13 Best Plus Size Summer Dresses To Keep You Cool and Stylish When Temps Soar
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On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than slipping on a breezy, comfortable sundress that will keep you feeling (and looking!) cool as the temperature rises. Dresses are easy to wear, since you don’t have to worry about coordinating tops and bottoms, easy to pack on a summer getaway, and easy to accessorize for day or night. The only hard part? Finding one that fits you perfectly — especially when you’ve got curves to spare. We’ve rounded up the best plus size summer dresses that will fit and flatter your figure, at prices ranging from “I’m going to buy one in every color” to “I deserve to treat myself!”.
Keep scrolling to shop our picks, or read more to find out everything you want to know about the best plus size summer dresses. (Looking for the perfect sandals to go with your dress? Check out our roundup of the best sandals. And you’ll find more great summer dresses here!)
- Best plus size maxi sundress : City Chic Elba Frill Maxi Dress
- Best chambray plus size summer dress : J. Crew Chambray Shift Dress
- Best plus size white sundress : City Chic Sweetie Button Maxi Dress
- Best halter dress for plus size women : Whit Two Floral Halter Maxi Dress
- Best linen summer dress for plus size women : J. Crew Tie-Waist Linen Shirtdress
- Best sporty plus size summer dress : Lane Bryant LIVI Space Dye Hooded Dress
- Best polka-dot summer dress for plus size women : SummerSalt Silky Flutter Sleeve Dress
- Best shirtdress for plus size women : SummerSalt Do-It-All Shirtdress
- Best plus size midi summer dress : Farm Rio Tiny Fruits Midi Dress
- Best plus size summer dress on amazon : Milumia Cold Shoulder Floral Maxi Bohemian Split Dress
- Best red summer dress for plus size women : Lulus Shield and Sword Red Sleeveless Maxi Dress
- Best gingham summer dress for plus size women : Old Navy Gingham Tie-Strap Swing Dress
- Best maxi dress for plus size women : Marina Rinaldi Dedurre V-Neck Sleeveless Maxi Shift Dress
What is the most flattering dress style for plus size women?
The most flattering style of dress for any size person depends on how they’re shaped. If you’ve got a small waist and generous hips (commonly known as “pear-shaped”), then a fit-and-flare style dress will look great on you. (Like this shirtdress from SummerSalt!) A sheath dress, like this one from J. Crew, looks good on women who don’t prefer to emphasize their waists and want to spotlight long legs. And a flowy maxi dress looks lovely on anyone! Try this colorful option from Anthropologie.
It’s really up to you to decide what type of dress you look best in — in the end, feeling confident and beautiful is the key to looking amazing. One thing that many women tend to deal with though, no matter what size they wear, is thigh chafing in the summer months. (Score one for wearing shorts in the summer — they do protect those sensitive inner thighs!) One solution we’ve found is Bandelettes (Buy from Amazon, $19), which slip easily over your thighs and keep them from contacting each other. They come in a variety of colors and styles — just measure your thighs with a cloth measuring tape to get the perfect fit!
Do maxi dresses look good on plus size women?
A maxi dress is a long dress — not just long, but floor-skimming. They’re very trendy, very comfy, and yes, they look great on plus size women! Some women find that maxi dresses are a little harder to wear (you’ll need to tie it up if you plan to ride a bicycle — or even walk up a flight of stairs), so they may not be for everyone. But they can also be effortlessly elegant, whether as a swim cover-up or a cocktail dress. As long as you feel comfortable, go for it! We love this one from CoEdition. (And if you feel like splurging, go for this one from Saks Fifth Avenue.)
Who has the best plus size clothing?
There are so many great brands that carry extended sizing and inclusive sizing now, it’s hard to know where to start! But if you’re looking for the best summer dresses for plus size women, here are a few places to check out:
- CoEdition — CoEdition is the go-to online merchant for plus size women, with tons of cute summer dresses, swimwear, lingerie, rompers, active wear, and almost anything else you might want!
- Chico’s — Another favorite for plus size dresses, Chico’s has dresses that go to size 22, and lots of other stylish options.
