Style Basics
ByCloset Cachete
Tea dresses are not just dresses that you drink tea in, or are they? In this guide, we’ll jump into the topic of tea-length dresses to bring you the most essential information that I’ve gathered while researching these beautiful garments.
I’ll explain what they are, how long they should be, where they came from, whether they’re considered old-fashioned, when to wear them, and how they’re different from other dresses of a similar style. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect wedding dress or just browsing new styles, this guide should give you everything you need to know.
What defines a tea length dress?
A tea-length dress refers to a style of dress with a skirt hemline that stops below the knee and typically hits halfway between the knee and the middle of the calf muscle. A tea dress usually has a soft, relaxed fit and is embellished with feminine prints such as polka dots, stripes, or flowers, or textures such as lace, frills, and ruffles, but not always.
Modern tea dresses have evolved from their historical association with long tea gowns and now come in a wide variety of prints, patterns, and dress lengths. Typically, people use the term “tea-length dress” to describe dresses that draw inspiration from the aesthetic of the 1940s and 1950s.
Why is it called a tea dress?
The “tea dress”, initially called a tea gown, got its name from its association with the tradition of entertaining guests for afternoon tea. In the past, women would change into a more relaxed and comfortable dress to enjoy informal tea gatherings with friends.
These dresses were designed to be less formal than evening gowns or co*cktail dresses, allowing for greater ease of movement and comfort during private social occasions. Over time, the name “tea dress” became synonymous with this specific style of dress in Western fashion.
Where did the tea dress originate?
The tea dress originated in the late 19th century in England as a type of lounge wear, or “interior dress,” that was intended to be worn as a dressing gown around the home but was also worn to entertain visiting female friends, according to Eleri Lynn in her publication Underwear: Fashion in Detail (2010).
As the 20th century progressed, fashion trends evolved, and the tea dress transformed along with them. It has experienced various iterations, influenced by different fashion and cultural shifts, such as the 1920s flapper movement, which influenced the socially acceptable length of a dress (The Design Museum, Fifty Dresses that Changed the World, 2009).
Today, the tea dress may no longer be used exclusively for tea gatherings, but it is still synonymous with a dress that has a comfortable, relaxed fit, is often feminine in design, and has a hem length that is suitable for casual occasions.
How long is a tea length dress?
The length of a tea dress depends on the height of the person wearing it. Taking the average height of a woman, currently 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches/163cm) tall with a shoulder height of 52 inches (132cm), the approximate length of an average tea dress falls within the range of 35–39 inches, or 90–100 centimeters.
This approximate measurement is based on where the hemline hits halfway between your knee and the middle of the calf muscle. However, due to different body heights and proportions, the length of a tea dress varies depending on the measurements of whoever is wearing it. As a general rule, the bottom hemline of a tea dress should fall halfway between your knee and the middle of your calf muscle.
It is worth noting that some manufacturers make tea dresses that fall between the mid-calf and the ankle but are still in keeping with the soft and feminine aesthetic that typifies the garment and is most often seen in bridal dresses. However, dresses that fall below the mid-calf are more often referred to as ballerina or midaxi dresses. For the purposes of this article, a tea-length dress refers to a dress with a hemline below the knee but above the middle of the calf.
Do tea length dresses make you look short?
There are no official studies to show that tea-length dresses can make you look short, however, it’s often suggested that tea-length dresses create different visual effects depending on your body type and height. While there are no hard and fast rules, it is recommended to consider your body proportions as a whole.
If you have longer legs and a shorter torso, a tea-length dress can balance your proportions and create a pleasing look. On the other hand, if your legs are shorter in proportion to your torso, a tea-length dress may emphasize the difference. Your choice of shoes can also impact how tea-length dresses affect your height. Wearing a mid- to high-heeled shoe can help to elongate the legs and counteract any potential shortening effect.
Are tea length dresses flattering?
