Dresses

Dresses are a one-piece garment that covers the body from the shoulders to a hem. They are worn by many cultures and come in a wide range of styles, lengths, and fabrics. Although the term is most often associated with women's fashion, dress designs exist for all genders and ages, and many styles are marketed as gender-neutral in contemporary fashion.

Common silhouettes include sheath, A-line, fit-and-flare, empire waist, ball gown, shift, and tent. Lengths range from mini and knee-length to midi and maxi. Closures include zippers, buttons, ties, or elastic at the waist. Fabrics span natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool, as well as synthetics like polyester and rayon. Garments may feature sleeves, various necklines, waist definitions, prints, embroidery, and other embellishments.

Historically, dresses have reflected cultural norms, climate, and technology. In Western fashion, garments evolved from simple robes and layered outfits in ancient and medieval times to the 19th-century emphasis on a fitted bodice and full skirt, and later to the diverse silhouettes of the 20th and 21st centuries. Many cultures maintain traditional dress forms that are distinct from Western dress styles.

Use, care, and appreciation: dresses are selected for occasion, climate, and personal style. Dress codes classify events as casual, business or professional, cocktail, formal, or white-tie. Care varies by fabric and construction, with some requiring dry cleaning and others machine washing. Growing attention to sustainability has increased interest in durable designs and secondhand markets.