- Universal Standard — When it comes to classic, well-made clothing in inclusive sizes, Universal Standard is changing the game. They’ve got dresses, denim, loungewear and more that you’ll love.
- Old Navy — For affordable fast fashion in plus sizes, Old Navy is the place to look these days.
- Lane Bryant — The old standby is still a great option!
Keep scrolling to get inspired — and to shop our picks for the best summer dresses for plus size women!
See more of our best product recommendations
City Chic Pretty Roses Maxi Dress
Best plus size maxi sundress
Buy from CoEdition, $77.40 (originally $129)
Why we like it:
- Tie-waist
- Button-down front
- Vibrant floral print
This breathable linen dress comes in a show-stopping A-line button-up silhouette — be prepared to turn heads! The first thing you’ll notice is the festive floral print, which is sure to add a welcome pop of color to your summer wardrobe. We also love the flattering tie-waist feature, and the cute head-to-toe buttons running down the front. This versatile piece can go from the beach to a party, and best of all, you can just toss it into the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Happy customer: “I have hourglass shape…I was looking for a nice dress I could wear casual or out to a nice restaurant while on vacation. I picked this black one. The fabric and stitching is high-end. My whole chest is covered, but my curves are there. Prefect dress for date night to being around conservative [spots].”
J. Crew Chambray Shift Dress
Best chambray plus size summer dress
Buy from J. Crew, $78.99 (originally $88)
Why we like it:
- Available in sizes up to 3X
- Made of lightweight chambray
- Machine washable
You can’t go wrong with a chambray dress in the summer, and this shift-style dress from J. Crew is the perfect versatile piece. Chambray is more breathable than denim, but has the same neutral blue shade that looks good with everything. Pair this dress with a fun statement necklace, or keep it relaxed with some flip flops for strolling down the boardwalk. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this is a dress you can feel good about.
Happy customer: “Lovely dress that is well made. I went with a larger size as my breasts are large. I do think that you can stay with a usual size. If wanting to layer definitely go up a size.”
City Chic Peyton Dress
Best plus size white sundress
Buy from CoEdition, $83.40 (originally $139)
Why we like it:
- Ruffled hemline
- Chic head-to-toe button detail
- Flattering neckline
A classic white dress is a staple for every summer wardrobe, and this picture-perfect number by City Chic hits all the right buttons (no pun intended!). The neckline shows just enough skin to be sexy without revealing too much, while you’ll stay nice and covered below, thanks to the maxi-length skirt — though we do love the flirty ruffled hemline! The buttons running down the midline add a bit of visual appeal to set this piece apart from other white dresses, and you’ll look just as great pairing this dress with heels as with sandals.
Siddhartha Bansal Halter Maxi Dress
Best halter dress for plus size women
Why we like it:
- Gorgeous print
- Low slit
- Button down
This stunning dress might just be my personal favorite on the list. The bold, colorful pattern will brighten up any event, or just your day lounging around the house. Use it as a swim cover up or wear it to a party — it’s equally suited to both. Plus, it has pockets! The dream!
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Mordenmiss Cotton Linen Dress with Pockets
Best linen summer dress for plus size women
Buy from Amazon, starting at $39.99 (originally $45.99)
Why we like it:
- Available in sizes up to XXL
- Comes in 6 colors
- Drop waist
Whether you like to keep things summery in white or classic in black, this easy-breezy linen shirtdress could easily become your warm weather uniform. We like the slightly more fitted look of this dress with the tie-belt, but it’s also removable for a more relaxed feel. The breathable linen fabric will keep you feeling cool from day to night, and this dress really is the perfect blank canvas for any fun jewelry, shoes, or other accessories you’ve been wanting to flaunt.
Happy customer: “I’m a teacher who is constantly looking for clothes that are versatile and not too heavy, because I run hot. This checks both boxes. It can be layered with a cute tee or it can be worn on its own. It’s a comfortable length that I feel like I can bend over to grab things in front of the class at no risk. On top of it all it’s also really cute. Highly recommend!”
