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 intentionally uneven hem: the front falls short — anywhere from mid-thigh to just below the knee — while the back dips dramatically longer, often to the calf, ankle, or even the floor. From the front, it reads like a shorter dress; from the back, it looks like a gown.

The signature effect is a sweeping, cascading line from hem to hem. Depending on the design, the transition between short and long can be a soft curve, a sharp diagonal slash, or tiered layers of fabric that ripple as you move.

Why it's called a high-low dress

The term high-low simply describes the two hem heights: high in front, low in back. Because the silhouette is 'short in the front, business in the back,' it picked up the playful nickname mullet dress, a reference to the famously layered haircut with the same proportions. Both names are widely used in product listings, styling articles, and retail catalogs.

You'll also see it described as an asymmetrical hem dress or a waterfall hem dress, though those terms can cover slightly different cuts (more on that below).

Variations and related styles

• High-low skirt — the same short-front-long-back silhouette applied to a separate skirt rather than a one-piece dress.
• Asymmetrical hem dress — a broader category where the hem is uneven in any direction: diagonal across the body, one-sided, or high-low.
• Waterfall hem dress — a high-low cut with soft, rippling layers so the back appears to 'pour' downward like water.
• Fishtail or mermaid dress — fitted through the body with a flared hem; the flare can mimic the high-low drama but is symmetrical all the way around.
• High-low top — a shorter-in-front, longer-in-back blouse or tunic that layers like a mini version of the dress.

How a high-low dress differs from an asymmetrical dress

Every high-low dress is technically asymmetrical, but not every asymmetrical dress is high-low. Asymmetrical describes any uneven hemline — one shoulder strap, a diagonal slash from hip to knee, or a single-sided drape. High-low is the specific version where the front hem is consistently shorter than the back hem, all the way across the body.

If you're searching for the classic short-front-long-back look, 'high-low dress' is the most precise term to use. If you search only 'asymmetrical dress,' you'll get a much wider — and less predictable — range of hemlines.

Fabrics and construction details

High-low dresses shine in fabrics with movement. Chiffon, tulle, and organza create the floaty, cascading back that defines evening and occasion versions. Satin and crepe give a smoother, more structured drape for cocktail and formal styles. Jersey and cotton blends make casual, everyday high-low dresses that skim rather than swirl.

Construction matters because of the hem exposure: the shorter front often needs a clean, finished edge (rolled hem, narrow hem, or facing), while the longer back may be layered over a lining. Look for a bodice that fits well through the shoulders and waist — the dramatic hem does the talking, so the top half should stay simple and secure.

How to wear and style a high-low dress

The high-low hem is one of the most versatile silhouettes in a wardrobe. It works for weddings, garden parties, and date nights in fluid fabrics, and for casual weekends in cotton or jersey. Because the front hem shows leg, it pairs beautifully with heels, wedges, or strappy sandals; in the back, the longer length keeps the look elegant even when you're seated.

Styling tips:

• Footwear: heels elongate the leg under the short front; ankle boots ground a casual knit version.
• Layers: a fitted blazer, cropped jacket, or open-front cardigan works well — avoid long, boxy layers that cover the hem's shape.
• Accessories: keep jewelry minimal at the hemline and let the silhouette be the statement.

As for fit: the raised front hem draws the eye to the legs, and the sweeping back adds length to the overall line. Many wearers love it because it offers coverage and drama at once — but the real rule is simple: if the proportions make you feel good, they work.

How to shop for a high-low dress

When shopping, check three things: the front hem length (mid-thigh reads playful, knee-length reads polished), the back hem length (ankle-grazing is the classic gown effect), and the fabric weight (lined chiffon for formal events, knit for everyday). Search terms like 'high-low dress,' 'short front long back dress,' or 'mullet dress' will surface the most options.

For movement-forward styles, a flowing bohemian dress with a slit delivers a similar leg-baring, floor-skimming effect. If you prefer to build the look in layers, browse short sets for warm-weather ease or long sleeve tops to pair with a high-low skirt. MsDressly offers free shipping when buying 2 or more items, or on orders over US$80.