The 27 best maxi dress brands
Anthropologie, Free People and Zara lead our ranking of 27 maxi dress brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Maxi Dress brands, ranked
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1
Anthropologie
Boho-leaning maxis in textured knits, smocked waists and shimmer tiers, usually priced above the mall chains.
Top products: High Neck Ribbed Knit Maxi Dress· Tiered Maxi Dress
Website: anthropologie.com |Brands like Anthropologie
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Free People
Free-spirited boho maxis with smocked bodices, tiers and tie straps, with a romantic look and a higher price than fast fashion.
Top products: Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress
Website: freepeople.com |Brands like Free People
Popularity 9.5/10
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3
Zara
Zara's maxis lean on sheer chiffon and ruffled prints, and the stock turns over every few weeks.
Top products: Trafaluc Midi Sheer Floral Star Maxi Dress
Website: zara.com |Brands like Zara
Popularity 8.4/10
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4
Mac Duggal
Formal evening gowns with hand-beading and detailed embellishment, aimed at proms, weddings and black-tie events.
Website: macduggal.com |Brands like Mac Duggal
Popularity 7.1/10
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5
SheIn
Low-cost trend maxis in wide size ranges, with bold prints, halter necklines and smocked bodices.
Top products: Smocked A-Line Maxi Dress· Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Website: us.shein.com |Brands like SheIn
Popularity 6.4/10
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6
Show Me Your MuMu
Bridesmaid-style maxis in bright prints and flattering cuts, popular for weddings and bridal parties.
Website: showmeyourmumu.com |Brands like Show Me Your MuMu
Popularity 5.8/10
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8
Lilly Pulitzer
Bright Palm Beach prints in cotton and stretch fabrics, aimed at resort wear and summer events.
Website: lillypulitzer.com |Brands like Lilly Pulitzer
Popularity 5.4/10
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9
Soft Surroundings
Relaxed, soft-fabric maxis in plus and petite sizes, designed for comfort with artful details.
Website: softsurroundings.com |Brands like Soft Surroundings
Popularity 4.9/10
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10
J.CREW
Polished maxis in cotton and silk blends with classic cuts, suited to work and dressier occasions.
Website: jcrew.com |Brands like J.CREW
Popularity 4.9/10
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11
H&M
Inexpensive fast-fashion maxis updated often, mostly in simple jersey and printed viscose.
Website: www2.hm.com |Brands like H&M
Popularity 4.9/10
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12
ASOS
Online-only catalogue of maxis, many from its own label, with extended size options including petite and tall.
Website: asos.com |Brands like ASOS
Popularity 4.9/10
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13
Adrianna Papell
Occasion maxis in beaded and embellished fabrics, typically for formal events and evening wear.
Website: adriannapapell.com |Brands like Adrianna Papell
Popularity 4.9/10
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14
Banana Republic
Office-friendly maxis in linen, crepe and knit, with a tailored, polished look at mid-level prices.
Website: bananarepublic.eu |Brands like Banana Republic
Popularity 4.8/10
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15
Chico's
Chico's, a clothing brand sold online and in its own stores, offers soft knit tops, tailored jackets and stretch denim in its women's line. Many pieces use comfortable, fluid fabrics and come in petite, regular, and plus sizes. Blouses and...
Website: chicos.com |Brands like Chico's
Popularity 4.6/10
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16
Reformation
Products ensuring the sustainability of the environment are the need of the hour at present. Reformation is a pioneer women's clothing and accessories brand that fabricates and designs its own stuff by taking sustainability into consideration. It is a one-stop...
Website: thereformation.com |Brands like Reformation
Popularity 4.5/10
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17
Fashion Nova
Fashion Nova, founded in 2006, is the world's premier quick-to-market clothing and lifestyle brand. The label has collections for women, men, and children. The brand aims to anticipate the latest fashions before others through listening to its customers and constantly...
Website: fashionnova.com |Brands like Fashion Nova
Popularity 4.5/10
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18
Torrid
Torrid makes plus-size women's clothing, including tops, blouses, dresses and jeans, along with intimate apparel, skirts, formal wear and swimwear. The American brand started in 2001 with a store in Brea, California, and has grown into a chain across the...