Lane Bryant Sleeveless Polo Midi Dress
Best sporty plus size summer dress
Why we like it:
- Pullover style
- Cute hood feature
- Machine washable
Looking for something a little more on the sporty side? This colorful dress is cute, comfy, and will look great no matter how you style it. Wear it with your favorite white sneakers and you’re ready for whatever summer brings your way! (And did we mention, it has pockets?)
Happy customer: “I bought the striped one and love it!! It washed well, and I get lots of compliments. It also shows off the waist line in a good way! It’s just a really cute and comfortable dress!”
Chico’s Print Trapeze Smocked Maxi Dress
Best Chico's plus size sundress
Why we like it:
- Classic floral print
- High back
- Pockets
This gorgeous smocked maxi dress from Chico’s gives major whoa! It has a drop waist, and a tailored body to highlight curves in all the right ways. It would look fantastic at a garden wedding, an exciting date or even to the office. Just pair with a blazer and flats, and you’ll be ready to win the day!
Loveapella Knit Maxi Dress
Best knit plus size sundress
Why we like it:
- Relaxed fit
- Goes up to 14W
- Machine washable
This stretch-knit dress is comfortable and stylish. It has a Designed a deep, rounded V-neckline and a full swishy skirt. You’ll love it on the beach, a vacation, or a casual day out on the town.
Happy customer: “I absolutely LOVE this maxi!“
Farm Rio Tiny Fruits Midi Dress
Best plus size midi summer dress
Buy from Amazon $325 (originally $325)
Why we like it:
- Adorable fruit print
- Adjustable straps
- On sale now!
Fresh fruit is one of the best parts of summer — and this dress celebrates that with a totally adorable print featuring pineapples, bananas, watermelons, and more. An adjustable waist lets you wear it how you like it, and the easy fit makes it super comfy to wear. The tiered skirt is such a feminine touch, too — this dress will be the hit of your summer picnic!
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Milumia Cold Shoulder Floral Maxi Bohemian Split Dress
Best plus size summer dress on amazon
Buy from Amazon, starting at $32.99
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Available in 10 patterns
- Thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews
This affordable wrap dress is a hit on Amazon, with thousands of customers raving about it. Choose from 10 different bold prints — or maybe get more than one? It’s hand-wash only and 100 percent polyester, but dries quickly and packs like a dream.
Happy customer: “This dress is SPECTACULAR! It’s so light and airy and comfortable. The waistband is elastic so it stretchy, but the fabric itself is not. There’s a nice, breezy split on the leg. I immediately felt like a goddess as soon as I put this on! If you’re considering this — BUY IT!! It can be dressed down or up! Perfect for summer parties, cruises, weddings, vacations, girls night, whatever! I am definitely going to order more!”
Lulus Shield and Sword Red Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Best red summer dress for plus size women
Why we like it:
- Soft and stretchy
- Side slit shows off legs
- Has pockets
This gorgeous red maxi dress is seriously sexy — and seriously soft and stretchy, too. A customer favorite, it’s got plenty of rave reviews. The red is on sale now, but if you love this one, you can also get it in black, navy, or olive green. Dress it up or down, and flaunt what your mama gave you!
Happy customer: “I am obsessed! The material is so soft and the fit is very flattering. It also has pockets! This versatile maxi can also be dressed up or down. Love!”
YESNO Swing Dress
Best printed plus sundress
Buy from Amazon, starting at $19.99
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Available in 38 patterns
- 10 sizes
Our personal favorite, this swing dress comes in a dizzying array of options: 38 different prints! And at this affordable price, you’ll want to pick up a few. We can’t think of an occasion where you can’t wear this stunning “house dress” that’s made of 100 percent cotton, comes in 10 different sizes, and falls beautifully to flatter any figure.
Marina Rinaldi Drop Linen Dress
Best maxi dress for plus size women
Buy from Bloomingdale’s, $327.50
Why we like it:
- Dramatic styling
- Has pockets!
- Machine washable
Want to make a dramatic entrance? This maxi dress will do it It’s azul blue will catch everyone’s attention, and you’ll effortlessly move through whatever the day takes you. The dress features a drop waist and is made of breathable linen. It also has pockets, which we always love. You’ll quickly become hooked on this design once you try it on.
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