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Our Editors Tested Amazon's Most Popular Summer Dresses — Here's Our Honest Review

Just in time for Memorial Day.

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amazon summer dress test

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When it comes to price and convenience, few clothing stores can compete with Amazon for affordable dresses and trendy styles that seem perfect for summer, from Memorial Day barbecues and Fourth of July parties to picnics, showers and beyond.

Shop Amazon Summer Dresses

But it's no secret that online photos (and even reviews!) can sometimes be misleading. To help you decide which options are actually worth adding to cart, our editors put eight of Amazon's most popular dresses to the test.

I recruited six of my fellow editors with a variety of different body types, heights and style preferences. We tried eight best-selling picks with at least 1,000 reviews from brands like Amazon Essentials, The Drop and Zesica. Each editor wear-tested a different dress and gave it an honest review based on size accuracy, fabric quality and overall style.

Our takeaway? Price doesn't necessarily equal quality. Here's the lowdown.

1
OUR OVERALL RATING: 8.3

Amazon Essentials Tank Waisted Maxi Dress

Tank Waisted Maxi Dress
Credit: courtesy photo

Sizes available: XS to 2XL | Colors available: 7

As much as I love a bright color or a bold print, sometimes you need a simple black maxi to round out your summer wardrobe. This option from Amazon Essentials is made from a stretchy jersey fabric, with a minimalist scoop neck and straighter skirt that gives you plenty of styling options.

Our Honest Review

amazon summer dress review amazon essentials women's tank waisted maxi dress (available in plus size), black, small
Lauren Gruber

Overall style: 9

  • I was wildly impressed by this dress. Despite its sophisticated style, this dress feels like you're wearing pajamas. I wore it on a plane to Florida and it kept me cool and comfortable during my trip. I would recommend this dress to anyone in need of a versatile basic that they can wear to the office, on vacation and beyond. My only note? I wish it had pockets!

Sizing accuracy: 7

  • Reviews say that it runs large, so I sized down and it fit like a glove. I'm around 5'5", and it almost grazed the floor with flat shoes. The neckline wasn't too revealing for my larger chest, and the straps are wide enough to conceal a bra.

Fabric quality: 9

  • "The fabric is buttery-soft and lightweight without being see-through."
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    2
    OUR OVERALL RATING: 8

    ZESICA Square Neck Maxi Dress

    Square Neck Maxi Dress

    Sizes available: XS to XXL | Colors available: 24

    If you're looking for an affordable alternative to the viral nap dress style from your favorite boutiques, consider this popular pick from ZESICA. The brand is well-rated among Amazon shoppers, and this dress offers a similar smocked neckline and fit-and-flare silhouette, with adjustable tie-up straps that help provide chest support.

    Our Honest Review

    amazon summer dress review
    Anvita Reddy

    Overall style: 8

    • "I love how flowy and lightweight this dress is," says Commerce Editor Anvita Reddy. "I also love that you can dress it up or down. Overall, for the price point, I recommend getting this dress if you're looking for something versatile, comfortable, and affordable for the summer."

    Sizing accuracy: 9

    • Adjustable features make this dress's sizing more forgiving. "Thanks to its tie straps and stretchy elasticated ruching at the bust area, I could adjust accordingly for a perfect fit. I'm 5'1 with a bigger bust so those two features played a part in how well this dress fit me."

    Fabric quality: 7

    • "Although the fabric is on the thinner side, it's perfect for hot summer days — but it's not comparable to higher-end nap dresses in terms of fabric quality."
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      3
      OUR OVERALL RATING: 7.7

      DB MOON Short Sleeve Dress

      Short Sleeve Dress

      Sizes available: S to 4XL | Colors available: 40+

      This T-shirt dress from DB Moon is one of the most-purchased Amazon dresses among GH readers. Featuring a slightly fitted short-sleeve top and flowy A-line skirt, this versatile dress is easy to pair with heels or sneakers for multiple styling opportunities. Plus, it boasts roomy pockets on either side.

      Our Honest Review

      amazon dresses review
      Jessica Dukes

      Overall style: 7

      • "This Amazon dress is going to be great for summer when I need to throw on something a little bit dressier than shorts, or if I just feel like wearing a breezy dress," says Commerce Editor Jessica Dukes. "Of course, the main attraction is that it has pockets."

      Sizing accuracy: 10

      • This dress's fit is true to size. "I’ve washed and dried it and it still looks and feels the same," says Dukes.

      Fabric quality: 6

      • "It's very lightweight which gives it a good flow, and the waistband is stretchy and doesn’t pinch at all. My only advice with this dress is that, because it’s so lightweight, you’ll need a smooth bra and underwear, otherwise you’ll see the lines."
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      4
      OUR OVERALL RATING: 7.7

      PRETTYGARDEN Floral Maxi Dress

      Floral Maxi Dress

      Sizes available: S to XXL | Colors available: 30

      With its playful one-shoulder design, ankle length and long, swingy skirt, this maxi appears to be a standout pick for dressier events like weddings. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns, like this vivid red and pink floral print.

      Our Honest Review

      amazon summer dress review
      Madison McGee

      Overall style: 8

      • "There’s nothing I love more than a breezy maxi dress in the summer!" says Commerce Editor Madison McGee. "The pattern is adorable and the skirt is flowy without feeling too dramatic."

      Sizing accuracy: 9

      • "I’m typically between a medium and large in styles like this. I went with a medium and thought it was the perfect length with plenty of room to breathe — if I had gone with a large, I think the fabric would have felt too heavy and overwhelming. I really liked how the one-shoulder bow detail was fully adjustable, especially since I have a larger chest."

