Cap Sleeve Dresses

Cap sleeve dresses give the shoulder a little cover and stop there. You get a polished line without any extra bulk under the arm. This edit is full of fitted pencil dresses and a few swing styles. Most use Ripple Crepe, Moss Crepe or Bi-Stretch. Every one is made in England, in sizes S to XXL. Polka dots, florals and plain colours all feature.

What is a cap sleeve?

A cap sleeve is a very short sleeve. It sits over the top of the shoulder and does not go under the arm. It sits between sleeveless and a true short sleeve.

That makes it ideal for warm days when you still want a neat finish. Our guide to short sleeve types explains how it compares with other sleeves.

A cap sleeve feels more dressed than a sleeveless cut. It frames the shoulders and makes the waist look smaller. It also works well with a bolero or cropped jacket, with no bunching. Many customers choose it as a halfway point between sleeveless and sleeved.

Styles in this edit

The Polly and Thea are cap-sleeved pencil dresses with a clean line. The Ester adds a bow detail. The Derby has handy pockets. The Fenella polka dot and the Ogle print bring a vintage mood. The Rochelle is a swing style with a fuller skirt.

  • Pencil shapes for a sleek, fitted look.
  • Swing and A-line shapes for more movement.
  • Polka dots and florals for summer events.

Where to wear a cap sleeve dress

They are great for summer weddings, garden parties and day trips. See more ideas in our wedding guest dresses. Want a little more cover? Try our short sleeve dresses. Prefer bare arms? See sleeveless dresses.

Fabrics in this edit

Ripple Crepe is the most common fabric here. It is light and breathes well on warm days. Moss Crepe is soft with a gentle texture. Bi-Stretch is smooth and resists creases.

A few styles use Ottoman, a firm ribbed fabric that smooths the figure. If you choose Ottoman, we suggest going one size up. Our fabric guide explains each fabric in more detail.

Cap sleeve dress FAQs

What length are cap sleeve dresses?

Most sit on or just below the knee. Check each product page for the exact length.

Do cap sleeves suit broad shoulders?

Yes. Pair a cap sleeve with a scoop or V neckline to balance the shoulders and draw the eye inward.

Are cap sleeves smart enough for work?

In most offices, yes. They cover the shoulder, so they meet many dress codes.

Which fabric is coolest in summer?

Ripple Crepe is light and breathable. It is a good choice for hot days.

How do I check my size?

Sizes run S (UK 10) to XXL (UK 18). Our size guide lists bust, waist and hip measurements.

EU Right of Withdrawal

Under EU consumer law, customers may withdraw from their purchase within 14 days of delivery.

When submitting a return request, you may select Other as the return reason.

You do not need to provide a reason when exercising your EU withdrawal rights.

Returns are not available after 14 days from delivery.