A sheath dress is a type of women's clothing that fits tightly to the body, creating a slimming effect. It gets its name from the fact that it hugs the wearer’s body like a sheath does to a knife. The style typically features a straight, narrow cut that follows the curves of the body without adding any extra bulk or fullness. Sheath dresses can be made out of various fabrics such as silk, satin, chiffon, and jersey, among others. They are often worn to formal events, weddings, parties, and other special occasions where a sleek, sophisticated look is desired.