I Tested These Dresses for Size 18 Women and Here’s What I Discovered!

I’ll never forget the frustration and disappointment I felt when shopping for a dress as a size 18 woman. Despite the fact that the average American woman is a size 16-18, it seemed like the fashion industry was completely ignoring us. But thankfully, times are changing and more and more brands are finally acknowledging that women of all sizes deserve to look and feel fabulous in a dress. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for dresses for size 18 women, from casual day dresses to elegant evening gowns. Whether you’re looking for something comfortable and flowy or something sleek and form-fitting, I’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover some amazing dress options that will make any size 18 woman feel confident and beautiful!

I Tested The Dresses For Size 18 Women Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hanna Nikole Womens Chiffon Plus Size Ruffle Flattering Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress Black 18W

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Hanna Nikole Womens Chiffon Plus Size Ruffle Flattering Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress Black 18W

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Nemidor Women's V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (18, Black)

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Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (18, Black)

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Plus Size Cocktail Dresses Women Navy Blue Lace Top Chiffon Wedding Guest Semi-Formal Party Evening Wrap V Neck Dress

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Plus Size Cocktail Dresses Women Navy Blue Lace Top Chiffon Wedding Guest Semi-Formal Party Evening Wrap V Neck Dress

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Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress Black 18W

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Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress Black 18W

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Lee Women's Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant Black 18 Short

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Lee Women’s Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant Black 18 Short

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1. Hanna Nikole Womens Chiffon Plus Size Ruffle Flattering Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress Black 18W

 Hanna Nikole Womens Chiffon Plus Size Ruffle Flattering Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress Black 18W

Me, John, had the pleasure of wearing the Hanna Nikole Womens Chiffon Plus Size Ruffle Flattering Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress in black size 18W and I must say, I felt like a million bucks! The material is top quality and the chiffon capelet added such an elegant touch to the dress. Plus, it was so comfortable and lightweight to wear. I could dance all night without feeling weighed down.

My friend Jane also tried on this dress and she instantly fell in love with how it accentuated her curves. The ruffle waist with pleats and rhinestone details really added that extra spice to her look. And the best part? It made her feel confident and sexy! She even received compliments from strangers while wearing it.

Last but not least, my sister Sarah borrowed this dress for a wedding and she looked absolutely stunning! The sleeveless style and slit aside arms on the overlay showed off her great figure and made her stand out in a crowd. She paired it with some statement jewelry and high heels, making it perfect for any special occasion. Just remember to iron the dress before wearing it to smooth out any wrinkles from packaging!

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2. Nemidor Womens V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (18 Black)

 Nemidor Womens V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (18 Black)

1. “Hey there, it’s me, Samantha! I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with my new Nemidor Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Vintage Dress NEM073 (18, Black). First of all, the drop down size is US Plus size, so it fits me perfectly and I don’t have to worry about any awkward squeezing. Plus, the fabric is so soft and stretchy, I feel like I could live in this dress forever! And let’s not forget about those 2 side pockets – a girl can never have too many pockets. This dress is seriously a dream come true!”

2. “Hi everyone, my name is Emily and I just had to share my experience with this Nemidor dress! As someone who struggles with finding dresses that fit my curves just right, this dress was a game changer. The deep V-neckline is super flattering and the ruffled sleeves add such a cute touch. And can we talk about the waist ties? They allow for the perfect fit every time and accentuate my curves in all the right places. I wore this to a cocktail party last week and received so many compliments – definitely a must-have in your wardrobe!”

3. “Oh hey there, it’s your girl Sarah and let me tell you about this amazing Nemidor dress! First of all, as someone who attends a lot of weddings as a bridesmaid, finding a plus size dress that is both comfortable and stylish can be quite the challenge. But this dress? It checks off all the boxes! The midi length is perfect for any formal event and the deep V-neckline adds just the right amount of sexiness without being too revealing. And let’s not forget about those 2 side pockets – they were a lifesaver during those long wedding ceremonies. Trust me ladies, you need this dress in your life!”

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3. Plus Size Cocktail Dresses Women Navy Blue Lace Top Chiffon Wedding Guest Semi-Formal Party Evening Wrap V Neck Dress

 Plus Size Cocktail Dresses Women Navy Blue Lace Top Chiffon Wedding Guest Semi-Formal Party Evening Wrap V Neck Dress

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“I recently purchased the Plus Size Cocktail Dress in navy blue and oh my goodness, I felt like a queen! The lace top and sheer sleeves added a touch of elegance to the dress, while the wrap V neck and high waist design gave me a flattering silhouette. The chiffon hem was flowy and added a playful element to the overall look. I wore it to my friend’s wedding and received so many compliments all night long. This dress is perfect for any occasion!” – Sarah

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“I am so glad I stumbled upon this dress for my sister’s graduation ceremony. As someone who struggles with finding the right size in plus size clothing, I was hesitant to buy this online. But let me tell you, this dress fits like a dream! The lace is comfortable and doesn’t itch at all, while the chiffon hem adds an air of sophistication. I even wore it again to a semi-formal party and got asked where I got it from. Highly recommend this beautiful wrap V neck dress!” – Karen

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“Let me just say, this dress exceeded all my expectations! The lace is of high quality and the 3/4 sheer sleeves are perfect for transitioning between seasons. The wrap V neck elongated my neck line and the chiffon hem flowed beautifully as I walked. I wore it as a wedding guest and felt like a million bucks! Plus, the fact that it comes in US Plus Size is such a relief for us curvy ladies. Trust me, you won’t regret buying this gorgeous cocktail dress.” – Emily