Website: torrid.com |Brands like Torrid
Popularity 4.3/10
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19
J. Jill
The J. Jill Group, Inc. is a premium specialty marketer of women's clothing, accessories, and souvenirs under the J. Jill brand. It markets its products via catalogs, retail shops, including its outlets, and its website. J. Jill's clothing is nearly...
Website: jjill.com |Brands like J. Jill
Popularity 4.2/10
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20
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein started his own company in 1968 when the fashion industry in New York was down in the dumps. At first, Klein manufactured simple clothing for suits and coats and slowly increased his line to include sportswear with interchangeable...
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 4.2/10
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21
LOFT
LOFT's women's collection includes blouses, dresses, sweaters, and pants, with its range also covering jeans, tops, accessories, and petite sizes. The garments are made in soft fabrics and cut for everyday wear. The overall focus is on comfort and simple...
Website: loft.com |Brands like LOFT
Popularity 4.1/10
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22
FOREVER 21
FOREVER 21 sells inexpensive, fast-changing fashion aimed at young women and teens, with dresses, blouses, sweaters and accessories. The Los Angeles-based chain also carries men's and children's clothing and restocks often with small batches of new styles.
Website: forever21.com |Brands like FOREVER 21
Popularity 4.0/10
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23
Betsy & Adam
Established in 1982 by Marty Sklar in New York City, Betsy and Adam have been one of the biggest formalwear producers for 25 + years in the U.S. The organization highly esteems styling, fit, and quality and dispatches another assortment...
Website: betsyandadam.com |Brands like Betsy & Adam
Popularity 3.9/10
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24
LuLaRoe
Every Independent Fashion Retailer at LuLaRoe has the opportunity to start their own business and build a team of like-minded people. Independent Fashion Retailers have endless development potential thanks to their technology, training, and support systems. They believe that everyone...
Website: lularoe.com |Brands like LuLaRoe
Popularity 3.9/10
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25
Boden
Boden was established in 1991, back when catalogs and mail-ordered clothes weren't a 'thing' in Britain. It is now a successful company that is up and running, driven by originality and family values executing its views aesthetically and bravely in...
Website: bodenusa.com |Brands like Boden
Popularity 3.8/10
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26
Express
Express builds fashion apparel, and its jewelry includes dog tag necklaces, silver chain styles, and infinity pendants. As an American fashion retailer, Express offers these pieces alongside its clothing. Silver circle and infinity pieces work well layered or worn alone...
Website: express.com |Brands like Express
Popularity 3.7/10
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27
Xscape
Xscape will let you escape every dull evening! Be it any event, and they will find you an outfit that slays! Designing dresses in all sizes, the brand also celebrates body positivity, promoting inclusivity. Happy and content customers across the...
Website: xscapeevenings.com |Brands like Xscape
Popularity 3.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologie | anthropologie.com | /Anthropologie | anthropologie | @anthropologie | – |
| Free People | freepeople.com | /freepeople | freepeople | @freepeople | freepeople |
| Zara | zara.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mac Duggal | macduggal.com | /macduggaldresses | macduggal | – | – |
| SheIn | us.shein.com | – | – | – | – |
| Show Me Your MuMu | showmeyourmumu.com | /showmeyourmumu | mumuweddings | – | ShowMeYourMutube |
| Old Navy | oldnavy.gap.com | – | – | – | – |
| Lilly Pulitzer | lillypulitzer.com | /lillypulitzer | lillypulitzer | @lillypulitzer | LillyPulitzerPB |
| Soft Surroundings | softsurroundings.com | /SoftSurroundings | soft_surroundings | @softsurrounding | SoftSurrounding |
| J.CREW | jcrew.com | – | – | – | – |
Maxi Dress Buying Guide
Maxi dresses are the perfect clothing item for any woman looking to achieve a chic and effortless look. They are a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion. However, with so many different styles, fabrics, and patterns to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect maxi dress for your body type and personal style. This guide will help you navigate the world of maxi dresses and make the right buying choices.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Maxi Dress
The first thing you need to consider when selecting a maxi dress is the fabric. The type of fabric you choose can have a significant impact on the look and feel of the dress. Here are some of the most common fabrics for maxi dresses:
Cotton
Cotton is a popular choice for maxi dresses because it's versatile, lightweight, and breathable. It's an excellent choice for summer because it keeps you cool and comfortable, but it can be a bit heavier for cooler weather. Additionally, cotton is easy to care for, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.
