close-fitting dress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close-fitting dress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dress that hugs the body closely, often emphasizing the wearer's shape. Example: "She wore a stunning close-fitting dress that accentuated her figure at the gala."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A close-fitting dress made from one piece of material, the qipao was fastened up the right (or more rarely, the left) front side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Miss Keeler, 21, wearing a close-fitting gray dress, her shoulder-length auburn hair swinging loose and her silken legs flashing, was the prosecution's first witness.

The New York Times

In a second portrait, painted in pastel tones five years later, Adele stands facing forward, wearing an enormous broad-brimmed hat and a close-fitting white dress.

The New York Times - Arts

To make matters worse, the Hungarians' bronze is clad only in a close-fitting transparent dress, depicting Nerfertiti as essentially a nude.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's me!" And there she is, in a splendid, close-fitting evening dress, sitting demurely on a low, round rococo stall, framed by two huge blood-red velvet curtains that hang either side of a giant Georgian window.

BBC

The collection was richer, more romantic than last season, with muted gold military embroidery on dresses, chiffon blouses printed with musical notes or abstract butterflies and skulls, and close-fitting evening dresses in black velvet or jet-beaded claret velvet.

The New York Times

A close-fitting silver-sequined dress, evoking the one Marilyn Monroe wore to sing "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy, gets the treatment here.

The New York Times - Arts

After the bulbs went out and the house lights dimmed, Bokaer entered, wearing close-fitting white pants, a white dress shirt, dark socks, and a kind of safety vest, in acid green, with two vertical red-edged silver stripes like suspenders.

The New Yorker

The women are costumed alike, in drab, dark dresses and close-fitting turbans.

The New York Times - Arts

Many of the opening dresses and close-fitting jackets suggested skin-diving gear, with back flaps, or were cut on the curve and banded in satin or some other material.

The New York Times

I'm led into a room by an assistant and there he is, impeccably dressed in close-fitting jeans, a dark button down, and wingtips that looked like they came out of the closet of Rick Deckard, Blade Runner.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "close-fitting dress", be specific about the material and style to provide a clearer picture. For example, "a close-fitting velvet dress" or "a close-fitting sheath dress".

Common error

Be mindful that "close-fitting" can sometimes imply restriction or discomfort. If the intention is to convey a flattering and comfortable fit, consider using "form-fitting" or "figure-hugging" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close-fitting dress" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "dress" by specifying its fit. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close-fitting dress" is a grammatically sound and frequently used descriptor for garments designed to fit snugly. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify the noun "dress", specifying its form and fit. While versatile across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis, being mindful of potential ambiguity is important. Alternatives like "form-fitting dress" or "figure-hugging dress" may be preferable when aiming for a more flattering connotation. Source analysis reveals consistent usage in reputable sources, ensuring reliability in both descriptive and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form-fitting dress

Emphasizes the way the dress follows the contours of the body.

tight-fitting dress

Highlights the snugness and lack of extra space in the dress.

bodycon dress

A modern term specifically for dresses that are very close-fitting and often made of stretchy material.

figure-hugging dress

Focuses on how the dress accentuates the wearer's figure.

snug dress

Implies a comfortable yet close fit.

well-fitted dress

Suggests that the dress is tailored to fit the body closely and accurately.

contoured dress

Emphasizes that the dress is shaped to follow the body's contours.

tailored dress

Indicates that the dress has been made to fit the wearer's specific measurements.

shaped dress

Highlights that the dress has a defined shape that closely aligns with the body.

fitted dress

A general term for a dress that is not loose or baggy.

FAQs

What does "close-fitting dress" mean?

A "close-fitting dress" is a garment designed to fit snugly against the body, often accentuating the wearer's shape. It's similar to a "form-fitting dress" but can sometimes imply a tighter fit.

How to use "close-fitting dress" in a sentence?

You can say, "She wore a stunning "close-fitting dress" to the party", or "The dancer's "close-fitting dress" allowed for freedom of movement".

What's the difference between "close-fitting dress" and "loose-fitting dress"?

A "close-fitting dress" hugs the body's contours, while a "loose-fitting dress" has a more relaxed and flowing silhouette. The former emphasizes shape, whereas the latter prioritizes comfort and ease of movement.

What are some alternatives to "close-fitting dress"?

Consider using "form-fitting dress", "tight-fitting dress", or "bodycon dress" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.