What Do You Call a Dress That's Short in the Front and Long in the Back?

Updated October 2026 by the MsDressly editorial team.

What a high-low dress looks like

A high-low dress has an asymmetrical hemline that is deliberately shorter in the front and longer in the back. From the front, you see the legs; from the side and back, fabric flows down toward the calf, ankle, or floor. The hem usually curves in a soft U or deep V shape at the sides, which creates that signature cascading effect when you walk or move.

The key identifiers are the uneven hemline, the draped back panel, and the contrast between the shorter front (often mini or above-knee length) and the longer train-like back.

How the term is used today

“High-low” is the standard fashion-industry term, and it's the word you'll see on retailer product pages, styling articles, and runway coverage. You'll also hear mullet hem — a playful reference to the “business in the front, party in the back” haircut — and waterfall hem, which describes the way the fabric cascades down the back. All three names refer to the same silhouette.

Origin of the high-low hemline

The asymmetrical hem is an old idea in fashion: uneven hems have appeared in eveningwear and bridal design for decades, and ballet tutus have long used the short-front, long-back shape. The modern high-low dress as a mass-market trend took hold in the early 2010s, when the hemline moved from red-carpet gowns into casual and cocktail dresses. Today it's a permanent fixture rather than a passing fad.

Variations and related styles

Several silhouettes share DNA with the high-low dress. Knowing them helps you search more precisely:

• Waterfall hem dress — essentially the same style; emphasizes the draped, flowing back.
• Mullet dress — the same cut under its nickname, often used for casual or party styles.
• Asymmetrical hem dress — a broader category; the hem may be high on one side rather than specifically front-to-back.
• High-low skirt — the identical hemline applied to a separate skirt instead of a one-piece dress.

High-low dress vs. asymmetrical dress

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they aren't identical. A high-low dress is always short in the front and long in the back, measured along the length of the body. An asymmetrical dress simply has an uneven hem — it could dip from one shoulder to the other, rise on one side, or angle across the body. Every high-low dress is asymmetrical, but not every asymmetrical dress is high-low.

Fabrics and construction details

The high-low shape works best in fabrics that drape and move: chiffon, georgette, tulle, crepe, and soft satin all create that flowing back panel. Casual versions often use cotton, jersey, or lightweight knits. Construction matters more than fabric here — look for a hem that's finished smoothly (rolled, faced, or cleanly bound), because the curved edge is fully visible and cheap finishing shows. The front hem is frequently lined or layered so the shorter section still feels substantial.

How to wear and style a high-low dress

The high-low hem gives you the ease of a short dress with the drama of a long one, which makes it genuinely versatile:

• Occasions: weddings (guest or formal), cocktail parties, proms, graduations, date nights, and summer events. Casual jersey versions work for daytime.
• Footwear: the short front shows off shoes — heels, strappy sandals, or ankle boots all work. With very long backs, keep heels at a height you can walk in safely.
• Layering: a fitted blazer or cropped jacket balances the volume of the back; keep outerwear shorter than the back hem for a clean line.
• Movement: this is a dancing dress. The back fabric catches air beautifully, so it's a strong pick for events where you'll be on your feet.

On fit: the style flatters a wide range of bodies because the eye follows the hemline rather than hugging every curve. If you're petite, a moderate front-to-back difference keeps proportions balanced; taller frames can carry a dramatic floor-sweeping back.

How to shop for a high-low dress

When shopping, check three things: the front length (mini, above-knee, or knee), the back length (does it skim the calf or hit the floor?), and the side seam angle — a steeper curve reads more dramatic. Read product photos carefully, since a "high-low" tag on a retail page can mean anything from a subtle dip to a full train.

Browse MsDressly's picked-for-you collection for current styles, and remember that orders ship free when you buy 2 or more items or spend over US$80 — handy if you're pairing a dress with shoes or accessories for an event.

The term in a sentence

“She wore a chiffon high-low dress to the wedding — knee-length in front with a sweeping floor-length train behind.” If someone asks what those short-front, long-back dresses are called, high-low dress is the answer that stylists, retailers, and fashion editors all use.