17 Best Modest Dresses 2026, According To A Muslim Fashion Writer

Why you can trust me:

Modest fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a practising Muslim, I am always opting for outfits that allow me to move freely for daily prayers, work well with layers for additional modesty and still give me an opportunity to show my personal style.

Whilst it can be tricky navigating varying styles, I actually find that dressing modestly inspires me to get creative and makes shopping indecision easier when there are entire categories I can simply rule out as options.

How I choose the best modest dresses:

In the midst of the summer season, and all the weddings that come alongside it, I have been deep in the trenches of shopping for modest outfits that work for formal events, and many of the below options are either tried and tested or are in my basket right now! I looked at cut, style, length and sleeve length, whilst also keeping an eye out for hidden features that can compromise modesty, like slits, low backs and transparent materials.

I’m around 5’7″ and often find midi dresses fall a little short on me, so if I don’t opt for a maxi dress, I’ll usually wear leggings or footless tights underneath them (lest I have a Marilyn Monroe moment on the London Underground). I’m open to short sleeves and square necklines, as you’ll see below, but will not wear sleeveless dresses or anything too low-cut or backless without a tank top or long-sleeve top underneath. I really value comfort, but don’t want to compromise on modesty for it.

As I previously said, the best modest summer dresses are down to everyone’s personal preferences and beliefs, but from summer wedding guest dresses and floaty floral dresses to long-sleeved dresses and modest bridesmaid dresses, there’s sure to be at least one of the trending silhouettes that catches your eye.

For even more from Sidra Imtiaz, be sure to follow her on Instagram @sidraimtiaz.