Best Brands for Summer Dresses (And How to Get the Fit Right First Time)
There’s something special about a summer dress. Effortless, floaty, breathable—it’s the one piece that instantly signals the arrival of longer days and warmer weather. But finding the perfect one? That’s a different story.
Whether you’re after relaxed beachwear, office-appropriate options or event-ready elegance, choosing the right summer dress isn’t just about style—it’s also about fit. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.
Before we dive into sizing solutions, here’s our round-up of the best brands for summer dresses in 2025—from timeless staples to trend-led favourites.
1. Reformation (US)
If you love feminine silhouettes with sustainable credentials, Reformation is the one. From puff-sleeve midi dresses to cut-out sundresses, their designs are always flattering, lightweight, and ideal for garden parties or casual weekends.
Best picks:
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The Juliette dress (a staple)
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The Nikita linen midi
Fit tip: Reformation runs small—especially in bust and waist. Check your size carefully.
🟩 Use Tellar to find your Reformation size
2. Mango (Spain)
Mango’s summer collections are always strong—combining Mediterranean ease with modern cuts. Think cotton wrap dresses, belted shirt styles, and linen-blend maxis in earthy, wearable tones.
Best picks:
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Belted midi shirt dresses
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Printed halternecks
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One-shoulder linen blends
Fit tip: Mango can run slightly small in the waist and hips, especially in tailored styles.
3. & Other Stories (Sweden)
Part of the H&M family, & Other Stories offers ultra-stylish pieces at an accessible price point. Their summer dresses range from flirty minis to sleek slip dresses and sophisticated cotton poplin styles.
Best picks:
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Smocked midi dresses
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Structured cotton midis
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Draped satin slips
Fit tip: Generally true to size—but check shoulder seams and bust if you’re in between sizes.
4. Faithfull the Brand (Australia)
Known for its dreamy, boho-style pieces and artisanal prints, Faithfull the Brand is a go-to for travel wardrobes and European holiday vibes.
Best picks:
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Wrap dresses in floral block prints
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Spaghetti-strap minis
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Shirred linen midis
Fit tip: Lightweight fabrics with minimal stretch—size up if between sizes.
5. COS (Sweden)
For those who prefer minimalist silhouettes and architectural cuts, COS is perfect. Their summer dresses feel fresh, structured and effortlessly modern.
Best picks:
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Oversized shirt dresses
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Sculptural cotton poplins
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Draped jersey maxis
Fit tip: COS often runs large—many shoppers comfortably size down.
🟩 Use Tellar to check your COS size based on actual measurements
6. Nobody’s Child (UK)
Sustainable and affordable, Nobody’s Child is one of the most talked-about UK brands for dresses. Their summer pieces are floral, feminine and perfect for weddings, BBQs or everyday wear.
Best picks:
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The Reese wrap midi
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Gingham smocks
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Tiered cotton maxis
Fit tip: Generally true to size with some stretch in the waist.
7. H&M (Global)
If you’re after budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice style, H&M’s summer range is hard to beat. With everything from crochet knits to relaxed-fit linen blends, it’s a great place to try a few seasonal trends.
Best picks:
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Linen blend shirt dresses
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Puff-sleeve cotton dresses
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Crochet mini dresses
Fit tip: Sizing varies by collection. The “Divided” range runs small, but Conscious and core lines run true to size or slightly large.
8. Massimo Dutti (Spain)
If you’re shopping for something elevated—think tailored, structured, and quietly luxurious—Massimo Dutti delivers. Their summer range often includes beautifully cut neutral-toned maxis and high-quality linens.
Best picks:
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Sleeveless belted midi dresses
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Pleated crepe shirt dresses
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Tailored linen maxis
Fit tip: Massimo Dutti runs small, especially across shoulders and waist.
🟩 Use Tellar to confirm your size in Massimo Dutti before ordering
9. Free People (US)
Known for their bohemian, festival-ready looks, Free People offers flowy, romantic pieces in lightweight cottons and gauze fabrics—ideal for heatwaves or holidays.
Best picks:
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Oversized gauze shirt dresses
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Tiered floral maxis
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Halter dresses with open backs
Fit tip: Sizing is unpredictable—many styles are oversized, but not all. Use a sizing tool to check.
10. Zara (Spain)
Zara’s trend-led approach means you’ll find designer-style dresses at accessible prices. Their summer offering usually includes bold prints, asymmetric cuts, and fashion-forward details.
Best picks:
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One-shoulder satin slips
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Cut-out midis
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Bubble-hem minis
Fit tip: Zara runs small—especially in bust, waist and hips.
🟩 Check your accurate Zara size instantly with Tellar
Why Fit Matters More Than Ever
You can have the most beautiful dress in the world—but if it doesn’t fit, you won’t wear it. And in summer, comfort is everything.
With every brand using a different size guide (and no universal standard in sight), even seasoned shoppers get it wrong. That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists.
Tellar.co.uk: The Smarter Way to Shop Dresses
Instead of guessing what size to order, Tellar matches your real body measurements—or even your known size in a favourite brand—to over 1,500 high street and designer brands.
It’s 100% free and takes less than 60 seconds to use.
✅ Match your size across brands
✅ Works for UK/US/EU sizing
✅ See which brands run large or small
✅ Download a free printable tape measure
✅ One-time email login (no password needed)
🟩 Create your free profile
🟩 Check your size across brands instantly
Follow Tellar for More Sizing Clarity & Style Insights
Stay updated on brand sizing quirks, fit tips, and style guides:
Final Thoughts
Summer dresses are the ultimate wardrobe staple—but only if they fit you properly. With so many brands interpreting sizing differently, the smartest thing you can do is shop with a size-matching tool like Tellar.
Because when the sun’s out, the last thing you want is another return parcel.
🟩 Find your perfect summer dress—and get the size right the first time—with Tellar.co.uk.
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