Are you a plus size bride looking for a long sleeve wedding dress? If so, you are not alone. Many plus size women prefer long sleeve wedding dresses for various reasons. They may want to cover their arms, add some warmth, or create a more modest look.
They may also love the elegance, sophistication, and romance that long sleeves can bring to a bridal gown. Whatever your reason, you can find a long sleeve plus size wedding dress that suits your style, budget, and the occasion.
In this article, we will show you how to find your perfect gown, what styles and fabrics to look for, and where to shop.
We will also share some tips and inspiration from some of the most famous plus size celebrities and models who rocked their long sleeve wedding dresses.
Read on to discover how to find your dream dress and get ready to wow everyone on your big day.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Long Sleeve Plus Size Wedding Dress?
If you are a plus size bride looking for a long sleeve wedding dress, you are not alone. Many plus size women prefer long sleeve wedding dresses for various reasons. They may want to cover their arms, add some warmth, or create a more modest look.
They may also love the elegance, sophistication, and romance that long sleeves can bring to a bridal gown. Whatever your reason, you can find a long sleeve plus size wedding dress that suits your style, budget, and the occasion.
One of the benefits of choosing a long sleeve plus size wedding dress is that it can provide coverage and comfort for your arms, especially if you are self-conscious about them or want to hide any scars, tattoos, or blemishes.
Long sleeves can also add some warmth and coziness to your dress, especially if you are getting married in a colder season or a chilly venue. They can also protect your skin from the sun if you are having an outdoor wedding.
Another benefit of choosing a long sleeve plus size wedding dress is that it can create a more modest and conservative look, which may be preferred by some brides for religious, cultural, or personal reasons.
Long sleeves can also balance out a more revealing neckline or skirt, creating a contrast and harmony in your dress.
A third benefit of choosing a long sleeve plus size wedding dress is that it can add some elegance, sophistication, and romance to your dress, as it can create a more vintage, classic, or bohemian vibe.
Long sleeves can also enhance the details and embellishments of your dress, such as lace, embroidery, or beading.
- Long sleeves can provide coverage and comfort for your arms, especially if you are self-conscious about them or want to hide any scars, tattoos, or blemishes.
- Long sleeves can also add some warmth and coziness to your dress, especially if you are getting married in a colder season or a chilly venue. They can also protect your skin from the sun if you are having an outdoor wedding.
- Long sleeves can also create a more modest and conservative look, which may be preferred by some brides for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. They can also balance out a more revealing neckline or skirt, creating a contrast and harmony in your dress.
- Long sleeves can also add some elegance, sophistication, and romance to your dress, as they can create a more vintage, classic, or bohemian vibe. They can also enhance the details and embellishments of your dress, such as lace, embroidery, or beading.
What Styles and Fabrics to Look for in a Long Sleeve Plus Size Wedding Dress?
There are many styles and fabrics to choose from when it comes to long sleeve plus size wedding dresses.
You can find a long sleeve plus size wedding dress that matches your vision and theme, whether you want a chic wrap dress, a glamorous mermaid dress, a romantic ball gown dress, or a cozy maxi dress.
You can also choose fabrics that are suitable for the weather and the location, such as lighter fabrics for summer or beach weddings, or heavier fabrics for winter or indoor weddings.
Some of the most popular and flattering styles for long sleeve plus size wedding dresses are:
- A-line wedding dresses: A-line wedding dresses are one of the most versatile and flattering styles for plus size brides, as they can create a slimming and elongating effect on your figure. They can also suit any theme, season, or venue, depending on the fabric and details. A long sleeve A-line wedding dress can be simple and elegant, or glamorous and dramatic, depending on your preference. For example, you can choose a long sleeve lace wedding dress with a V-neckline and a mermaid silhouette, which can add some texture, detail, and romance to your dress.
- Mermaid wedding dresses: Mermaid wedding dresses are another great option for plus size brides, as they can hug your curves and accentuate your shape. They can also create a sexy and stunning look, especially when paired with long sleeves. A long sleeve mermaid wedding dress can be sleek and sophisticated, or bold and sparkly, depending on your choice. For example, you can choose a long sleeve sequin wedding dress with a plunging neckline and a mermaid skirt, which can create a more glamorous and stunning look.
- Ball gown wedding dresses: Ball gown wedding dresses are ideal for plus size brides who want to feel like a princess on their big day, as they can create a fairy-tale and majestic look. They can also add some volume and drama to your dress, making you stand out from the crowd. A long sleeve ball gown wedding dress can be romantic and dreamy, or regal and opulent, depending on your style. For example, you can choose a long sleeve silk wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and a ball gown skirt, which can create a smooth and shiny look.
