Best Dresses for an Athletic Body: Find Your Ideal Fit

Wrap dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and belted shirt dresses draw attention to the waist while giving you room to move through the shoulders and hips. If you prefer a more relaxed silhouette, try a softly tailored shift dress and add a belt only if you like the extra definition.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating choose a shape that defines your waist.

A-line skirts and dresses with fuller skirts can create more visual volume at the hips, making them a useful choice if you have broad shoulders and want a balanced silhouette. V-necks and scoop necks offer an open neckline, while halter and one-shoulder styles put your shoulders in the spotlight when you want to emphasize them.

When trying on a dress, make sure you can lift your arms and sit comfortably without pulling across your shoulders, bust, or thighs; a dress that fits your widest area can often be tailored elsewhere. Stretch fabrics can be comfortable for fitted styles, while fabrics with a little structure can help an A-line or fit-and-flare dress hold its shape.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating find a comfortable fit.

Ruching, draping, and gathers can add dimension, while a simple column dress offers a clean, streamlined look that celebrates an athletic frame. For more outfit ideas, our team recommends our Flattering Styles for an Athletic Build – Easy Style Checklist and our article on what type of dress looks best on an athletic body.