Silhouettes: Glossary of Terms

The outline a garment cuts against the body. Silhouette family is often the fastest way to name a dress or coat from a distance.

A-line

A silhouette that narrows at the top and widens gradually to the hem, forming the letter A. Applies to dresses, skirts, coats.

Column

A silhouette that falls in a straight vertical line from shoulder to hem. Narrow, unstructured at the waist.

Bodycon

A silhouette cut tight to the body throughout. Requires stretch fabric.

Empire

A silhouette with a fitted bodice ending just under the bust, from which the skirt falls loosely.

Fit-and-flare

A silhouette fitted through the bodice and waist, then flaring into a fuller skirt below.

Mermaid

A silhouette fitted through the bodice, hip, and thigh, then flaring sharply at or below the knee.

Sheath

A silhouette that follows the body's vertical line without significant flare or gathering. Structured, minimal ease.

Shift

A silhouette that falls straight from the shoulders with no waist definition. Sixties archetype.

Trapeze

A silhouette that widens dramatically from shoulders to hem in a triangular shape. Fuller than A-line.

Wrap

A silhouette created by wrapping one side of a garment over the other and tying at the waist, producing a natural V-neckline.

Updated 2026-07-30