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The Best Sundresses for Women

SERGIOKAT/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated May 2023

Sundresses are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to wear in the heat, so if you're looking for something more sophisticated to wear out and about on a summer day, check out these lovely sundresses.

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  Best Maxi Dress Best Short Dress Best Midi Dress Best Strapless Best Off-the-Shoulder
 
  ANRABESS
Women's Casual Loose Sundress
Himone
Women's Sleeveless Casual Short Dress with Pockets
ECOWISH
Tie Front Swing Midi Dress
ZESICA
Women's Summer Bohemian Floral Strapless Maxi Dress
Floerns
Women's Boho Floral Off Shoulder Dress
 
Our SummaryThis show-stopping maxi dress is chic, comfortable and comes in a variety of colors and designs.This short and casual swing dress is available in dozens of vibrant patterns and colors.This playful little number features a plunging neckline with a chic cut-out design.This bohemian dress is soft, romantic, and flattering.This flattering and flirtatious maxi dress is available in both plus and standard sizes.
Pros✓ 38 patterns and styles
✓ Good size range
✓ Pockets
✓ Side slit with tie closure
✓ Knee-length
✓ Comfortable and casual
✓ Above-knee length
✓ Scoop neck
✓ Over 40 floral patterns and colors
✓ XS to XXL
✓ Rayon-spandex blend, stretchy
✓ Machine washable
✓ Built-in pockets
✓ Knee-length A-line style
✓ 40 patterns and colors
✓ Cute cut-out design with a bow
✓ Light and comfortable
✓ Solid color options
✓ Adjustable straps
✓ Full-length
✓ Ruched bodice
✓ Stretchy and comfortable
✓ Soft ruffles along skirt
✓ Flattering
✓ Over 30 patterns and colors
✓ Machine washable
✓ Unique off-the-shoulder design
✓ Soft and stretchy
✓ Over 40 floral patterns and colors
✓ Wide size range
✓ Flattering ruched bodice
Cons✗ Thin fabric
✗ Uncomfortable neckline
✗ May not be comfortable for those with large busts
✗ Sheer
✗ Limited size range
✗ Not ideal for larger busts
✗ Not ideal for large busts
✗ Seams tend to fray over time
✗ Runs small
✗ Sheer
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How Did We Research?

21 Models Evaluated

7 Hours Researched

46 Reviews Analyzed

The Best Sundresses for Women

A young woman wearing a floral sundress in a field carrying a basket and smiling.
SERGIOKAT/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Sundresses

A young woman wears a white sundress outside in the sun.
mnowicki/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a sundress?

Sundresses make you look effortlessly put together. They’re flowy, flattering, and feminine and are ideal for vacations and warm weather. They’re also comfortable and incredibly versatile. You can dress one up with heels, layered necklaces, and an elegant clutch. Or you can dress it down by pairing it with a classic denim jacket, sandals, and a straw hat.

What should you look for in a sundress?

  • Style: Sundresses are easy, breezy, and comfortable, so finding a dress that fits your silhouette is essential. If you’re uneasy about showing off your arms and shoulders, a sundress with flowy cap sleeves and a subtle sweetheart neckline may be ideal for you. If you love showing off skin, a sundress with a high slit and a plunging neckline will accentuate your curves in all the best ways.
  • Fit: If you’re petite, you may find maxi lengths to be too overwhelming for your frame, so you may want to opt for a mini or midi length. If you have long legs, you might want an elegant maxi dress since shorter lengths may be too revealing. Finding a sundress that fits your bust comfortably, cinches you in at the waist, and billows out to a loose, flowy skirt is also great for creating an hourglass silhouette and a comfortable outfit in the heat.
  • Material: Materials that feel soft on the skin but are durable enough to be thrown in the washing machine are the ideal fabrics for your sundress. You also want to be mindful of whether the fabric is sheer or opaque so you can choose the appropriate undergarments for your new dress. Sundresses are supposed to keep you nice and cool in hot weather, so you’ll want to choose breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton or rayon that are easy to wear all day. There are lots of fun prints as well as solid-colored sundresses available.

How do you wash a sundress?

It’s best to either hand wash your dresses or wash your new sundress in a cool, delicate setting with like colors in the washing machine. Sundresses should always be allowed to air-dry since hot dryers can often ruin the delicate fabric of sundresses. They also shouldn’t be bleached or ironed to preserve the integrity of the fabric.

Our Picks for the Best Sundresses for Women

Best Maxi Dress

ANRABESS Women's Casual Loose Sundress

This show-stopping maxi dress is chic, comfortable and comes in a variety of colors and designs.

Pros: This boho maxi sundress features a crew neck and side slit that’s perfect for the beach, vacations, and warmer weather in general. With over 38 stunning patterns and designs to choose from and sizes running from small to XXL, there’s sure to be an option for just about any style or body type. The blend of rayon, polyester, and spandex fabrics provides a stretchy fit, while the sleeveless design makes it a good option for casual beach wear and dressier events alike. And, as a small bonus, this sundress has pockets, so you don’t always have to carry a purse if you don’t want to.

Cons: The material is thin, and some might find the neckline to be high and uncomfortable or the hemline to be unflattering. In addition, you may find this dress to be too sheer to wear in a professional setting.

