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 of the bottom of the seat area. A-line dresses usually have 3-4 skirt layers. The bottom hemline of the dress will stand about 5 inches 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. The modern ballgown is commonly called a full A-line because it is not as dramatic as a classic ballgown, but for hemming cost purposes, the length and layers of fabric being hemmed is still considered within the ballgown price range. 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.