Types of Women Dresses
Women’s dresses are more than just clothing. For women, dresses are a way to express their style and personality. Women’s fashion has evolved significantly over the years, with dresses being a timeless and essential part of any wardrobe. Dresses for women come in countless types and styles, each designed to suit different occasions, seasons and body types. From casual wear to elegant evening ball gowns, understanding the different types of dresses helps women express their personalities and feel confident. In this article I will try to explain various types of women dresses such as activewear, career wear or workleisure, formal wear, lingerie, outerwear, sportswear, uniform etc. I also included their sizes.
Activewear (Active Sportswear or Athletic Apparel or Athleisure)
Apparel items created and specifically designed to meet the needs of men, women, and children while exercising, although some individuals choose to wear activewear items as casual sportswear with no intention of exercising. Unisex sizing such as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL is used.
Activewear garments include:
- Bathing suits
- Bodysuits
- Caps and hats
- Jackets and hoodies (hooded jackets)
- Jogging suits
- Leggings and skirts for girls and women
- Pants and shorts
- Socks
- Sports bras and camisoles for girls and women
- Swimwear
- T-shirts (long and short sleeve) and tank tops
- Warm-ups and sweat suits
Activewear garments are primarily sold as separates.
Career Apparel (Tailored Clothing)
Women’s tailored business attire. Tailored apparel includes
- Suits (jackets, trousers, skirts)
- Fitted and tailored shirts
- Vests
- Women’s blouses and dresses
Career apparel is sold as multipiece styles and as separates. Tailored garments sold as separates can also cross over into sportswear. Career apparel is dressier and more formal for day than sportswear. Numeric sizes are used for career apparel and tailored clothing.
One-piece-style garments with a skirted lower portion designed for women and girls. Styles range from casual to formal. Numeric and unisex sizing XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL are used.
Formalwear (Eveningwear or Special Occasion)
Apparel designed for special and ceremonial occasions. Formalwear includes:
- Bridal wear
- Cocktail dresses
- Evening gowns
- Evening suits
- Holiday apparel
- Prom gowns
- Tuxedos
Special occasion attire for women and girls is typically made from dressier specialty fabrics such as brocade; velvet; lace; taffeta; chiffon; organza; faille; satin; and sequined, beaded, and embroidered fabrics. Men’s and boy’s formalwear is often made from worsted wool or blended suiting fabrics and can be accented with satin or braided trim details. Velvet and brocade fabrics are also used. Numeric sizing is used for formal attire because precise fit is often critical to the aesthetic appeal.
Lingerie (Loungewear, Sleepwear, or Intimate Apparel)
Women’s undergarments, shapewear, foundation garments, and nightwear including:
- Babydoll, chemise, camisole, and tap pant
- Bathrobe and bath wrap
- Bra and bustier
- Body shapers, foundation garments, waist cinchers, girdles
- Camisoles, tank tops, T-shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve)
- Pajamas, nightshirts, nightgowns, boxer shorts
- Panties—bikini briefs, boy shorts, high-cut and low-rise briefs, hipsters, thongs
- Slips and liners
- Thermal undershirts and pants
Numeric sizing is used for bras, foundation garments, and items with built-in bras; the band size (rib cage measurement plus 5 inches, or if the rib cage circumference is greater than 33 inches, 2 inches are added) accompanied by cup size (examples 29A, 34B, 39DDD).
For most other sleepwear and loungewear items, unisex sizing such as XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL is used.
Outerwear
Men’s, women’s, and children’s garments designed to be worn over an apparel ensemble to provide coverage or warmth. Outerwear items include:
- Barn coats
- Down jackets
- Dress coats
- Fur and leather coats
- Parkas, stadium jackets, and anoraks
- Ponchos and shrugs
- Pullover jackets
- Rain coats and slickers
- Shawls and wraps
- Ski apparel and down jackets
- Trench coats and over coats
- Windbreakers
Sportswear
Apparel ranging from casual to dressy and from basic to trendy garments designed to meet the needs of men, women, and children. Sportswear items include the following:
- Jackets, blazers, sport coats
- Pants, trousers, slacks, and jeans
- Pullovers
- Woven and knitted shirts
- Skirts and skorts
- Sweaters
- Tailored or casual shorts
Sportswear items are sized numerically or with unisex sizing.
Separates sportswear: Apparel designed as individual pieces that may or may not coordinate with other items in a line. Garments are priced separately.
Coordinated sportswear: Apparel designed to be mixed and matched to create several looks.
Garments are priced separately.
Uniforms (Work Wear)
Men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel designed to provide a standardized appearance. Uniforms are worn for a variety of professions, recreational activities, sports, and school attire, where uniformity in appearance is required.
Apparel uniforms include:
- Knit shirts and tops
- Dress shirts
- Jackets and coats
- Pants and shorts
- Outerwear
- Skirts
- Sweaters
- Ties
Uniforms and work wear use numeric sizing as well as unisex sizing such as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.
Conclusion
The world of women’s dresses is vast and ever-evolving, encompassing everything from timeless classics to the latest trends. Dresses are more than just garments—they’re expressions of personality, culture, and mood. Women’s fashion, offering endless versatility for every occasion, body type, and personal style. By understanding various types of women dresses and their best uses, you can build a versatile wardrobe that empowers you to look and feel your best, no matter the occasion.
Author of This Article:
Jahanara Akter
Fashion Designer & Ex-Lecturer,
Dept. of Fashion Design
KCC Women’s College (Affiliated by Khulna University)
Khulna, Bangladesh
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
