, accessories. A long pendant necklace will draw eyes down to your cleavage. If you don’t want that go for delicate options that sit around your sternum or throat, drawing eyes upwards. A sparkling belt will also give you a more defined mid section, but keep it slim and simple so you’re not adding too much extra bulk.

We're here to help...

Well, we hope our apple body shapes guide has given you an idea of where to start. Plus, if you’re still not sure what will suit you, don’t worry. Our friendly bridal experts (both online and instore) are brilliant at helping brides of every shape and size, find the perfect dress. They can also offer personalised advice tailored specifically to you and your unique figure. So drop in today, they can’t wait to help!

Click here to see the best dresses for apple body shapes, then try on your favourites at your nearest WED2B store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts or read some of our brilliant real bride stories here.