- Wrap wedding dresses: Wrap wedding dresses are another flattering and comfortable style for plus size brides, as they can adjust to your body and create a custom fit. They can also highlight your waist and bust, creating a more defined and feminine silhouette. A long sleeve wrap wedding dress can be chic and modern, or cozy and casual, depending on the fabric and design. For example, you can choose a long sleeve wrap wedding dress with a scoop neckline and a tulle skirt, which can create a more chic and modern look.
- Maxi wedding dresses: Maxi wedding dresses are perfect for plus size brides who want a more relaxed and bohemian look, as they can create a flowy and breezy feel. They can also suit any location, from a beach to a garden, and any season, from spring to winter. A long sleeve maxi wedding dress can be simple and minimalist, or colorful and floral, depending on your taste. For example, you can choose a long sleeve floral wedding dress with a high neckline and a maxi skirt, which can create a more relaxed and bohemian look.
When it comes to fabrics, there are also many options to choose from for long sleeve plus size wedding dresses. Here are some of the most common and suitable ones:
Lace: Lace is one of the most popular and beautiful fabrics for long sleeve wedding dresses, as it can add some texture, detail, and romance to your dress. It can also create a more vintage, classic, or bohemian look, depending on the type and pattern of lace. Lace can be used for the whole dress, or just for the sleeves, neckline, or hemline, creating a contrast and balance with other fabrics.
Chiffon: Chiffon is another great fabric for long sleeve wedding dresses, as it can create a light and airy feel. It can also create a more modern, elegant, or casual look, depending on the color and style of chiffon. Chiffon can be used for the whole dress, or just for the sleeves, skirt, or overlay, creating a more layered and dimensional look.
Satin: Satin is another beautiful fabric for long sleeve wedding dresses, as it can create a smooth and shiny look. It can also create a more sleek, sophisticated, or glamorous look, depending on the color and cut of satin. Satin can be used for the whole dress, or just for the sleeves, bodice, or sash, creating a more structured and fitted look.
Tulle: Tulle is another lovely fabric for long sleeve wedding dresses, as it can create a soft and fluffy look. It can also create a more romantic, dreamy, or fairy-tale look, depending on the amount and style of tulle. Tulle can be used for the whole dress, or just for the sleeves, skirt, or veil, creating a more voluminous and dramatic look.
Where to Shop for a Long Sleeve Plus Size Wedding Dress?
There are many places where you can shop for a long sleeve plus size wedding dress, both online and offline.
Here are some of the best ones:
Online retailers
Online retailers are a convenient and easy way to shop for a long sleeve plus size wedding dress, as you can browse through hundreds of styles, sizes, and prices from the comfort of your home. You can also read customer reviews, see photos, and compare different options.
Some of the online retailers that have long sleeve plus size wedding dresses are:
Azazie: Azazie has a collection of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are flattering, stylish, and affordable. They offer free shipping and custom sizing, and have a variety of styles, from classic to modern, and from casual to formal. You can browse their collection here.
David’s Bridal: David’s Bridal has a selection of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are elegant, sophisticated, and budget-friendly. They have a range of styles, from simple to glamorous, and from tea-length to cathedral train. You can shop their collection here.
June Bridals: June Bridals has a selection of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are tailored, fashionable, and low-priced. They have a range of styles, from vintage to contemporary, and from lace to sequins. You can shop their collection here.
Offline stores
Offline stores are another great way to shop for a long sleeve plus size wedding dress, as you can try on different styles, sizes, and fabrics in person. You can also get professional advice, alterations, and fittings from the staff. Some of the offline stores that have long sleeve plus size wedding dresses are:
Torrid: Torrid is a brand that caters to young and stylish plus size women, who love to express their personality and confidence. They have a line of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are chic, modern, and fun. You can find their nearest store here.
Lane Bryant: Lane Bryant is a brand that specializes in plus size fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. They have a line of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are classic, elegant, and timeless. You can find their nearest store here.
Macy’s: Macy’s is a department store that offers a wide range of products, services, and brands. They have a line of long sleeve plus size wedding dresses that are diverse, trendy, and high-quality. You can find their nearest store here.
Tips and Inspiration from Plus Size Celebrities and Models
If you need some tips and inspiration for your long sleeve plus size wedding dress, you can look at some of the plus size celebrities and models who rocked their long sleeve wedding dresses. Here are some of them:
Melissa McCarthy: The actress, comedian, and fashion designer wore a long sleeve lace wedding dress with a V-neckline and a mermaid silhouette for her wedding to Ben Falcone in 2005. She looked stunning and graceful in her dress, which matched her personality and style.
