Wedding dress ideas for an athletic build

Woman wearing a halter neck bridal gown with lace detailing on the bodice and tulle A-line skirt

Showcase your athletic body type on your wedding day by selecting a gown that highlights your natural features. From sweetheart necklines that define your upper torso to romantic off-the-shoulder designs that soften your shoulders, the best wedding dresses for athletic builds capture your sporty style while complementing your figure. With a wide array to choose from, below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you begin the search for your perfect bridal gown. 

What is an athletic body type?

Athletic builds can range from well-defined hourglass figures to inverted triangle shapes. For hourglass figures, dresses with a defined waistline or with curve-hugging features best complement your natural, feminine silhouette. Alternatively, brides with inverted triangle shapes can either decide to soften their shoulders or create the illusion of longer legs for a balanced look on your wedding day. Knowing what you wish to highlight on your special day allows you to showcase your gracefully strong features according to your tastes.   


Blonde woman in a halter wedding gown with hat

Necklines that best complement your figure

Select a wedding dress with an elegant neckline to accentuate your strong yet graceful features. Explore the variety of wedding dresses for sporty brides that beautifully highlight your figure, ensuring you remain effortlessly chic on your special day. 

Stunning halter designs

Consider a chic and contemporary gown for your ceremony with one of our halter neck wedding dresses. The higher neckline draws attention to the shoulders, elegantly framing your strong arms. For bolder brides, choose our satin design with an exposed back for a sensual gown.  

Romantic off-the-shoulder

For those wanting a dreamy bridal look, uncover our range of off-the-shoulder wedding dresses for a cut that exudes timeless elegance. The design delicately frames your upper body, highlighting your collarbones and softening your athletic frame. 

Bold V-neck

V-neck wedding dresses add a touch of femininity to your bridal look by elongating your neck and torso. The style draws the eyes vertically, softening your athletic body type while accentuating your feminine curves, striking the perfect balance between strong and graceful. 

Delicate sweetheart

A classic design, our sweetheart neckline wedding dresses add a hint of romance with gentle curves around the décolletage. Choose between a traditional strapless gown or one with short sleeves and cut-outs for contemporary flair.  


Blonde woman in simple strapless wedding dress

Silhouettes to highlight your natural features

After deciding on your ideal neckline, consider selecting a gown based on the shape. From dramatic silhouettes to minimalist designs, ensure you find the right gown that captures your taste while complementing your graceful, athletic build. 

Ball gowns to define your torso

Instead of a wedding garter tradition, some receptions have an alternative custom. A Columbian wedding tradition involves bachelors placing their shoes underneath the bride’s dress. The groom then picks one, and it is believed that whoever the shoe belongs to will be the next one to be married.

Mermaid for feminine curves

Embody a more sensual bridal look by selecting a mermaid wedding gown. The romantic wedding dress is ideal for athletic builds, as the curve-hugging design accentuates your feminine features. Decide between a skirt that cascades outward for a more dramatic silhouette, or a more minimalist design that gracefully flows downward. 

Elongating A-line gowns

With a defined bodice and a skirt that gently hangs over the hips and waist, an a-line model is one of the best wedding dresses for short, athletic builds. The soft design contrasts against your strong figure, creating an elegant, balanced look. Consider an a-line bridal gown in tulle or chiffon for a flowy skirt that elongates your silhouette and gently sways as you perform your first dance.  


Dark-haired woman in an A-line wedding gown with lace bodice

Styling your sporty wedding dress

After selecting your favorite design, create an ensemble that complements your sporty features while capturing your wedding day style.  

Old Hollywood glamour

Consider adding an element of Hollywood glamour to your special day by pairing your halter wedding dress with a bold red lipstick. Style your hair in a high bun to showcase the exposed back, accentuating your athletic shoulders even more. 

Elegantly feminine

For brides wishing to capture their feminine taste, consider complementing your form-fitting, V-neck lace dress with a long veil. The contrast between the gown’s defined design and the cascading veil draws attention to your décolletage, softening your shoulders. 

Minimalist and modern

Complement your features by pairing your satin sheath gown with a subtle jeweled belt that defines your waist. The shiny detailing tastefully highlights your feminine curves, while the minimalist design captures your personal taste. 

Strike the perfect balance on your wedding day by selecting a romantic wedding dress for athletic builds suited to your preferences. Whether you’re searching for a design that softens your shoulders or a gown that highlights your well-defined arms, showcase your figure on your special day by slipping on a breathtaking bridal gown that complements you. 

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