What is a Mermaid Dress?

If you are looking for a dress that will accentuate your curves and make the most of your female figure, then the mermaid dress is the perfect choice for you. Mermaid dresses are designed to hug the body up to the hips and flare out at the thighs for a sexy, curvy look. This style of dress is usually long and spread out in a fishtail shape, which is why it is also called a fishtail skirt. The mermaid dress's chic, timeless silhouette makes it ideal for formal evening wear, weddings and proms.

History of the Mermaid Dress

In 1877, the mermaid gown first appeared in the fashion world. At the time, styles at the time were in a transition period from the widest to the narrowest. Popular at the time was a corset, called a corset coraza, which extended to the hips and back of the legs. In the early 1880s, magazines began to promote a new type of suit that complemented the silhouette created by corset coraza. These suits had puffed sides, a defined waist, and a tail that resembled a fishtail.

In 1930, then-famous designer Marcel Rochas designed and popularized the first mermaid gown, which was displayed at haute couture shows. One of the most iconic photos of a mermaid gown appeared in the September 1950 issue of Vogue magazine, featuring Swedish model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn. That's when the mermaid silhouette's popularity skyrocketed, with everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth making it a favorite.

Seventy years later, fishtail skirts are still the first choice for women. Mermaid dresses always maintain their elegant appeal and are the go-to choice for special events, red carpets, parties and weddings.

Why Choose a Mermaid Dress?

Elegance, class, and timeless charm are just a few of the reasons why you should choose a mermaid dress for your next special event. Here are some of the other features that make this style so popular.

• Highlight Natural Curves

Unlike A-line skirts and ball gowns, mermaid dresses fit snugly at the bust and waist, with a slim fit that extends to the knees. This style creates an exaggerated hourglass figure, with a tapered, ruched neckline and slim fit that flatters the bust.

• Suitable for Many Body Types

While some critics may argue that this silhouette isn't for everyone, most agree that mermaid gowns look great on every body type. The important thing is to find the best fit and design the other details to suit your body type.

Curvy women can show off their curves by choosing designs that are not too tight, while women with straight figures can create an hourglass effect by adjusting the proportions of skirts and necklines.

While long skirts can make you look petite, a fishtail skirt is ideal because the longer bodice gives the illusion of a slimmer figure. Choose a slim-fitting skirt to maximize your figure. 

Mermaid styles are also very suitable for people with tall and thin body types. Because it's fitted at the waist and flares at the knees, it also adds definition to lean and athletic bodies.

• Modern and Stylish

Mermaid gowns have a timeless Old Hollywood glamour. Although the silhouettes are historic, these gowns are always contemporary and stylish. They can be dressed up or down. Choose a mermaid dress to ensure you make a big impact at any event you attend.

• Provides a unique and memorable look

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding, attending a gala, or planning another special event, you undoubtedly want to impress the room when you make your grand entrance. Mermaid gowns are the epitome of elegance, providing the unique, unforgettable look you need to make that impression.

• Multifunctional

While the silhouette remains the same, mermaid gowns come in a variety of styles. While it's essentially a sexy look, you can find gowns in a variety of styles, from ultra-sexy backless designs with rhinestone details to romantic designs with pretty floral lace details, tulle details and hearts A sophisticated, feminine design with a curved neckline, or a sophisticated bohemian design with crepe and detailing.

Mermaid Dress Style

The mermaid dress gets its name from its characteristic flared hem, which resembles a mermaid's fin. This style is designed to accentuate the curves of the female body by hugging the waist and bust and flaring out at the hem, creating an hourglass figure or "mermaid silhouette."

• Fabrics

Mermaid dresses can be made with just about any fabric. It will have a soft, flowing ruffle extending from the knees if made from thinner fabric, such as satin, taffeta, or silk. If made from a thicker material, the fishtail section of the dress will naturally be stiffer. Either way, the shape of these dresses gives each one a glamorous, dramatic look. 

• Sleeves

Most mermaid dress styles are strapless, but there are also plenty designed in long- and short-sleeved styles. Some come with or can be paired with a short, tight-fitting, long-sleeved lace jacket (better known as a shrug). Others feature short, puffed-out sleeves for added texture and dimension. 

• Necklines

Mermaid dresses can also be made with just about any neckline style. They come in everything from square and V-neck to halter and sweetheart necklines. However, this type of dress's most common neckline style is the sweetheart neckline, which has a slight dip in the missile to resemble the top of a heart. 

If you have a special occasion coming up or are attending an upscale event, look for a sexy, elegant, timeless mermaid gown to enhance your femininity and bring out the best in your figure, no matter what the type.Find the perfect mermaid gown for your next event at WADAYUYU, you're sure to find a dress in our inventory that suits your personal style.