      Fabric quality: 6

      • "My one qualm is that the fabric doesn’t offer that breathable quality I prefer for hot New York City summers, which means this will likely only be a dress I pack for trips to the beach."
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        5
        OUR OVERALL RATING: 7.3

        YOBECHO Ruffle Mini Dress

        Ruffle Mini Dress

        Sizes available: S to XXL | Colors available: 25+

        On hot summer days, there's nothing quite like a breezy mini to keep you comfortable. You can wear this ruffled pick on or off the shoulder since it has a hidden elastic in the sleeves, and it offers an adjustable tie at the neckline that can be laced up for more coverage. And with over 25 different colors to choose from, it's easier to find an option that'll suit your skin tone and existing wardrobe.

        Our Honest Review

        amazon summer dress review yobecho womens summer ruffle sleeve sweetheart neckline printing dress mini dress (small, blackish green)
        Mackenzie Dunn

        Overall style: 8

        • "This dress is exactly as pictured — I'm pleasantly surprised!" says Senior Commerce Manager Mackenzie Dunn. "You can opt to wear the straps off the shoulder or on, which is a nice touch. I appreciate the feminine sweetheart neckline that can be tied or left undone. Overall, this is a cute, casual and flattering dress for summer."

        Sizing accuracy: 9

        • "I'm 5'7” and I was initially worried about the length, but it's not too short on me. The elastic under the bust is stretchy, and the straps also have elastic for comfort that doesn't dig in."

        Fabric quality: 5

        • "The fabric is lightweight and breathable for summer, and the silhouette is both flattering and extremely comfy." She adds, "I was also concerned that because it is unlined, it may be see-through — but the dark green color did not have that issue."
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          6
          OUR OVERALL RATING: 7.3

          Naggoo Short Sleeve Polka Dot Dress

          Short Sleeve Polka Dot Dress

          Sizes available: S to XL | Colors available: 20+

          Wrap dresses are one of my favorite silhouettes since the tie-up waist adds visual interest at the front while allowing for more flexible styling. This mini is brimming with flirty details from its asymmetrical, ruffle-trimmed hem to its flutter sleeves.

          Our Honest Review

          amazon summer dress review
          Angel Madison

          Overall style: 8

          • "I appreciate the casual and easy fit of this wraparound dress, and the color is bright and fun," says Commerce Editor Angel Madison.

          Sizing accuracy: 7

          • This style is a bit trickier than others. "The ruffled bottom is flirty, but because of the uneven hemline, it was shorter than expected. I thought it would be a bit longer, as I’m only 5’4” and it hit more mid-thigh. I felt more comfortable wearing shapewear shorts underneath, which was helpful on a windy day." She adds, "My biggest issue was with the top. I wear an F cup, and there was a lot of gaping — so much so that I had to pin it in place or wear a tank under it to avoid showing off too much cleavage. I think for a smaller cup size this wouldn’t be an issue."

          Fabric quality: 7

          • "The fabric has a little bit of stretch, so it is super forgiving," though it's not supremely luxe.
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            7
            OUR OVERALL RATING: 6.7

            BTFBM Floral Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

            Floral Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

            Sizes available: S to XXL | Colors available: 10+

            In search of a vacation-ready dress that makes a statement? Turn heads in this vibrant midi, which comes in a variety of eye-catching floral prints like this sherbet orange option. Its puffy sleeves, sweetheart neckline and long, tiered skirt give it a romantic look. What's more, the tiny cutout at the midsection adds breathability without showing too much skin.

            Our Honest Review

            amazon summer dress review
            Lauren Gruber

            Overall style: 7

            • This dress is so much fun for summer! The first thing I noticed was the color, which is just as bright — if not even brighter — in person. The overall fit matches the online picture perfectly. The puff sleeves are an adorable detail, and you can even wear them off-the-shoulder. Plus, I appreciate that the keyhole cutout helps to eliminate boob sweat.

            Sizing accuracy: 7

            • Per reviews, I went with my usual size, but I could have sized down for more chest support.

            Fabric quality: 6

            • I like that the skirt has an inner lining, giving it a nice flow. The only major downside was the fabric, which looks and feels cheap. Still, it's is a decent option if you're looking for an affordable dress that looks good in pictures.
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            8
            OUR OVERALL RATING: 5.3

            The Drop Gabriela High Neck Maxi Sweater Dress

            Gabriela High Neck Maxi Sweater Dress

            Sizes available: XXS to 5XL | Colors available: 10+

            Sweater dresses aren't only for winter months. This pick from The Drop, Amazon's in-house fashion brand, has a sleeveless cut and lightweight fabric that makes it suitable for warm weather. It's designed to hit mid-calf, with a thigh-high slit on one side to allow for easier movement.

            Our Honest Review

            amazon summer dresses review
            Samantha Jones

            Overall style: 6

            • "Overall, I was kind-of disappointed by this dress," says Commerce Editor Samantha Jones. "In a pinch, you can definitely make this dress work, but it lacks the overall quality I was hoping for — considering it's the priciest option we tested."

            Sizing accuracy: 8

            • "The overall fit and silhouette was cute, but I worry about it shrinking in the wash or getting stretched out over time.

            Fabric quality: 2

            • "Despite the $50 price point, I found the fabric to be stiff and rather cheap — not to mention very see-through. If you order the white color, you'll definitely need to wear something underneath!"
              Headshot of Lauren Gruber
              Lauren Gruber
              Associate Editor

              Lauren Gruber is an associate commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Country Living, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. 

              You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media

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              amazon summer dress test
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