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Choosing the Best Babydoll Dress

two pictures of women wearing babydoll style dresses with tiers and loose sleeves

Taking the elements of a high empire waist, flowing skirts, and delicate sleeves, babydoll dresses create a feminine and timeless look. This dress’s lightweight design is great for hot days where you can enjoy the warmth of the sun without feeling the heat. The lifted waist and tiered skirt are flattering on all kinds of body shapes and sizes, so every woman can feel cute and feminine in a babydoll dress. Here are some beautiful babydoll dresses we recommend.

Purchasing a Babydoll-Style Dress

Here’s what you should consider:

  • Environment: It is important to consider the temperature when searching for the perfect babydoll dress. If you are planning on wearing the dress on a hot summer’s day, opt for a lightweight dress with cap or short sleeves and a wide skirt. Cotton and linen fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, making them great for warm weather, but the fabric can sometimes be stiff. Avoid high percentages of nylon or spandex in the dress’s fabric as they are typically thin. As babydoll skirts typically hit anywhere above the knee, you might consider pairing the dress with leggings or hidden shorts just in case the wind lifts the skirt.
  • Material: These fabrics are best when mixed with cotton or polyester to create durability and keep the fabric opaque. If the dress design requires stiffness, the material should be made from a thick polyester that can hold its form. Polyester is great for ruffled dresses or wide sleeves as they will be less likely to collapse with the stronger material.
  • Length: While a sizing chart can help you find the ideal size, it can’t always show you to perfect fit. Since babydoll dresses traditionally have a high waist, make sure it would land properly on your torso. Women with long torsos should consider dresses that appear long on the model.  Those with short torsos will fit properly in most babydoll dresses due to the empire waist design.

Best Classic: KIRUNDO Women’s Summer Dress

A blond woman wearing a white babydoll dress and posing in front of a light green house.

The design of this dress emphasizes the soft feminity of the babydoll dress style through its cap sleeves and tiered skirt. The flowing style is complemented by the keyhole back and button closure, creating a flexible fit across the chest. Made from rayon and polyester, the dress is ideal for summer days where you want to feel cute and comfortable, as the material and shape allow for plenty of airflow. If white isn’t your style, you can choose from an array of solid colors and patterns to find something better suited to your aesthetic.

Best Classic

KIRUNDO 2023 Women's Summer Mini Dress Sleeveless Ruffle Sleeve Round Neck Solid Loose Short Flowy Babydoll Pleated Dress(Medium, A-White)

This dress uses the traditional cuts of a babydoll dress to make the wearer feel cute and comfortable.

Best Short-Sleeved Option: FANCYINN Women’s Cute Shift Dress

A woman wearing a bright red babydoll dress and holding a straw purse.

This dress’s style focuses on the soft swinging of ruffles to create a unique babydoll silhouette. The centered waistline and V-neck give this dress a modern twist. The wide sleeves and skirt help to create an hourglass shape that still adheres to the flowing skirts of classic babydoll dresses while giving the wearer a more defined waist. The tiered skirt lands at the mid-thigh, making it great for warm days. This short-sleeve option comes in 16 color and pattern options, so you have the perfect dress for your event.

Best Short-Sleeved Option

Best Long-Sleeved Option: Amoretu Women Summer Dress

A smiling woman wearing a black babydoll dress with white polka dots and long sleeves.

Whether the weather is feeling chilly or you enjoy an outfit with a little more coverage, this long-sleeved babydoll dress is a great addition to your wardrobe. The tiered skirt and high waist draw from the traditional babydoll dress design, while the lantern sleeves and soft v-neckline add more visual interest. This dress is made from 100% dracon, a material that is hypoallergenic and resistant to liquid stains. The flowing skirt allows you to wear warm tights or leggings for extra cold days.

Best Long-Sleeved Option

Amoretu Women's Deep V Neck Loose Shift Mini Tunic Dress Long Sleeve Dot Black S

This dress pairs lantern sleeves with a tiered skirt to create a flowy look.

Best with Pockets: AUSELILY Women’s Short Sleeve Dress with Pockets

A blond woman wearing a black babydoll dress with her hand in the pocket.

Although the babydoll dress is designed to create a soft and dainty look, it doesn’t mean the dress can’t be functional. The roomy pockets on this AUSELILY dress are ideal for women that want a fashionable outfit that can also hold their most important items. The dress is made from 95% rayon and 5% spandex to create a flexible fabric that is soft to the touch. This design comes in a multitude of different colors and patterns, but AUSELILY also offers this dress with a button front closure that adds more detail to the solid-colored dresses.

Best with Pockets

AUSELILY Women's Summer Short Sleeve Pleated Loose Swing Casual Dress Pockets Knee Length(L,Black)

This dress is fashionable and functional with its colorful pattern options and stretchy pockets.

Camryn Lang Camryn Lang
Camryn Lang is a freelance writer and copyeditor that has produced a wide variety of content, from breaking news and memorial tributes to web content and fiction novels. While working on her bachelor's degree in English at Texas A&M University, Camryn led writers and editors at the nationally recognized university newspaper, The Battalion. During her free time, she enjoys reading thrillers and fantasy novels and eating desserts. Read Full Bio »
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