Sheath Gowns: Drop straight down from the waistline. They do not curve around, or hug the hip at all. Also known as a slip style dress.

Fitted, and Fit & Flare Gowns: Curve around, or hug the hip and either drop straight down after the hip hug, or flare out at the bottom.

A-Line Gowns: Subtly begin to flare out from the waistline while still keeping a light top-of-the-hip- silhouette showing. The skirt fabric increases toward the lower hip and and does not show the curve the lower booty area. A-line dresses usually have 2-4 skirt layers. The bottom hemline of a light A-line dress will stand about 6 inches out from hip width. The bottom hemline of a full A-line dress will stand about 1 foot out from hip width.

Ballgowns: The modern ballgown bottom hemline of the dress will stand between 1-2 feet from hip width. Classic ballgowns increase in fabric more dramatically beginning at the waistline. Both modern and classic ballgowns usually have between 2-6 layers of either tulle or crinoline, 2-3 lining layers, and 1 outer skirt layer.