23 Modest Dresses That Will Still Keep You Cool This Summer

Because dressing modestly shouldn’t have to be chore.

Last Updated on May 10, 2022

Contents hide

1 What is considered modest fashion?

2 How to make modest fashion look stylish

3 Modest dressing criteria

4 Where to shop for modest clothing?

5 Shop our edit of the best modest summer dresses

High temperatures in summer usually mean it’s time to start baring your skin, but what if you don’t want to?

At a time where more often than not trends lean towards the more skin you show off the better, it can be difficult to dress without the body-hugging discomfort.

We’re seeing a multitude of cut-out pieces, short shorts and mini dresses to handle the heat but what if you want to dress a bit more modestly this summer?

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What is considered modest fashion?

There is no one exact definition of what modest fashion means, but essentially modest dressing or modest fashion refers a trend in women’s fashion of wearing clothes that cover up parts of your body so as to reveal less skin.

It can be for spiritual and stylistic requirements for reasons of faith and religion, or it can just be for your own personal preference.

How to make modest fashion look stylish

We’re seeing a rise in women’s desire for comfort which has resulted in more oversized, loose-fitting, covered-up options than ever before – but who say’s dressing modestly means you have to sacrifice being stylish?

Long, flowy dresses are your best friend when it comes to dressing modestly during the hot summer months. They keep you cool while looking chic at just about any occasion.

Dress them up with heels for a more glam look or pair with trainers for a more relaxed casual vibe.

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Modest dressing criteria

When searching for modest dresses, there are certain criteria that need to be met which include the length of the dress, the neckline, the length of the sleeves and the fabric of the dress.

In terms of length, ideally the dress should reach your ankles. This is going to vary from person to person, so always remember to check the model’s height so you can accurately gauge how it will fit on you.

Next you need to consider the neckline. This should preferably cover your collarbone, but it’s a personal preference as to what you what you feel most comfortable in.

Sleeve length is the next thing to consider; ideally the sleeves should reach below your elbows, which can prove tricky in those hot summer months.

Lastly the fabric should be opaque or be lined so there’s no need to layer. No one and I repeat no one wants to be layering in summer.

Finding dresses that meet all said criteria can sometimes be tricky. When you refine your search based on the above criteria you see the options really whittle down. You finally think you’ve found the perfect one only to realise it’s backless and you’re back to the drawing board once again.

Luckily I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve scrolled through thousands of dresses to find the best options for modest dressers, which I’m sharing with you below.

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Where to shop for modest clothing?

I found that more and more high street shops are now catering for modest fashion. ASOS even have a dedicated modest section. They’ve worked with influencers like Shahd Batal to offer a capsule edit that actually suits the taste of modest dressers.

The offering isn’t boring or run of the mill either. It includes bold and bright patterns and plenty of choice when it comes to style.

COS is another great option; they offer timeless minimalist silhouettes to create classic shapes that are both modest and practical. These staples will form the backbone of your wardrobe for years to come.

Likewise Monki offer affordable and colourful pieces in oversized fits and modest-friendly hemlines. The brand is known for its graphic prints and vibrant hues.

RIXO have a great collection of occasion wear dresses never fail to bring you joy with their mix of prints and colours, they offer a variety of cuts that are perfect for modest dressing.

Keep scrolling for our edit of the best modest summer dresses that will keep you cool and covered this summer season.