The mermaid wedding dress.

A mermaid gown stays fitted from the top of the bodice all the way down through the hips and thighs. The flare point — where the skirt opens outward — sits at or below the knee, typically at the widest part of the calf. Below the flare, the skirt fans out, often with a dramatic train.

The result is a continuous body-following shape for most of the gown's length. There is no release at the waist, no drop at the hip, and no gradual outward flow. The gown follows every contour.

Some designers distinguish between a "mermaid" and a "trumpet." A trumpet flares slightly higher — at mid-thigh rather than below the knee — giving a slightly less body-constraining fit. In practice, the two names are often used interchangeably.

The mermaid silhouette works best for brides who want to show their shape and are comfortable with a fitted garment through the legs. The fitted upper thigh means walking is a shorter stride than normal, and sitting is a deliberate process.

Brides with an hourglass figure or defined waist-to-hip ratio tend to find the mermaid the most flattering of all silhouettes because it traces the shape they already have. Brides with straighter proportions can still wear a mermaid, but the effect is different.

The practical question is not just "does it look good?" but "can I move in this for eight hours?" If your reception involves a lot of dancing, walking through crowds, or navigating stairs, discuss the stride restriction with your stylist before ordering.

Mermaid gowns require fabric that can hold a close fit through the body while providing enough structure at the flare for the skirt to project dramatically.

Stretch lace with a lined bodice is one of the most common constructions. The stretch allows the fabric to follow the body without pulling or gapping, while the lining gives structure and coverage. Kitty Chen and Enzoani use this construction in many of their mermaid styles.

Heavy satin produces a sleeker, more surface-conscious mermaid — the fabric reflects light along every curve. It is less forgiving than stretch lace but creates an exceptionally formal effect.

Crepe with a back slit is another option for brides who want the mermaid silhouette with slightly more movement at the hem. The back slit increases stride without changing the silhouette from the front.

Mermaid and fit-and-flare are frequently confused because both are fitted through the hips. The difference is where the flare begins.

A mermaid flares below the knee — sometimes as low as mid-calf. The upper leg is essentially enclosed in the gown. A fit-and-flare begins its flare at or just above the knee, releasing earlier and giving more freedom of movement.

In practice, the mermaid is more dramatic and more body-conscious. The fit-and-flare is more wearable for an active wedding day. If you love the mermaid look but worry about movement, start with a fit-and-flare in the fitting room.