Ashley Graham: The model, activist, and author wore a long sleeve silk wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and a ball gown skirt for her wedding to Justin Ervin in 2010. She looked gorgeous and radiant in her dress, which complemented her curves and features.
Adele: The singer and songwriter wore a long sleeve floral wedding dress with a high neckline and a maxi skirt for her wedding to Simon Konecki in 2016. She looked beautiful and bohemian in her dress, which suited her vibe and theme.
Rebel Wilson: The actress, comedian, and producer wore a long sleeve sequin wedding dress with a plunging neckline and a mermaid skirt for her role as Jennyanydots in the movie Cats in 2019. She looked fabulous and sparkly in her dress, which showed off her humor and talent.
Tess Holliday: The model, influencer, and author wore a long sleeve lace wedding dress with a scoop neckline and a tulle skirt for her wedding to Nick Holliday in 2015. She looked lovely and dreamy in her dress, which reflected her romance and passion.
Conclusion
A long sleeve plus size wedding dress can be a great choice for your big day, as it can provide coverage, comfort, warmth, modesty, elegance, sophistication, and romance.
You can find a long sleeve plus size wedding dress that suits your style, budget, and the occasion, by following our guide, tips, and inspiration.
Whether you want a chic wrap dress, a glamorous mermaid dress, a romantic ball gown dress, or a cozy maxi dress, you can find it online or offline, from various brands and stores.
We hope this article helps you find your perfect gown and get ready to wow everyone on your big day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the right length for long sleeves?
The right length for long sleeves depends on your preference, comfort, and the style of your dress. In general, long sleeves should end at your wrist or slightly below, and not cover your hands. However, you can also opt for longer or shorter sleeves, such as three-quarter, elbow, or cap sleeves, depending on the look you want to create.
How to choose the right neckline for long sleeves?
The right neckline for long sleeves depends on your preference, comfort, and the shape of your face and bust. In general, long sleeves can work well with any neckline, as long as they create a balance and harmony in your dress. However, some of the most flattering and popular necklines for long sleeves are V-neck, sweetheart, scoop, and off-the-shoulder, as they can highlight your features and add some femininity and allure to your dress.
How to choose the right fabric for long sleeves?
The right fabric for long sleeves depends on your preference, comfort, and the season and venue of your wedding. In general, long sleeves can be made of any fabric, as long as they match the fabric and style of your dress. However, some of the most common and suitable fabrics for long sleeves are lace, chiffon, satin, and tulle, as they can add some texture, detail, and romance to your dress. You can also choose fabrics that are more suitable for the weather and the location, such as lighter fabrics for summer or beach weddings, or heavier fabrics for winter or indoor weddings.
How to accessorize long sleeves?
Accessorizing long sleeves can be tricky, as you don't want to overdo it or clash with your dress. However, you can still add some accessories to enhance your look and express your personality.
Here are some tips on how to accessorize long sleeves:
- Choose simple and delicate jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, that complement your dress and your features. Avoid chunky or flashy jewelry that can distract from your dress or your sleeves.
- Choose a veil that matches the length and style of your dress and your sleeves. Avoid veils that are too long or too short, or that have too much embellishment or detail that can compete with your dress or your sleeves.
- Choose a bouquet that matches the color and theme of your wedding and your dress. Avoid bouquets that are too big or too small, or that have too many colors or flowers that can clash with your dress or your sleeves.
How to care for long sleeves?
Caring for long sleeves can be challenging, as they can get dirty, wrinkled, or damaged easily. However, you can still take some steps to keep your long sleeves in good condition and make them last longer.
Here are some tips on how to care for long sleeves:
- Before your wedding, have your long sleeve wedding dress professionally cleaned and pressed, and store it in a garment bag in a cool and dry place. Avoid hanging it on a hanger, as it can stretch or sag your sleeves. Instead, lay it flat or fold it carefully.
- During your wedding, avoid touching your sleeves with dirty or oily hands, or rubbing them against anything that can stain or snag them. Also, avoid pulling or tugging on your sleeves, as it can tear or rip them. If your sleeves get dirty or wrinkled, use a damp cloth or a steamer to gently clean or smooth them.
- After your wedding, have your long sleeve wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved, and store it in a acid-free box in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing it to sunlight, moisture, or heat, as it can fade or damage your sleeves. Also, avoid folding or creasing your sleeves, as it can cause permanent wrinkles or marks.
