The best cotton summer dresses for over 50s (2024)

It can be hard to find summer dresses with sleeves, but if you prefer to cover your arms, then there are lots of lovely lightweight cardigans and cover-ups available in the shops. For an easy daytime look, throw on a simple shirt dress. Alternatively, flatter your figure with a dress that is wrapped or ruched in style, which is ideal for a day at the races or another special occasion.

When it comes to special occasion dresses for older ladies, wrap dresses and v-necklines can be flattering for most body shapes. They cleverly lengthen the upper body, make you look taller and can help draw the eye upwards. If you’re a classic pear with a smaller bust, then look for ruffled necklines to balance out your proportions.

The best cotton summer dress at a glance:

• Most popular cotton summer dress: Chapelle Jersey Dress - View offer on Seasalt Cornwall
• Our favourite cotton summer dress: White Cotton Midi Shirt Dress - View offer on Nobody's Child
• Best cotton summer dress for value: Cotton Jersey 'Minogue' Mini Dress With Pockets - View offer on Wallis

However, regardless of the occasion, whether it's an everyday dress or a dress for a wedding abroad, we've included the best summer dresses in cooling cotton, so that you can find your perfect dress for the summer. Here are some of our favourites from trusted brands such as Marks & Spencer, Seasalt Cornwall and more.

The best cotton summer dresses to buy

Why should I choose a cotton dress for summer?

Cotton is a comfortable and breathable fabric to wear, so it's particularly good for warmer months. The fact that it's a soft and hypoallergenic material makes it kind against the skin. Its fibres allow the air to circulate through the fabric, and it also has moisture-wicking qualities, making it a great choice for the summer.

Where can I buy the best cotton summer dresses?

We've put together a list of some British fashion brands that you can trust when it comes to stylish cotton dresses, especially dresses for mature ladies. At Yours, our favourites for cotton summer options include , as well as Cotton Traders and Seasalt to name a few.

And if you're looking for flattering co*cktail dresses for over 50s, then you may just be in luck, as a few of these brands also do occasionwear too. The likes of Boden and Joules stock high-quality cotton dresses fit for any formal occasion.

Whether you're after the best dresses to wear at the races or you're simply after an everyday cotton summer dress, these brands cover it all. Why not take a look below to find out more?