I love a breezy little sundress as much as the next gal, but sometimes I want something that can be worn with just a regular ol’ T-shirt bra, even in peak summer. Enter: my love for long-sleeve dresses. These full-coverage frocks provide protection from the sun and typically allow me to forgo the strapless bra for something a bit more comfortable—though I wouldn’t say no to this fabulous low-back number, either. Because I’ve been itching to refresh my dress collection and spending far too much time scrolling through all the best stores, I’ve got a pretty spectacular list going that I want to share with you all, so that everyone can get in on the fun. So without further ado, here are 20 of the best long-sleeve dresses money can buy.
20 Long-Sleeve Dresses for Full-Coverage That Won’t Leave You Sweating
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Updated Apr 22, 2025
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
The Best Long-Sleeve Dresses at a Glance
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This linen mini checks so many boxes, it’s hard to even know where to begin. The neckline is fully adjustable with a line of functional buttons, and the silhouette maintains some shape (thanks to the seam at the waist and the tiered skirt) while still being breezy and loose for maximum air flow. And the linen material is great for wicking away moisture while also being machine washable—just be sure to skip the dryer to avoid any unwanted shrinkage.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also petite
- Materials: linen-viscose blend
- Care Instructions: machine wash
This LOFT mini is boho at its best. The combination of two different florals with a paisley bandana print and white crochet lace is oh-so dreamy, and the ties on the neckline help add some definition to the roomy silhouette. It’s also fully lined and has pockets—score! And if that doesn’t convince you, perhaps the fact that it comes in regular, petite and tall sizing might do the trick.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also petite and tall
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Care Instructions: machine wash
Bell
Made of a lightweight and super-soft cotton/silk blend, this maxi dress is even more gorgeous IRL than it appears in photos. The tie on the V neckline is adjustable, and there is elastic on each of the sleeve cuffs so you can pull them up for more of a three-quarters fit if you like. And although the waist is smocked for comfort, the fabric generally doesn’t have much stretch, so if you’re between sizes, I’d opt for the larger of the two.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 70 percent cotton, 30 percent silk
- Care Instructions: hand wash
Tucernuck
The Callahan dress is a Tuckernuck classic and best-seller for so many reasons. Besides the wide range of color and pattern options, the fit is reportedly incredibly flattering, super comfortable and runs true to size. The buttons give you some flexibility with the neckline so you can button all the way up for a meeting or go low to layer this frock over a swimsuit on vacation. It also has two side pockets for stowing small essentials on the go.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXXL
- Materials: 59 percent linen, 41 percent cotton
- Care Instructions: hand wash cold, hand to dry, iron low
5. Hill House Viviana Mini Nap Dress
Hill House
“I adore this style so much, from the colorful floral pattern to the flattering design,” raves Associate Editor of News and Entertainment Nakeisha Campbell. “If I wasn’t currently on a strict budget I'd have it in my closet right now.” The bodice of this mini is entirely smocked, making it comfortable enough to nap in (hence the name), and the flounced skirt and shapely sleeves add movement to the silhouette. It’s also bra-friendly with a high neck and high back. P.S. There’s also a maxi-length version for those who prefer a longer hemline.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXXS to XXXXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
L*Space
“I picked up this cutie from L*Space a few weeks ago and I LOVE the soft feel and the way it fits,” notes Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. “It's drapey and not-too-tight but still flattering, and the bold red color feels perfect for summer.” There is a button on the neckline to help keep things in place and the tied waist is adjustable, although this is not a full wrap dress. It also comes in black and white, but like LaBarbera, I’m totally head-over-heels for this vibrant red hue.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent viscose
- Care Instructions: not listed
“I've had three or four long-sleeve dresses from COS very similar to this one for upwards of a decade,” says Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. “They're all fabulous quality, especially considering the price, and I find that like most of the brand's pieces, the dresses are typically minimalist-chic with interesting twists thanks to sculptural shapes or unique textures.” This navy design is great for year-round wear with delicate seams and detailing inspired by a classic trench coat. It also has pockets on the sides as an added bonus.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 2 to 14
- Materials: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane
- Care Instructions: machine wash
8. Lane Bryant Smocked Maxi Dress
Lane Bryant
The bold pattern is what originally attracted me to this gorgeous frock, but the more I look at it, the more fabulous it gets. There are covered buttons to make the neckline more adjustable, and I love that the sleeves have elastic cuffs so they can be pulled up and stay in place. Of course, there are also the added benefits of pockets and a smocked waistband. And the whole thing is machine washable to boot.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 12 to 28
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
- Care Instructions: machine wash
9. Favorite Daughter Truly Madly Dress
Favorite Daughter
I’m a sucker for a long-sleeve column dress, and this is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in a long while. The ankle-grazing hem and full-coverage neckline are balanced by a more fitted cut to make this dress feel surprisingly sexy. Reviewers say it fits true to size, but there isn’t a ton of stretch, so take that into consideration when deciding what size to add to cart.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 58 percent Ecovero crepe, 42 percent viscose