Polyester
Polyester is another popular choice for maxi dresses because it's lightweight, durable, and wrinkle-resistant, making it an excellent choice for travel. However, it's not very breathable, so it's not the best choice for hot weather.
Silk
Silk is a luxurious and elegant fabric that drapes beautifully and feels amazing against your skin. However, it's also delicate and requires special care, so it's not the best choice for everyday wear.
Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic material that feels similar to cotton but is a bit more lightweight and silky. It drapes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for maxi dresses that hug your curves. However, it can be a bit tricky to care for, so make sure to read the care instructions carefully.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Maxi Dress
The style of your maxi dress is just as important as the fabric. Your body shape, personal style, and the occasion will determine which style is best for you. Here are some of the most common maxi dress styles:
Empire Waist Maxi Dress
The empire waist maxi dress is a popular choice for women who want to create the illusion of a longer torso. The waistline of the dress is raised above your natural waist, which helps elongate your legs and create a more proportionate look.
A-Line Maxi Dress
The A-line maxi dress is a flattering style for women of all body types. It's narrower at the top and flares out towards the bottom, creating a classic and feminine silhouette. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
Wrap Maxi Dress
The wrap maxi dress is a popular choice for women who want to create the illusion of a slimmer waistline. The dress wraps around your body and ties at the waist, creating a flattering and feminine silhouette.
Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress
The off-shoulder maxi dress is a trendy and feminine style that's perfect for summer. It shows off your shoulders and collarbone while still providing coverage for your arms and legs. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
Halter Maxi Dress
The halter maxi dress is a classic and elegant style that's perfect for formal occasions. The dress has a high neckline and ties at the back of your neck, showing off your shoulders and collarbone while still providing coverage around your chest.
Choosing the Right Length for Your Maxi Dress
The length of your maxi dress is another critical factor to consider. The length will determine how formal or casual the dress looks and whether it's appropriate for the occasion. Here are the most common lengths for maxi dresses:
Ankle-Length Maxi Dress
The ankle-length maxi dress is a versatile style that's perfect for both casual and formal occasions. It's a great choice for petite women because it won't overwhelm your frame.
Midi-Length Maxi Dress
The midi-length maxi dress falls between the ankle and the knee and is a popular choice for women who want a dress that's not too long or too short. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.
Floor-Length Maxi Dress
The floor-length maxi dress is a formal and elegant style that's perfect for black-tie events and formal occasions. However, it can be a bit overwhelming for petite women, so make sure to choose a style that flatters your frame.
Choosing the Right Patterns and Colors for Your Maxi Dress
The pattern and color of your maxi dress play an essential role in how it looks and how it complements your skin tone and personal style. Here are some of the most common patterns and colors for maxi dresses:
Floral
Floral patterns are a popular choice for maxi dresses because they're feminine, romantic, and perfect for spring and summer. They come in a variety of colors and styles, from bold and bright to soft and subtle.
Solid Colors
Solid-colored maxi dresses are a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. They come in a variety of colors, from bold and bright to neutral and muted. They're perfect for women who want a dress that's simple and understated.
Animal Print
Animal prints are a trendy choice for maxi dresses that add a touch of boldness and edge to your look. They come in a variety of patterns, from leopard and zebra to python and snake. They're perfect for women who want to make a statement.
Stripes
Striped maxi dresses are a classic and timeless choice that never go out of style. They come in a variety of widths and colors, from thick and bold to thin and subtle. They're perfect for women who want a dress that's both chic and versatile.
Conclusion
Choosing the right maxi dress can be overwhelming, but by considering the fabric, style, length, pattern, and color, you can find a dress that flatters your body type and suits your personal style. Maxi dresses are a versatile and comfortable clothing item that you can wear all year round. They're perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual brunch with friends or a formal black-tie event. By following this guide, you'll be sure to find a maxi dress that makes you look and feel your best.