Dress Lengths & Hemlines
Length is the first thing that sets a dress's mood, from playful mini to elegant maxi. This hub explains the named lengths and hemline shapes so you can picture where a dress will fall. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Named lengths
Mini
A short length ending on or above mid-thigh.
Where it falls
A mini hem sits on or above the mid-thigh, making it the shortest of the standard lengths.
Who it suits
It suits a youthful, leg-lengthening look and warm-weather or evening wear.
Above the Knee
A length ending just above the kneecap.
Where it falls
This hem sits a few centimetres above the knee, shorter than knee-length but longer than a mini.
Who it suits
It suits smart daywear and the office where a mini would be too short.
Knee Length
A classic length ending at or just below the knee.
Where it falls
A knee-length hem sits at the middle of the knee, the most traditional and versatile length.
Who it suits
It suits work, weddings and most daytime events.
Midi
A length ending between the knee and the ankle.
Where it falls
A midi hem lands mid-calf, anywhere between just below the knee and above the ankle.
Who it suits
It suits an elegant, covered look for day or occasion. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Tea Length
A length ending a few inches above the ankle.
Where it falls
Tea length sits between midi and maxi, finishing a little above the ankle bone.
Who it suits
It suits vintage-leaning and occasion styles where a full maxi feels too long.
Maxi
A full-length dress reaching the ankle or floor.
Where it falls
A maxi hem falls to the ankle or floor, the longest standard length.
Who it suits
It suits holidays, evenings and formal wear with a flowing line.
Hemline shapes
Straight Hem
A level hem that runs the same height all the way round.
What defines it
A straight hem sits at one level around the whole dress, giving a clean, even finish.
Who it suits
It suits minimal, tailored dresses where simplicity is the point.
High-Low Hem
A hem shorter at the front and longer at the back.
What defines it
A high-low hem drops lower at the back than the front, adding movement and a hint of drama.
Who it suits
It suits occasion dresses wanting flair without full length all round.
Asymmetric Hem
An uneven, diagonal hem that falls at different heights.
What defines it
An asymmetric hem cuts on a slant or in stepped panels so no two points sit level, for a modern edge.
Who it suits
It suits contemporary, statement dressing.
Handkerchief Hem
A pointed, draped hem formed by square panels.
What defines it
A handkerchief hem hangs in soft points where the corners of light panels drop, like a dropped handkerchief.
Who it suits
It suits floaty, romantic dresses in fluid fabrics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between midi and maxi?
A midi hem lands mid-calf, between the knee and ankle. A maxi hem falls all the way to the ankle or floor. Midi reads elegant and versatile, maxi reads flowing and formal.
What length suits a wedding guest?
Knee-length and midi dresses are the safest choices for most daytime weddings. For a formal or evening wedding, a maxi is appropriate. Check the invitation for a dress code.
Which hemline flatters most?
A straight or midi hem at the narrowest part of the calf tends to flatter, while a high-low or handkerchief hem adds movement. The best hem depends on where it hits your leg, so length matters as much as shape.