Today, we are going to answer a question that I know I have googled many times myself: What Are The Different Types Of Dresses? There are so many different types of dresses that it can be hard to keep track of them all! But, if you really want to expand your sewing skills, knowing the different types of dresses and having a few tips in mind is what every sewist needs to know because dresses are a definite must. Dresses are just a great way to show your style and personality – even if you’re not planning on wearing them and are just looking to sew them. Dresses can be made from a variety of fabrics, so you can really experiment with different looks. And, they’re relatively easy to sew – even if you’ve never sewn before! One of the great things about sewing your own dresses is that you can choose any level of difficulty you want. If you are a beginner, there are plenty of easy dress patterns that you can start with. We would recommend starting with a simple A-line dress or a shift dress. These types of dresses are usually very forgiving and don’t require a lot of fitting.
If you are looking for a more challenging project, you can try sewing a fitted dress or a garment with more intricate details. Just remember to take your time and read the instructions carefully before getting started. Check out our 10 Free Dress Patterns for Women.
What Do I Need to Know Before I Start Sewing A Dress?
Before you start sewing any type of dress, it is important to know your measurements. That way, you can choose a pattern that is the right size for you. There are a few different ways that you can take your own body measurements. You can either use a measuring tape or you can trace around your body on a piece of paper (a big piece of paper). If you are using a measuring tape, be sure to measure the fullest part of your bust, your natural waist, and your hips. Once you have these measurements, you can use them to choose the right size of the pattern for you.
You will also need to decide what type of fabric you want to use. There are many different types of fabrics that can be used for dresses, so it is important to do some research before making your final decision.
Sewing Supplies You’ll Need:
What Are the Different Types of Dresses?
There are so many more dresses out there than just the “little black dress” or the ballgown. Seriously, there are variations that get you any silhouette or shape. These are just a few of my personal favorites, but there really are so many different types and styles of dresses out there. It’s one of the things I love most about sewing – there’s always something new to sew!
A-Line
One of the most popular types of dresses is the A-line dress. This type of dress is fitted at the waist and then flares out at the bottom, creating an A-shape. This type of dress is flattering on many different body types and can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile option for your wardrobe. Beyond the simple A-line dress, there are several versions of the A-line and I decided to explore a couple of those, because I love the A-line so much!
Tent Dress
Tent dresses are loose-fitting, A-line dresses that get their name from their tent-like shape. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Tent dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Trapeze Dress
Trapeze dresses are loose-fitting, A-line dresses that get their name from their trapeze-like shape. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Trapeze dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a fantastic option for beginner sewists. I made this trapeze dress and it’s become a staple in my wardrobe,.
Sundress
Sundresses are loose-fitting, A-line dresses that are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. They are perfect for warm weather and can be either casual or dressy. Sundresses are also easy to sew, so they’re an awesome option for beginners, too.
Shift
Another popular type of dress is the shift dress. Shift dresses are simple dresses that fall straight down from the shoulders. They are often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Shift dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists. There’s a lot of forgiveness in the fabrics typically used when making shift dresses and your measurements don’t have to be perfectly exact (although accuracy is always best). Making a shift dress is a lot of fun, particularly if you have a fun fabric to give a roll.
Sheath Dress
Sheath dresses are close-fitting dresses that fall straight down from the shoulders, so they are not like shift dresses because of the more fitted shape. They are typically made from heavier fabrics like wool or tweed and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
Bodycon Dress
A variation of sheath dresses, bodycon dresses are tight-fitting dresses that hug the body. They are typically made from stretchy fabrics like Lycra or spandex and are often worn as clubwear or for special occasions. In my opinion, these are slightly more difficult to make both because of the nature of sewing stretchy fabrics (this can be a serious challenge for anyone who is not used to sewing on stretch) and because of the need for significant accuracy in your measurements of your body.
T-Shirt Dress
T-shirt dresses are simple, casual dresses that look like oversized T-shirts. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton jersey and can be worn for both casual and dressy occasions. T-shirt dresses are also easy to sew, so they can be a great option for beginner sewists, but just take care not to stretch the fabric while sewing. I have made a t-shirt dress previously and the only challenge I recall is the fabric trying to stretch on me.
Mermaid Dress
Mermaid dresses are fitted dresses that flare out at the bottom, creating a mermaid-like shape. They are typically made from heavier fabrics like satin or taffeta and are often worn for special occasions.
Midi Dress (AKA Tea Length Dress)
Midi dresses fall somewhere between the knee and ankle and are a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions. They can be made from a variety of different fabrics and often have either a fitted or A-line silhouette.
Mini Dress
Mini dresses are short, above-the-knee dresses that are typically worn for dressy occasions. They can be made from a variety of different fabrics and often have either a fitted or A-line silhouette.
