Flattering dresses for athletic body types: our 21 picks

Editor’s note: Article updated January 2, 2024.

Shopping: It’s one of our favorite activities, but sometimes it’s actually difficult to find items that are worth your hard-earned money. If you have an athletic (or boxy) body type, it can be difficult to buy flattering clothes, especially online. Most fashion models don’t have very athletic builds, so it can be difficult to tell what a piece of clothing looks like on you or them. But don’t worry: there are of course plenty of dresses that you will feel fantastic wearing!

With an athletic shape, the shoulders and hips are approximately the same width and the weight is fairly evenly distributed over the body. This means that you may want something that emphasizes either the top or the bottom of your body, and not both. Fit-and-flare dresses can help balance out wider shoulders, or you can accentuate them with a top with accent sleeves and a more fitted skirt. Halter and racerback styles are also great for showing off toned arms. Strapless works too! You can also opt for something with a deep V-neck or a round neckline to flatter your bust.

Want to see some examples we like? We’ve picked out 21 dresses for you, so let’s check them out!

21 Extremely Flattering Dresses for Athletic Body Types

Fit and flare dresses

1. Our absolute favorite: This vintage tea style Grace Karin dress is actually famous on Amazon and is a fit-and-flare style through and through!

2. We also like: This fixed Verdusa dress is a better choice for more casual occasions where you still want to look ultra-chic!

3. We must not forget: How about this beautiful one MakeMeChic dress? The patterned skirt gives the bottoms extra visual definition!

Dresses with accent sleeves

4. Our absolute favorite: With voluminous, fluttering short sleeves and a fitted silhouette, this Zshujun dress is an athletic build’s dream!

5. We also like: How nice is this gingham Dress with puff sleeves of Anthropology? A perfect summer find!

6. We must not forget: These flowers Zaful dress with puff sleeves is another great choice, with multiple tie details for cute accents!

Halter dresses

7. Our absolute favorite: We just found your next chic party dress, and it comes in the shape of this bestseller Prettygarden halter dress!

8. We also like: This Lulus mini dress is elegant and chic without being too luxurious. Shoppers say it’s comfortable too!

9. We must not forget: This fit Floern’s dress and the tropical print are simply made for your next holiday!

Racerback dresses

10. Our absolute favorite: If you’re looking for a dress you can take anywhere, get this one LuckyMore dress (with pockets)!

11. We also like: This sweet and sporty Eleven by Venus Williams dress from Revolve is a great choice for athleisure!

12. We can’t forget The tie detail at the waist of this BTFBM dress makes you feel like a million – no, a billion dollars!

Strapless dresses

13. Our absolute favorite: This beachy, boho CHICGALE dress will be any pattern lover’s best friend. It has a whole bunch!

14. We also like: Okay, our jaws dropped a little when we saw the unique tie-dye design on this Riviera Sun dress!

15. We Can’t Forget: You probably don’t want to take this off THANTH maxi dress once you try it!

Dresses with V-neck

16. Our absolute favorite: This plummet Floerns mini dress features a graceful print and flowy, flattering details that everyone will love!

17. We also like: Wrap dresses flatter every body type, so you know you can’t go wrong with this popular dress ZESICA piece!

18. We Can’t Forget: Need something for a formal occasion? You do not want to miss this Dress in the population dress!

Round neck dresses

19. Our absolute favorite: From Everlane Ribbed dress with round neck will amaze you every time. Wonderful for winter!

20. We also like: We would wear this Daily Ritual henley dress the whole year. So many ways to style it!

21. We Can’t Forget: In love with pleated pleats? This Lulus mini dress will become your new favorite – you’ll wear it all the time!