Bottom Line: Stylish yet relaxed, this is the perfect sundress to wear on a night out or on vacation; it’s easy to dress up with fancy heels and jewelry or dress down with sandals and a denim jacket for more laidback occasions. With a variety of colors and designs to choose from, you’ll surely find one that suits your wardrobe.

 

Best Short Dress

Himone Women's Sleeveless Casual Short Dress with Pockets

This short and casual swing dress is available in dozens of vibrant patterns and colors.

Pros: This swing tunic dress is a versatile addition to any wardrobe, with its comfortable and soft rayon-spandex blend fabric. The casual scoop neck and sleeveless racerback design make it perfect for running errands or lounging around the house. It’s also available in over 40 floral patterns and colors, ensuring that you can find a design that suits your personal style. The dress comes in sizes XS to XXL, making it accessible to a wide range of body types. Additionally, the dress features convenient pockets, making it even more practical for daily wear. The dress is machine washable, providing easy care and maintenance. However, it should be noted that the dress may not be suitable for those who prefer more coverage or are looking for a more formal option.

Cons: This dress may not be the best fit for individuals with larger busts. The dress may feel tight or constricting in the chest area, making it uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, some customers have noted that the dress is sheer, which means that it may be see-through in certain lighting conditions. This may require a careful selection of appropriate undergarments to wear with the dress.

Bottom Line: This dress is easy to throw on when you want to look cute while remaining comfortable. It’s made of a soft jersey knit material, so it’s a great travel dress. The length also hits above the knee, so it has a flirty swing dress fit.

 

Best Midi Dress

ECOWISH Women's Summer Midi Dress

This playful little number features a plunging neckline with a chic cut-out design.

Pros: This chic sundress is a great pick for those who love playful vibes. It’s available in over 40 patterns and colors and features a stylish cut-out design that’s complete with a bow for a flirty touch. It’s available in sizes small to XL and is made of a light and comfortable polyester-cotton blend. The solid color options have functional buttons along the front and adjustable straps for the perfect fit.

Cons: While this dress has many positive features, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. One downside is that the size range is limited, with only XS to XXL available, which may not fit all body types. Additionally, for those with larger busts, the dress may not be comfortable as it has a scoop neck that may not provide enough coverage or support. Another potential issue is that some of the colors may be sheer, which could be a problem for those who prefer more coverage or modesty.

Bottom Line: This trendy sundress is available in bold colors and patterns that will brighten up almost any room! It has a flattering A-line style that hits right at the knee, so it’s long enough to cover your thighs but short enough to keep you cool in hot weather.

 

Best Strapless

ZESICA Women's Summer Bohemian Floral Strapless Maxi Dress

This bohemian dress is soft, romantic, and flattering.

Pros: This strapless bohemian dress features soft ruffles along the length of the skirt. Its ruched bodice is flattering on all body types. It’s available in sizes small to XXL and comes in over 30 unique patterns and colors. The ruffled tier skirt gives the dress a dramatic silhouette, and it’s made of rayon, so it’s nice and stretchy for your comfort. It’s also machine washable and makes a stunning beach cover-up. Just pick up some nipple pasties or a strapless bra, and you’ll be set!

Cons: The design of this dress may not be suitable for women with larger busts as it has a fitted waist and a flared skirt that can accentuate the bust area. Additionally, the seams of the dress have been reported to fray after machine washing, which can result in a shorter lifespan for the garment. It is important to note that some customers have reported that hand washing the dress has helped to prevent fraying. While this dress may be a cute and comfortable option for those who fit within its size range, it may not be the most practical or durable choice for everyone.

Bottom Line: This beautiful sundress hits right above the ankles, so it’s perfect for showing off your sandals or heels. It’s lightweight and flowy, so it’s a great pick for the beach. The ruched bodice also cinches you in at the waist while remaining stretchy and comfortable.

 

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Floerns Women's Boho Floral Off Shoulder Dress

This flattering and flirtatious maxi dress is available in both plus and standard sizes.

Pros: This off-the-shoulder maxi dress features high leg slits for an effortlessly sexy look! It’s available in over 40 floral patterns and colors and has a diverse size range from XS to 3XL plus. Its flattering ruched bodice and A-line skirt are perfect to wear while shopping, heading to the beach, or enjoying a vacation. The length hits right above the ankles, and the leg slits make your legs appear longer.

Cons: The dress is designed to have a relaxed fit, and customers are advised to size up to achieve this style. However, if you prefer a more fitted look, you may want to consider sticking to your usual size. It’s important to note that the dress is sheer, and the color you choose will determine how sheer it appears. Customers will need to consider this when selecting undergarments to wear with it. Some may choose to wear a slip to ensure adequate coverage.

Bottom Line: This sexy, off-the-shoulder dress is sure to become a favorite! It has a diverse size range and is soft, stretchy, and flowy, so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it in the warm months.

Final Thoughts

Sundresses are fun and flirty additions to a woman’s wardrobe. They’re often bright, lightweight, and flowy to keep you comfortable in hot weather. Whether you prefer bohemian maxi dresses or show-stopping sundresses with high leg slits and plunging necklines, you’re sure to find the perfect sundress for your unique style.

Meghan Herlihy Meghan Herlihy
Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and How-To Geek and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read Full Bio »
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