Pinafore Dress
Pinafore dresses are sleeveless dresses that have straps that go over the shoulders and criss-cross in the back. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Pinafore dresses are also moderately easy to sew, so they’re a great option for second or third-time sewists with a project or two under their belts. I personally love making pinafore dresses and I love the way they look!
Jumper Dress
Jumper dresses are sleeveless dresses that have a bodice and skirt attached. They are typically made from heavyweight fabrics like wool or tweed and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Jumper dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Empire Dress
Empire dresses are fitted at the bust and then flow out from the waist. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Empire dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists. This is also a popular dress for formalwear because it is so versatile and can be dressed up super easily.
Dolman Dress
Dolman dresses are sleeveless dresses that have an asymmetrical hemline. They are typically made from heavyweight fabrics like wool or tweed and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Dolman dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Flapper Dress
Flapper dresses are short, loose-fitting dresses that were popular in the 1920s. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like silk or rayon and are often worn for dressy occasions. These days, they’re made with light, flowing fabrics like linen or cotton and can be a really fun “ruffled” dress. I made this flapper dress and it was so easy to sew, I definitely think they’re a great option for beginner sewists looking to get into ruffles.
Tunic Dress
Tunic dresses are loose-fitting, tunic-style dresses that fall somewhere between the knee and ankle. Just to give you an idea, this cute tunic top is the shape and style, the dress would just be longer. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Tunic dresses are also easy to sew, so make for a great project for beginner sewists.
Trumpet Dress
Trumpet dresses are fitted at the top and then flare out at the bottom, creating a trumpet-like shape. And while similar to the mermaid style dress, the silhouette is quite different. They are typically made from heavier fabrics like satin or taffeta and are often worn for special occasions.
Column Dress
Column dresses are fitted dresses that fall straight down from the shoulder to the hem. They are typically made from heavyweight fabrics like satin or taffeta and are often worn for special occasions.
Strapless Dress
Strapless dresses are dresses that do not have straps or sleeves. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Strapless dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists. This cute strapless shirred maxi dress is one of my favorites.
Halter Dress
Halter dresses are sleeveless dresses that have a strap that goes around the neck. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. Halter dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
1-Shoulder Dress
One-shoulder dresses are sleeveless dresses that have a strap or sleeve on one shoulder. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and are perfect for warm weather. One-shoulder dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Cocktail Dress
Cocktail dresses are short, dressy dresses that are typically worn to parties or other formal occasions. They can be made from a variety of different fabrics and often have either a fitted or A-line silhouette.
Apron Dress
Apron dresses are sleeveless dresses that have a bodice and skirt attached. They are typically made from heavyweight fabrics like wool or tweed and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Apron dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are a type of dress that wraps around the body and fastens at the side or front. They are very flattering on many different body types and can be adjusted to fit your figure perfectly. Wrap dresses are simple to sew and work well for someone that might not have the best measurement accuracy, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists. I made this easy wrap dress in just a few minutes that made me feel like a million dollars!
Pouf Dress
Pouf dresses are sleeveless dresses that have a lot of fabric in the skirt, which gives them a puffy appearance. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Pouf dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists.
Slip Dress
Slip dresses are sleeveless dresses that are typically made from lightweight fabrics like silk or satin. They are designed to be worn under other garments, such as sweaters or jackets, and can also be worn on their own. Slip dresses are also easy to sew, so they’re a great option for beginner sewists. I have made a couple that I really love, both this simple slip dress and this spaghetti strap dress that is a fast work-up.
Ballgown
If you’re looking for a more formal dress, you may want to consider a ballgown. Ballgowns are usually very full skirts with a fitted bodice. They are often made from luxurious fabrics like satin or silk and are perfect for special occasions. If you’re not sure how to sew a ballgown, don’t worry! We have a tutorial that will walk you through the process.
Maxi
Finally, we have maxi dresses. Maxi dresses are long, flowing dresses that are usually made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or chiffon. They can be worn year-round and are perfect for both casual and formal occasions. If you need some help sewing a maxi dress, we have a basic maxi dress tutorial that will walk you through the process.
If you love a good maxi dress but want to do a fun twist on the classic, check out the tutorial for a tiered maxi dress (trust me, it’s fun).
So there you have it! These are just a few of the different types of dresses that you can sew. With so many options, there’s sure to be a dress that’s perfect for you.
If you’re looking for some fun and easy dress patterns to try out, I gathered some of my favorites:
There are plenty of other great tutorials on our website if you need some help getting started with your next project. And as always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some assistance. We’re always happy to help! Happy sewing!
What are some of your favorite types of dresses to sew? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to share this blog post with your friends if you found it helpful. So get sewing and enjoy!
If you liked learning what are the different types of dresses, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!