Easy-breezy and totally comfortable, the nap dress, popularized by lifestyle brand Hill House Home, is just one of the latest iterations of house dresses. And while house dresses have been around for decades and potentially even centuries (the style is said to have originated from a Victorian gown), the romantic garment is experiencing quite the renaissance in the fashion world.
What is a nap dress?
Nap dresses are “loose-fitting, flowy and feminine” says Amanda Sanders, a lifestyle expert and stylist to celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Rock and Jennifer Coolidge. Often, the only fitted part of the dress is around the bust, and other key features include “heavy smocking, overexaggerated puff sleeves and a typically long, slightly pleated skirt.” While nap dresses may be comfortable enough to sleep in, their purpose goes far beyond that of a nightgown. The brilliance of the nap dress and similar house dresses is that they’re generally dressy enough to wear to the office, comfortable enough for running errands and romantic enough for a weekend date.
Ahead, we’ve not only tried but napped in our favorite nap dresses we own and love. They check all our boxes when it comes to comfort, versatility and — of course — style.
Our favorite nap dresses
When I think of nap dresses, my mind immediately goes to Hill House, the brand that undoubtedly started the viral trend. Everyone wants to get their hands on the Ellie Nap Dress, and I was lucky enough to try it for a size-inclusive test I’m a part of for our social channels. It truly is comfy enough to nap in, but the ruffled shoulders, elasticized smocking and tiered midi skirt are elevated and sophisticated enough to wear to fancy drinks or dinner this spring and summer. It’s also important to note that after hours of sleeping or general movement in the dress, it never once wrinkled! One word: obsessed. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
I love how flattering the Daphne is and the fact that it has pockets that are deep enough to hold my phone, which is always a plus in my book. While this dress does feature a structured bodice that makes it more restrictive up top than the Ellie, it is still just as comfortable to wear (and yes, to nap in)! Basically, I love everything about this dress, from the cute, whimsical print to the elegant, ruffled shoulders to the flowy bottom. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator
Behold, a puff-sleeve dress that doesn’t overwhelm you! I’m just 5 feet tall, and puff sleeves can often make me look like I’m about to fly away. These on the Louisa Nap dress fit my proportions exactly, and it really is so comfy. I got it in the Black Cotton, and while it feels stiff at first, it just gets softer and softer with each wash. It’s so stretchy that I’d definitely recommend ordering your regular size or actually one size down, especially if you have narrow shoulders, since the neckline is so wide. Speaking of neckline, it hits perfectly so I can actually wear a bra with it, and it can easily be dressed up with heels and jewelry or truly be the perfect nap dress. — Rachel Lubitz, former senior lifestyle editor
The vividly colored material is actually a rayon/cotton blend (not solely cotton), which makes it super lightweight and almost silky against the skin. My fear that the fabric would overwhelm my 5-foot-4-inch stature was put at bay as soon as I put it on. While it’s certainly loose, the dress is definitely not huge. The midi length is my favorite detail, as it hits a flattering point between my knees and ankles. The dress — which others are paying more than $300 for from high-end designers — easily transitions from drab to fab, letting you live out your cottagecore fashion fantasies. — Courtney Thompson, Underscored contributor
I’m calling it right now: This is going to be the dress I wear (or sleep in!) the most this year. Not only does it have the key features of a nap dress ... but it’s quite literally the cutest, comfiest and most flattering dress I’ve ever worn. The 3D embroidered flowers are a unique, [springlike] touch and the sleeves aren’t too billowy, which I love. Since I’m on the shorter side, I often get swallowed in maxis, but the fit is just perfection and fits every body to a tee. It needs no explanation that the other seven colors are sitting in my Free People cart right now! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
OK, yes, this dress looks dark and heavy, but listen: This is truly the easiest, breeziest dress I own. I first wore this to an absolutely sweltering wedding last summer, and since then it’s been in my work-from-home wardrobe because it feels like wearing the lightest cotton imaginable. The two slits on either add some sex appeal and also make it cool to walk in, and it’s got a ton of elastic so it really hugs your curves in a beautiful way. I’ve worn it with a (faux) diamond necklace as much as I’ve worn it barefoot around the house. And yup, you can wear a regular bra! — Rachel Lubitz, former senior lifestyle editor
Other nap dresses we love
Although the skirt is forgiving and open and the sleeves are intentionally baggy, this dress avoids being frumpy, thanks to an elastic waistband that adds shape to the silhouette. Compared to many of our top picks, it’s also extremely affordable.
This option from Lulus, one of our favorite places to shop for affordable and high-quality women’s clothes, features the nap dress’s signature smocked bodice and flowy skirt but swaps big sleeves for short off-the-shoulder ones. With thigh-high slits, the whole dress is sleek and just a little sexier than your typical nap dress.
Quince regularly impresses with products (like its duvet cover) that manage to be both luxurious and affordable. Despite using premium materials like 100% organic cotton poplin, this flattering midi costs only $70.
“I love the price point of this dress and that it comes in regular, petite and plus sizes. It works for many body shapes while being stylish and inexpensive,” Sanders says. Another bonus? This machine-washable dress comes with pockets.
Sanders explains that many maxi-length nap dresses can be “overwhelming to most women who are under [5 feet 7 inches].” Short nap dresses feature everything we love about their maxi-length counterparts but are friendlier to petites. This option from Free People features a cute tie in the back so you don’t have to fret about buttons or zippers.
Ready to work some more cottagecore vibes into your summer wardrobe? With a dainty floral print, this maxi dress from Lulus is perfect for all your get-togethers, daily errands or sun-soaked relaxing.
If you’re looking for a shorter version of the ultra-comfy Hill House Nap Dress, snag the Athena.
Everything about this dress — from its airy, European flax linen fabric to its relaxed fit and smocked back panel — is designed to be comfortable. And yet, you wouldn’t look out of place if you wore this to an elegant dinner party, making it a versatile addition to anyone’s spring or summer wardrobe.
Looking for something more formal? Sanders describes this lace piece as a "dressier version" of the original Nap Dress. Even so, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style, ensuring a flexible fit with elastic straps and a smocked bodice.
For a trimmer silhouette, Sanders says you should consider this by-hand block-printed dress, which benefits from upper-body smocking and ties around the waist. With its airy, cool voile fabric, it’s also perfect for warmer weather.
We know most people don’t have $500 to spend on a dress, no matter how stylish and comfy it is. But if you’ve got the cash, Sanders says this is the “the sexy, more sophisticated sister of the nap dress,” thanks to its deep-V neckline and open back. She adds that you can pair it with metallic heels for a dressier look or stylish sandals for a more casual daytime ’fit.