
Fuller-coverage dresses, even in warm weather, can be great whether you’re looking for increased sun protection or just prefer to keep your body covered. And if research has taught us one thing, it’s that “modest” doesn’t have to mean restrictive tailoring or suffocating fabrics.
With the help of reviews, we built a selection of dresses that, while still full-coverage, feature breezy sleeves, sumptuously breathable materials and billowing skirts to help wearers feel cool and comfortable in every way.
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A cotton button-down maxi dress
Promising Amazon reviews: "Happy this maxi shirt blue & white striped dress is 100% cotton -- a breathable fabric rather than polyester. The length is perfect for me at ankle’s length. (I am 5’5). The two side pockets are very deep which is a big plus. I have not yet washed it so I hope it does not shrink in length. I liked it so much I ordered a back up dress in case of food spillage & it stains. I wore it with a neutral color vest for contrast and liked the combination look. If there was a purple & white striped dress color In the future, I would purchase it." — BJ
"This was perfect and just what I was looking for. I wore it with a fedora and some gladiator sandals and it was comfy and cute!! I’m short so it was long on me and I sent it off to get hemmed a few inches. I highly recommend this dress. It’s not see through, runs oversized and breathable material." — Monica Norris
A smocked Somerset shirt dress
Promising Anthropologie reviews: "This dress is very light and airy. I got the PXXS Im 115 and it fits good. It could be an inch shorter to be perfect, I’m debating whether to have the length altered, but overall I highly recommend." — Gurlll
"The Shirt Dress is a versatile wardrobe staple that effortlessly combines comfort and style. The soft, breathable fabric feels luxurious against my skin and drapes beautifully. I love the synching around the waist to create a feminine silhouette. I’m a huge fan of the Somerset dresses!" — TwinsAndOne
An adjustable cinching maxi shirt dress
Promising Target reviews: "This is my new favorite dress! Soft, lightweight, flowy, and super comfortable. Perfect with flat sandals for a casual look, but can be dressed up with wedges/heels for a more polished outfit. Cinch ties at the waist make it easy to adjust the fit. Usually wear a size 10 (5'4"; 145 lbs) -- the medium is an absolutely perfect fit." — allison
"I love this dress! It is very flowy and the fabric lightweight. The double slits on the side adds a little sexiness." — Momof2boys
An eyelet maxi dress
Promising Eloquii review: "I have never gotten so many compliments on a dress. It fit so well made me feel cute but also a little sexy. The pattern is adorable and the fabric is very nice. I want to start with all the pros. This dress was airy and flowy. I have personal insecurities with my arms and this covered them with feeling tight and constricting. You can wear off the shoulder or not. The tie bust is amazing. I love that I can adjust it bc I'm a pear and my chest is average. It did make the girls look phenomenal. I carry alot of weight in my stomach and this wasn't tight against me. Cons (there isn't many) I sized down based off reviews. I'm normally a 26/28 I went with 24 and it fits wonderful. I have to be careful putting it on because the empire line isn't elastic so there isn't any give. So I'd say size wise go with what your bust is not your pant size. It is pretty long. I'm 5'5 and this sits right at the top of my fit. I wore sandals and when I walked I could feel the dress on my heels. If you're shorter then you'd need to hem it. I may just so it won't get dirty. That's all. I love this dress. I'm gonna get it in every color. I was stopped 3x to tell me that it's beautiful and how amazing it looked on me. Boosted my ego so much." — April M.
A linen pull-over dress
Promising J.Crew reviews: "This dress is a great summer piece. I wore a belt with it to give it some shape. It’s lightweight and flattering." — HVT03
"At first I thought this dress would be heavy and overwhelming on me, I'm 5’3” 128, but It fits great in an XS. It will be perfect as a beach cover up but I will be wearing it to dinner at the club as well this summer. It’s a nice light linen. It doesn’t wrinkle like some other linens do. Buy it in every color!" — Jgpop
A cotton poplin shirt dress
Promising J.Crew review: "Having this dress is a staple to add to your wardrobe. At 5’4 this dress comes ankle length to me and can be worn with flats or heels. The fabric is light and the dress in unlined so can be worn in higher temperatures comfortably. Fits true to size and depending on your bust size you may be able to size down one size because of the stretch at the waist of the dress and circle skirt style. The color is vibrant and an interesting watercolor design that turns heads (I wore strolling the streets of Charleston and received several compliments on this dress) definitely recommend even in the other colors for the fit and style." — sharpandsound
An organic cotton tunic dress
Promising Etsy review: "The dresses are perfect. I ordered one in blue and one in pink. They're loose but they don't look loose, they have a flattering fit. The pockets and wonderful and the material is high quality and airy, perfect for hot weather. Very responsive seller too! Thank you! I'm about to order one for my sister too." — T Ahmad
A drop-waist all-season knit dress
Promising Free People reviews: "IT HAS POCKETS and it’s a lightweight queen. The top part is made with a nice thick material that has lots of stretch while the bottom is a lightweight cotton. I wore this dress on a recent travel trip and went straight from the plane to a restaurant! Highly recommend multiple colors!" — Free People reviewer
"This is the second of this dress I’ve purchased. I love the versatility. I’ve worn it with ballet flats and also kitten heels. I would recommend this dress. It’s cool when it’s warm outside. FP has added other colors. I love Free People. I’ve never once been disappointed. Very well made. Thank you!!" — EmilyCaite
A fun oversized seersucker dress
Promising Etsy review: "So high-quality, breezy, and unique. I am going to live in this dress this summer." — Krista Mitchell
"This one has a nice airy fabric, I can’t wait to live in this this summer and throw a sweater over it during winter." — Robbie Alternative
A tiered dress with flowy sleeves
Promising Amazon review: "Loose, but still flattering. Vibrant colors, lightweight, breathable fabric. Sleeves are long enough to cover and flatter those who prefer more modesty around their upper arm area. Drawstring at middle is just for show, does not tighten or loosen. Perfect length for my 5’5 frame. Just ordered another one in a different print. Love!" — Bailey M.
A stretchy T-shirt-style dress with pockets
Promising Amazon reviews: "This dress is perfect for staying cool on those hot summer days. Also great for traveling as it packs well and dues not wrinkle. Comfortable and stylish -- a perfect combination. I may just order another!" — Frustrated
"This is my new favorite dress! It is modest, incredibly comfortable, and flattering. It is breathable for the hottest days or can be paired with a cardigan on chilly spring days. I love that it is versatile for occasions -- just a day at home, going to the park, church, date night with my husband. I will be ordering multiple other colors!" — Micah
An embroidered smock dress
Promising Free People review: "Love how this dress feels on! It's a lightweight cotton that's soft and thick enough to not be totally see through, whilst still feeling flowy and airy! It's stretchy so it will deffo fit you in a size up and down, I'm 200lbs and wore XL, deffo a little more give in it and I could comfortably lose/gain 10lbs and it would still fit perfectly!" — Free People reviewer
A linen maxi shirt dress
Promising Anthropologie reviews: "This dress is so beautiful and fits like a dream. It’s fully lined but still airy enough for warm summer weather. I was nervous that the puff sleeves were going to be too oversized and dramatic, but they are lovely. This dress makes me feel like I should be enjoying a classy summer in the Hampton. Love it!" — BVirginia
"Breezy and beautiful. I am obsessed with this dress!! I bought every color available. It’s cool, casual, can be dressed up and so flattering. I was able to order a size smaller than usual, and that’s rare. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments every time I’ve worn it!!" — KimC