- Care Instructions: not listed
10. Farm Rio Green Pineapple Garden Mini Dress
Farm Rio
Farm Rio will always be a favorite for high-quality pieces in stunningly vibrant colors, just like this long-sleeve mini. It has buttons down the front and a balloon sleeve that’s super-airy and comfortable. And the placement of the unique print, with pink cascading down the neckline and flowers positioned on each hip, is just stunning.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 54 percent cotton, 46 percent viscose
- Care Instructions: machine wash cold, line dry
11. Simkhai Alex Pleated Cut-Out Dress
Simkhai
I’ve had my eye on this sexy shirtdress for at least two years now, and this might just be the summer I finally add it to my dress collection. I love the balance between the covered top and maxi length with the cut-out in the middle and the thin belt that ties in back. It has a hidden zipper on the side, pockets on the sides and buttons up the side of the hem should you want to have a little slit at the bottom. It just such a fun take on a traditional white shirtdress.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 63 percent cotton, 37 percent polyester
- Care Instructions: not listed
12. Maeve Soren Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress
Maeve
Another fabulous shirtdress I’ve been eyeing is this roomy midi from Anthropologie. It has a looser fit, but isn’t so billowy as to feel like a nightgown, and you can unbutton the top or bottom to give the whole thing a bit more shape if you like. Reviewers say it runs a little large, but still mostly suggest taking your usual size. And don’t worry, it also comes in petite sizing for those 5’2” and under.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also petite
- Materials: cotton
- Care Instructions: machine wash
13. Tuckernuck Rhoda Tunic Dress
Tuckernuck
It was love at first sight for me and this three-quarter-sleeve tunic dress. The pattern is just gorgeous and can be dressed up or down to fit so many different occasions. And as is the case for so many Tuckernuck originals, the fit is reportedly both comfortable and flattering. It’s also incredibly easy to adjust the neckline to be as high or low as you please with a zipper that goes down the front of the dress.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 16
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Care Instructions: dry clean
14. Significant Other Danika Keyhole Dress
Significant Other
Significant Other is a favorite of mine for chic occasion wear, making this long-sleeve beauty a must-have in my book. It’s fully covered in back, plus has long sleeves and a maxi hemline providing you with a great deal of coverage, but the neckline is still just showy enough to make the whole thing feel very sexy. P.S. It also comes in black if you’re looking for something you can wear all year round.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 2 to 10
- Materials: 62 percent polyester, 38 percent polyester
- Care Instructions: dry clean
15. Abercrombie & Fitch Fitted Shirt Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch
A mini shirtdress without any structure runs the risk of looking like the female lead pulled straight out of a rom-com wearing her new boyfriend’s button up. But this A&F number has a cinched waist that offers some definition and shape to make it feel far more intentional. It comes in three colors, the white and navy pictured above as well as blue with white stripes and solid white, all of which come in both petite and tall sizes.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL, also petite and tall
- Materials: 60 percent cotton, 40 percent polyester
- Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
J.Crew
Whether you wear it as a poolside cover-up or as a regular dress for dinner with friends, this J.Crew mini is an absolute winner in my book. It comes in four colors (green, black, red and a coral-hued print), all with a matching removable belt and hidden side pockets. It also comes with a slip lining for days when you want to wear it out on the town.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also tall
- Materials: 100 percent linen
- Care Instructions: machine wash, lay flat to dry
17. Stone Cold Fox Jenna Mini Dress
Stone Cold Fox
With a high neckline in front and a low-cut back, this dress is fabulous for partying the night away in style. And while the bodice of the dress is fully lined, the sleeves are not, giving you better breathability in the arms. Just know, the material has little to no stretch, so take that into consideration when deciding which size to buy.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
- Care Instructions: dry clean only
Clare V.
Rugbycore is still going strong as we head into summer 2025, so why not up the ante with a rugby stripe dress rather than a more expected pullover shirt? This Clare V. design has a cozy oversize fit that isn’t too voluminous, and there are patches on the elbows for a fun additional touch that’s also incredibly practical. It’s made of a stretch jersey, so there is some wiggle room with sizing, and the buttons on the placket are fully functional.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Care Instructions: wash cold
19. MinkPink Meloday Knit Midi Dress
MinkPink
This maxi dress is giving major Missoni vibes and would be ideal for a beachy getaway with the gals. And while you can wear nude undergarments underneath or a slip for more coverage, it might be more fun to opt for a contrasting green bikini instead. The fabric also has plenty of stretch to hug your curves in all the right ways.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 55 percent cotton, 45 percent acrylic
- Care Instructions: hand wash
20. Dissh Hal Long-Sleeve Knit Dress
DISSH
Dissh has long been a favorite of mine for picking up chic, minimalist basics, and this polo collar sweater dress is now top of my list. I own two knit styles from the brand, so know they tend to run a little big, but they’re also supremely comfortable and incredibly flattering. The material is thick enough to give me a smooth silhouette with enough stretch to really hug my figure without showing every single bump. All in all? I’d say this one is a total no brainer, especially while it’s currently 30 percent off.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Materials: 65 percent viscose, 35 percent nylon
- Care Instructions: delicate hand wash, lay flat to dry
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