When you’re shopping for a wedding dress, you’ll quickly find that certain styles, fits, and silhouettes fit you better than others. For brides who are looking for a dress that covers their back, shoulders, or arms, there are many great options that are modest, yet stylish. In this post, we’ll show you the best wedding dresses that provide more coverage for the bride’s back, along with some styles with arm coverage that hides the shoulder area.

This blog post was inspired by a question from bride-to-be, Marisol, who writes us this question:

“Hi Emmaline! I’m looking for a wedding dress that covers back or shoulders area. I would prefer a high back and long sleeves, but I’m okay with something that has shorter sleeves as long as the back is modest and covered up. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!”

Great question, Marisol! To help, I’m rounding up nine of my top picks for modest wedding dresses including a few gowns that have a slightly open back — but shield the shoulders and arms area nicely. You can find your perfect wedding dress at Anthropologie Weddings where we spotted these gorgeous gowns.

Here are some popular styles for dresses that cover the back.

1. Long Sleeve High Back Wedding Dress

Here’s a top-rated dress you’ll love: it conceals your arms with long sleeves and has a high backline to hide your back. Elegant lace, a plunging v-neckline, and sheer long sleeves make this a beautiful bridal gown. By Anthropologie Weddings.

2. Elegant Long Sleeve Dress

This minimal bridal gown has a twist detail, plunging neckline, and elegant crepe that moves with your body. It is one of my favorite wedding dresses with long sleeves to cover your back and arms nicely. By Tadashi Shoji. See it here.

3. V-Neck Puff Sleeve Gown

This spring and summertime wedding dress conceals the back and shoulders yet is perfectly comfortable and figure-flattering. I like the puff sleeves! By Willowby By Watters. See it here.

4. Modest Long Sleeve and High Neck Bridal Gown

For a modest wedding dress that completely covers the back area, shoulders, and arms, look no further than this stunning gown with extraordinary layers of lace, beading, and sequins. By Watters. Find out more here.

5. Boho Wedding Dress

Here’s a combination you don’t hear of very often: a boho wedding dress that covers the back and arms! (Most bohemian dresses have an open back.) I love these romantic ruffles and the plunging v-neckline, long sleeves, and elegant high-back. By Rococo. Get it here.

6. Sequin Maxi Dress with Puff Sleeves

To hide your arms and with just a hint of an open back, choose this gorgeous gown in all-over sequins that shimmers and shines. By Ronny Kobo. Get it here.

7. Embroidered A-Line Long Sleeve Wedding Dress

For a long, romantic dress that completely covers your back and arms areas, check out this style! You won’t believe the affordable price. By Anthropologie Weddings.

8. Short Long Sleeve Wedding Dress

Do you prefer a short wedding dress that covers the back and shoulders? Your search is over with this beautiful plunge mini dress that completely covers your arms, shoulders, and back area. By Tadashi Shoji. See it here.

9. Mini Dress with Long Sleeves

Here’s another mini dress that hides your arms and has a high back with a zipper. It’s so sparkly! By Anthopologie Weddings.

Here are those additional wedding dress styles I found that will cover more of the arm area.

Wedding Dresses That Cover Shoulders

Here are three additional dresses that will hide your arms and shoulder area, but have an open (or slightly open) back. These are ideal for brides who don’t mind an open back but prefer to cover arms and shoulders.

Knit Graphic Lace and Beadwork Gown

While this dress has an open back, it’s worth noting as it’s one of the top-rated wedding dresses that cover the shoulders/arms area, thanks to its gorgeous elbow-length flutter sleeve. It is by Rish and available here.

Victorian-Inspired Embroidery Wedding Dress

This dress has a v-neck, but it’s just a small window of an opening vs. typical open-back dresses. It is the perfect wedding dress that covers shoulders, though, with elegant lace and a cute flutter style. By Anthropologie Weddings. See more photos here.

Shoulder-Hiding Dress with Plunging Back

While this dress hides your shoulders, it does have an open back; it is ideal for brides who are more self-conscious about hiding their shoulders and arms vs. the back area. It’s gorgeous and affordably priced! Get it here. By Anthropologie Weddings.

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you in your search for your wedding dress.

Why do some brides prefer a wedding dress that covers their back?

Some brides don’t want to show too much skin or they’re self-conscious about belly fat, upper shoulders, or arms.

Others want to wear something more modest and show off less skin, especially if getting married in a place of worship.

And then there are brides who simply love the style of a long-sleeve, short-sleeve, or high-back. I couldn’t agree more and I love these styles!

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Dress

When it comes to finding the right dress, pay attention to the different fabrics used to achieve a flowy, comfortable gown that is fitted but doesn’t draw too much attention to parts you wish to cover. Some materials that work best for wedding dresses that cover include chiffon, crepe, and polyester with sheer floral lace.

When you’re finding the perfect wedding dress, it’s great to look for exactly what you want, particularly for brides who want to cover their back. Now that you know the different fabrics and styles to choose from, along with tips on where to find the best dress, you’ll be on your way to picking out the wedding dress that hides the arms, back, and shoulder but highlights the areas you wish to show off. Be confident in the dress you have and your unique body shape. Feel good when you walk down the aisle! These dreses prove you can have the best of both worlds: fashion and modesty.

Now that you have the best wedding dresses with covers to a bride’s back, shoulders, and arms, it’s time start shopping! Click here to see the new styles recently added.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

This is a post collaboration with Anthropologie.