I'm Petite and Curvy—and I Can't Stop Wearing This Viral Amazon Maxi Dress

TikTok has won again

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Published Jul 12, 2024

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a photo collage of chelsea candelario and popilush shapewear dress

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Value: 18/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Length: 19/20
Total: 95/100

As a petite woman who stands at 5’0,” maxi dresses aren’t really in my wardrobe. Every time I’ve tried one on in the past, I’m always disappointed when I see how much the fabric pools at my feet. Instead, I go for midi dresses or short, flowy options that don’t drag me down. I also have to consider my large breasts, wider hips and adorable tummy, so it’s an understatement to say that dress shopping is often a struggle.

Recently, I came across a popular maxi dress online and scrolled past it without a second thought. But like most things on TikTok, my For You page continued to taunt me with the dress. I’ll be the first to admit that I live and breathe TikTok, but even I know most of their viral products are a pile of baloney. But the Popilush Shapewear Dress kept getting promoted on the platform and my curiosity eventually got the best of me.

I started to do my own research and found it for sale on Amazon, where it currently has over 1,000 5-star reviews, including praise from customers 5’5” and below, plus size peeps and people who’ve been genetically blessed with large assets. I was officially sold and purchased one for an upcoming trip. If you’re wondering if it lived up to my expectations, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve finally found the dress of the summer, especially if you’re a curvy, petite gal like myself.

popilush shapewear dress review a photo of chelsea candelario wearing green maxi dress

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Fact: It leaves your body looking snatched! The maxi dress has built-in shapewear, which smooths down your stomach and enhances your curves for a flattering fit. Since it’s shapewear, it took a minute to shimmy into, but once the dress was on, it fit like a glove. I was in awe at seeing my own hourglass figure staring back at me in the mirror.

Another thing I love about the inner shapewear design is how long it is. It hits a few inches above the knees, so I don’t have to worry about my thighs rubbing together during sweaty summers in New York. The bodycon shape also does a great job of lifting everything up—the girlies and booty included. Plus, it has detachable cups and adjustable straps, so I don’t even have to wear a bra and I can avoid pesky underboob sweat.

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Now, let’s talk comfort: You would think shapewear would make you feel sweaty or itchy, but the material of the maxi dress is actually comfortable and breathable. It’s made of cotton and Modal (a material derived from renewable plants), so the dress is soft and stretchy (which I tested out by doing a squat test, so you’ll see me on a dance floor near you). Note: I wear a size large and found it fits to size.

And I can’t forget to mention the hidden feature I didn’t know I needed until now. There’s a crotch opening that makes it so much easier to use the bathroom without having to remove your entire dress. If you hate wearing shapewear, jumpsuits or rompers and having to basically undress in the stalls, then you’re going to love this feature. The opening is 8 x 2.4 inches wide, so it’s big enough to do your business without any mishaps. (The brand even shared a helpful diagram if you want to see how it works.) It’s such a small detail, but one that cements this dress as a mainstay in my wardrobe.

So, does it pass the length test? Yes, it does. I had zero issues with excess material dragging on the ground or getting caught in my sandals. It’s actually the perfect length for me and I’m able to walk with ease. Petite-approved.

Bottom Line

I’ve finally found a dress that flatters my height and curves, while solving an issue I hadn’t previously thought about (thank you, snazzy crotch design). Plus, it’s under $100, size inclusive and downright sexy. I’m going to need one in every color, because it’s the only dress I’ll be wearing all summer.

~~$80~~; $68 At Amazon

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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