Yes, tea length dresses are flattering on many different body types.Tea length dresses can create a balanced and feminine silhouette with soft shapes that create the illusion of an hourglass figure without any harsh lines.
The relaxed skirt and sleeves of the dress flatter the shoulders and hips by creating a relaxed and breezy effect. Tea dresses usually have an eye-pleasing print that is classic and timeless, featuring floral or geometric patterns in harmonious colors.
The secret to wearing a tea length dress that looks good on you is to find one that fits you well, highlights your best features, makes you feel confident and at ease, and complements your personal style.
Are tea length dresses in style
Yes, tea length dresses are timeless and rarely seen as outdated. Their classic design and flattering length appeal to many women and help them evolve with the trends rather than be dictated by them.
Certain styles of tea length dresses may become trendy for a while, but the main feature of a tea dress— its length but also its relaxed fit and feminine aesthetic—has consistently appeared in women’s fashion for decades.
The image below shows a side by side comparison of tea dresses from the 1940s and an Alexander McQueen tea dress from the 2020s, showing that the style is still being reinvented and developed by the fashion designers of today.
When should you wear a tea dress?
Tea dresses can be worn at any time of the year, but they are usually worn during the spring and summer. A tea dress can be made of material that is warm enough for winter or cool enough for warm weather. The skirt of a tea dress is usually loose and long enough for extra comfort, and the top part is usually fitted enough to give more structure to the body, making it appropriate for different types of events.
Are tea dresses formal or casual?
Tea dresses can be both formal and casual, depending on the specific design, fabric, and occasion. Historically, tea dresses were intended to be worn at home for casual tea gatherings that still required a certain level of style.
However, in modern times, the term “tea dress” has expanded to encompass a wider range of styles. Tea dresses can now be found in various fabrics, prints, and cuts, catering to different occasions and personal styles.
Casual tea dresses have a soft feminine aesthetic, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and playful patterns. These dresses are often worn for daytime events, garden parties, or as comfortable summer dresses.
On the other hand, there are tea dresses designed with more formal elements such as a longer hemline, a structured bodice, beautiful fabrics, and intricate details. These dresses are suitable for semi-formal or even formal events like weddings, co*cktail parties, or special occasions.
Types of tea-length dresses
There are numerous types of tea-length dresses available, each with its own characteristics and style. Here are the most common types of tea-length dresses you can find:
Tea-Length A-line Dress: Fitted around the torso but gradually flares out from the waist, creating an “A” shape.
Tea-Length Wrap Dress: Wraps around the body and is secured with a tie or belt at the waist. They are commonly seen with an asymmetrical hemline and floaty capped sleeves.
Vintage Tea-Length Dress: Inspired by the vintage tea-length dresses of the 40s and 50s they can often feature retro details like lace, polka dots, or floral patterns, with an elasticated sleeve hem that creates a slight pouffe-effect on the shoulder, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a whimsical aesthetic.
Sheath Tea-Length Dress: This sleek and form-fitting style follows the natural curves of the body without excessive flare or definition. It gives a sophisticated and polished look and is perfect for more formal or professional settings.
Ballerina Tea Dress: This type of tea dress is popular for weddings and bridal parties. It usually has a more structured silhouette with silk or velvet fabrics and can have a hemline that stops halfway between the ankles and the middle of the calf.
How are tea length dresses different from other dresses?
The main distinction between tea dresses and other dresses is their length, design and aesthetic. There are tea dresses that have a midi length or even a maxi lengthhemline while the term “tea-length” dress is often associated with the hem length of the 1940s and 1950s. Therefore, length alone is not the only defining characteristic that helps to distinguish the tea dress from other dresses, although it is one of the main ones.
Tea length vs Midi Dress
The primary difference between a tea dress and a midi dress is the length. A tea length dress typically falls midway between the knee and the middle of the calf muscle, while the midi dress lengthtypically falls halfway between the knee and the ankle, stopping at the mid calf.
