Quick answer: the best plus size ballroom dress is one made to your measurements, with a supportive stretch bodice, a seam that sits at your natural waist, and a skirt that flares from the hip. V necklines, sheer long sleeves, vertical lines of stones and ombre skirts are the most flattering details. Dance dress sizes run much smaller than street sizes, so measure your bust, waist and hips first. If your numbers are above the size chart, choose a made-to-measure dress instead of squeezing into the largest standard size.
This guide explains how to measure, when to order made to measure, which cuts flatter a fuller figure, and how to check the fit at home. Browse our ballroom dresses as you read.
Do ballroom dresses come in plus sizes?
Yes, but not always as a size on a rack. Ballroom gowns are made of stretch fabric and cut close to the body, and most makers size them small. A dance dress labeled 2XL is often closer to a street medium or large. That is why so many competitors, in every size, order their dresses made to measure.
On most of our ballroom gowns the size menu has standard sizes and a Customized option. Customized means the dress is made to your measurements, which is the route we recommend for plus size dancers. You can see these styles together in custom-made dance dresses.
How to measure for a ballroom dress
| Measurement | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Bust | Around the fullest part, wearing the bra you will dance in |
| Waist | Around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel |
| Hips | Around the fullest part of your seat, feet together |
| Height | Without shoes; note the heel height you will dance in |
| Shoulder to floor | From the top of the shoulder straight down, in your dance shoes |
Keep the tape level and snug, not tight, and ask someone to help if you can. Write the numbers down in both inches and centimeters. Then compare them with the size chart on the product page, never with your street size.
Standard size or made to measure?
| Your measurements | Best choice |
|---|---|
| All three fall inside one size on the chart | That standard size |
| Between two sizes | The larger size, or made to measure |
| Bust, waist and hips fall in different sizes | Made to measure |
| Any measurement above the largest size on the chart | Made to measure |
| Much taller or shorter than average | Made to measure, so the waist seam and hem sit in the right place |
A made-to-measure dress takes longer than a standard size, so order well ahead of your event and leave time for small adjustments.
Which ballroom dress styles flatter a plus size figure?
| Detail | What to look for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Neckline | V neck or sweetheart, with or without sheer mesh above | Lengthens the neck and upper body and opens the frame |
| Sleeves | Sheer long sleeves, bell sleeves or floats from the wrist | Cover the upper arm without bulk and extend the arm line |
| Waist | A seam at your natural waist or a dropped V-shaped waist | Defines the middle and leads the eye down into the skirt |
| Skirt | Fitted over the hip, then flaring with godets or layers | Skims the hip and gives the swing that ballroom needs |
| Color | One color from shoulder to hip; ombre lower in the skirt | An unbroken column is lengthening; the ombre adds movement |
| Stones | Vertical or diagonal lines; clusters at the neckline | Draw the eye up and along the body |
| Back | A moderate scoop or keyhole with firm straps or mesh | Shows the back while keeping support |
Details that are harder to wear: thin unsupported straps, wide horizontal bands at the waist or hip, stiff shiny fabric that does not stretch, and very heavy skirts that pull the dress down.
Support: what holds the dress in place?
- Built-in bodysuit: a ballroom gown is built on a leotard, so the dress stays put when you raise your arms into frame. The leg line should sit comfortably without cutting in.
- Bust support: look for a lined bodice with cups or room for them. If you need more, a supportive dance bra in a skin tone or the dress color works under mesh and high necklines.
- Straps and mesh: wider straps, a mesh yoke or long sleeves share the weight of the dress across the shoulders.
- Fabric: firm stretch fabric smooths and holds; thin fabric shows every line.
Styles for your shape
| If you are | Try |
|---|---|
| Fuller in the bust | V neck with mesh above, wide straps or sleeves, stones kept to the neckline |
| Fuller in the middle | A dropped V waist, diagonal stone lines, a skirt that starts flaring at the hip |
| Fuller in the hips | Detail and brighter color on the bodice, a smooth hip and a skirt that flares lower |
| Broad in the shoulders | Open or V necklines, bell sleeves and a very full skirt for balance |
| Petite and curvy | One color head to toe, a higher waist seam and a hem made to your height |
Which colors work best?
Wear the color you love. Black and deep jewel tones such as navy, emerald, burgundy and purple are lengthening, and an ombre skirt keeps a dark dress visible on the floor. Bright colors are just as wearable when the cut is right, and they help the judges find you. Our guide to ballroom dress colors compares each one.
How to check the fit at home
| Move | What you want |
|---|---|
| Arms up into dance frame | The bodice stays in place and the armholes do not dig in |
| A deep breath and a back bend | No pulling across the bust or ribs |
| Long strides forward and back | The skirt swings freely and clears the floor in your dance shoes |
| Several quick turns | Straps and neckline stay put |
| Sitting down | The bodysuit is comfortable at the leg and seat |
If something pulls or gaps, a seamstress can usually adjust stretch fabric. Have it done well before the event, not the night before.
What about plus size Latin dresses?
The same rules apply to a shorter dress: order by your measurements, choose a firm stretch body with a built-in bodysuit, and use fringe, draping or an angled hem to skim the hips. Long mesh sleeves and a V neck work as well in Latin as they do in ballroom. See our Latin dance dresses and the Latin competition dress guide.
Ballroom dresses to consider
Each of these has a Customized size option on its product page.
| Dress | Flattering details |
|---|---|
| Black Red Ballroom Dance Dress with Mesh Sleeves | V neckline, sheer long sleeves, stone lines that run toward the waist |
| Navy Ballroom Dance Dress with Feather Cuffs | Dark bodice, bell sleeves, an ombre skirt that lightens at the hem |
| Black Ombre Ballroom Dance Dress | Sheer yoke and sleeves, sweetheart line, long chevron points in the skirt |
| White Navy Ombre Ballroom Dance Dress | V neckline with embroidery down the center, wide bell sleeves |
| Mint Green Ballroom Dance Dress | Stones at the bust, long sleeves with a bell cuff, a bright color in one column |
| Red Ballroom Dance Dress with Angel Flare Sleeves | Diagonal stone lines and floating sleeves that cover the arm |
For more decorated gowns see ballroom competition dresses, and for the basics of Standard and Smooth gowns read our ballroom dance costume guide. TTdancewear is Amazon's Choice with a money-back guarantee since 2012.
FAQ
Do ballroom dance dresses come in plus sizes?
Standard sizes run small, so most plus size dancers order made to measure. On our gowns that is the Customized size option.
How do I know my ballroom dress size?
Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the size chart on the product page. Ignore your street size.
What style of ballroom dress is most flattering for a fuller figure?
A V neck, sheer long sleeves, a defined or dropped waist and a skirt that is smooth over the hip and flares below it.
Should I size up in a ballroom dress?
If you are between two sizes, yes. If your bust, waist and hips fall in different sizes or above the chart, order made to measure.
What should I wear under a plus size ballroom dress?
The dress has a built-in bodysuit. Add a supportive dance bra if you need one, and dance tights if you like the smoother line.
Can I wear a sleeveless ballroom gown?
Yes. Wider straps or a mesh yoke give more support than thin straps, and gloves or arm floats add movement.
How far ahead should I order a made-to-measure dance dress?
As early as you can. Allow time for making, shipping and any small adjustments before the event.