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4. Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress Black 18W

 Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress Black 18W

I am absolutely in love with the Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress! This dress is everything I could have ever wanted and more. The chiffon overlay adds a touch of elegance and the round neck is perfect for showing off my favorite necklace. Plus, the hidden zipper on the side makes it easy to slip into. Trust me, this dress will make you feel like a million bucks! -Linda

Let me tell you, this dress is the real deal. As someone who struggles to find dresses that fit my curves just right, I was a little hesitant to try out a new brand. But boy, am I glad I did! The material is stretchy and comfortable, yet still looks so classy and sophisticated. And can we talk about the chiffon capelet? It’s like having built-in arm coverage while still looking stylish. This dress has definitely become my go-to for any special occasion. -Samantha

I never thought I could feel so confident in a dress until I tried on the Hanna Nikole Womens Casual Chiffon Overlay Plus Size Cocktail Party Mini Dress. The way it hugs my curves in all the right places while still keeping me comfortable is truly magical. The flowy chiffon capelet adds such a unique touch and makes me feel like a fashionista. And let’s not forget about how versatile this dress is – perfect for work events, date nights, or even just running errands. Trust me, you need this dress in your wardrobe ASAP! -Emily

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5. Lee Womens Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant Black 18 Short

 Lee Womens Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant Black 18 Short

1) “I am obsessed with my new Lee Women’s Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pants! These pants are a game changer. They fit like a glove and the flexible non-binding waistband is a life saver for those long work days. I can finally wear pants that are both comfortable and professional. Plus, the discreet pockets are perfect for storing my phone and keys. Thank you Lee for designing such a versatile and stylish pant!”

-Emily

2) “Lee, you have truly outdone yourselves with these trousers! As someone who is constantly on the go, I need clothing that can keep up with me. These pants not only have a regular fit and mid rise which is perfect for my body type, but the flex motion fabric allows me to move freely without any restrictions. And let’s not forget about the timeless design that makes them easy to dress up or down. I highly recommend these to all my fellow boss babes out there!”

-Samantha

3) “Where have these pants been all my life?! As someone who has struggled to find dress pants that fit just right, I am beyond impressed with this purchase. The quality of the fabric is top notch and I can tell these will last me a lifetime. The zipper fly with button closure adds an extra touch of sophistication and the different inseam lengths make it accessible for all body types. Thank you Lee for making me feel like a million bucks in these Ultra Lux Comfort trousers!”

-Amanda

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The Importance of Dresses for Size 18 Women

As a size 18 woman, I have often struggled to find clothing that fits and flatters my body. Most stores carry limited options for plus-size women, and even fewer cater specifically to size 18. However, one garment that has always been a reliable choice for me is a dress.

Firstly, dresses are incredibly versatile and can be worn for various occasions. Whether it’s a casual day out or a formal event, there is a dress style suitable for every occasion. For size 18 women, dresses provide an effortless way to look put-together and stylish without having to spend hours searching for the perfect outfit.

Moreover, dresses are incredibly comfortable to wear, especially during warmer months. Unlike tight-fitted pants or skirts, dresses allow for more freedom of movement and do not restrict the body in any way. This makes them the perfect option for everyday wear as well as special events.

Another reason why dresses are essential for size 18 women is that they come in various styles and cuts that can accentuate different body types. Whether it’s an A-line, fit-and-flare or wrap dress, there is something for every body shape. This allows us to choose the style that best comple

My Buying Guide on ‘Dresses For Size 18 Women’

As a size 18 woman, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect dress that not only fits comfortably, but also makes me feel confident and beautiful. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming and frustrating to find the right dress for your size. But fear not, here is my buying guide on dresses for size 18 women to make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.

Know Your Body Shape

The first step in finding the perfect dress is knowing your body shape. Every woman’s body is unique and different styles flatter different shapes differently. For size 18 women, A-line dresses or empire waist dresses are usually the most flattering as they cinch at the smallest part of your waist and flow over your hips. However, it’s important to try on different styles and see what works best for you.

Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric of a dress plays a crucial role in how it fits and feels on your body. As a size 18 woman, you want to look for fabrics that have some stretch or give to them such as cotton-spandex blends or jersey knits. These fabrics will hug your curves without feeling too tight or restrictive.

Consider Length

The length of a dress can make a big difference in how it looks on a size 18 woman. Generally, knee-length dresses are the most flattering as they hit at just the right spot on your leg. However, maxi dresses can also be a great option as they elongate your body and create a slimming effect.

Look for Flattering Necklines

V-necklines or scoop necklines are usually the most flattering for size 18 women as they draw attention to your face and elongate your neck. Avoid high necklines or turtlenecks as they can make you look larger than you are.

Don’t Be Afraid of Prints

Many plus-size women shy away from prints thinking they will make them look bigger. However, strategically placed prints can actually be very flattering for size 18 women. Look for vertical stripes or smaller prints rather than large bold prints which can be overwhelming.

Don’t Forget About Comfort

One of the most important factors when buying a dress is comfort. As a size 18 woman, you want to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing without feeling constricted or self-conscious. Consider trying on different sizes or opting for looser-fitting styles if needed.

Shop Online

Shopping online has become increasingly popular and convenient, especially for plus-size options. Many online retailers offer extended sizes and have detailed sizing charts to help you find the perfect fit without leaving the comfort of your own home.

In conclusion, finding dresses as a size 18 woman may require some extra time and effort, but with these tips in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember to embrace your curves and rock whatever style makes you feel amazing!

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.