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Who doesn’t love a comfortable frock with roomy pockets? If you’re looking for something that can be dressed up or down for work, travel, or play, our readers suggest these pretty pieces to accessorize and wear pretty much anywhere!
Dresses With Pockets
Written By: Michelle Nati
Table Of Contents
Let’s face it—clothes with pockets are infinitely more comfortable than those without. Not so much because you need to carry things, but because putting your hands inside a pocket makes you feel comfortable—and comfort means confidence. Sometimes you just don’t know what to do with your hands!
But, are pockets designed into a dress beneficial for travel?
Why Women’s Dresses With Pockets Are Great for Travel
Though you’ll likely have a main purse or backpack for a personal item on a plane and double it as your sightseeing bag, sometimes it’s nice to have extra spaces for less important items such as lipstick, sunglasses, or lip balm, which is why pockets in dresses work well for traveling.
This fun trend of pocket dresses also gives female travelers more versatile options than pants that typically have pockets to store things. And the type of dresses are endless; even formal gowns can have pockets. Overall, it’s a detail that’s infinitely stylish but also practical!
From cute and casual, to summer fun dresses, sophisticated frocks, all the way to cozy loungewear, these traveler favorites are considered the best. Check them out below!
Best Casual Dresses With Pockets
Shop Sizes: XS-3X
Columbia PFG Freezer Tank Dress
Overall, Columbia is a hugely popular brand with TFG readers and travelers! The PFG Freezer dress is highly versatile as it can be dressed up or down and can be packed for humid destinations due to its sweat-wicking and cooling properties, as well as UPF 50 sun protection.
According to this happy wearer, the hand pockets can even hold a phone, “A sundress with pockets! Looks so beautiful on me—better looking than the models’ picture. The hemline is short but not too short for a middle-aged woman. The high neck is modest yet elegant, and the pockets are big enough for a smartphone.”
If you prefer a vibrant print design, the cute Columbia Chill River dress also comes with pockets!
Shop Sizes: XXS-3XL
Pact Fit and Flare Crossover Dress
This cute Pact dress is lightweight and has a very flattering fit. Made with a organic jersey knit that is designed to mold to your figure while still feeling soft and comfortable. It’ll pair with flats, sandals, or flip flops beautifully!
This review sums up how popular this item is, “This is the best dress. So flattering, perfect pocket placement, I’m definitely ordering more colors.”
Shop Sizes: XXS-3X | S-XL Petite | XS-L Tall
Athleta Presido Traveler Maxi Dress
This simple, sleeveless maxi dress hits all the marks when it comes to versatility, comfort, and packability. Composed of soft (and 100% recycled!) polyester, you can store small items in all the pockets easily. It also has UPF 40+ sun protection, which is perfect for hot and humid destinations.
A must-try for spring/summer, wear it casually with sneakers, or dress it up with some ballet flats!
Shop Sizes: XS-2X Regular | XS-XXL Long
Wool& Sierra Tank Dress
This Wool& Sierra tank dress checks all the travel-friendly boxes, with a dreamy merino wool blend and an ultra-versatile silhouette. This cutie has temperature-regulating fabric that makes it ideal for traveling through different climates, plus it’s lightweight and also UV-protecting!
Soft and comfy, this piece will give you an effortlessly put-together sightseeing look when paired with sneakers, but can easily be a dressier option for nights out with wedges.
A wearer shares more, “A great travel dress! I bought it for a trip to Morocco and France. No wrinkling and it was very comfortable in 80+ temperatures with high humidity. I received a lot of compliments on the fit and color. Another plus, it has enough stretch for comfort but didn’t stretch out of shape while sitting for a long time!”
Best Summer Dresses With Pockets
Shop Sizes: 0-22 | 0-22 Long | 0-22 Petite
Boden Summer Linen Midi Dress
This versatile linen dress is breezy and comfortable in the heat. It’s stylish fit and flare style is something you can wear comfortably at home, wear to run around town during the day, and dress up in the evening.
One reviewer loves how timeless this dress is, sharing “I love that the dress is just low cut enough cut to be feminine but still practical (doesn’t show your bra!) Very flattering sleeve shape and very comfy. Material doesn’t wrinkle horribly like some linen. S’mocking on the waist and shoulders makes it an easy fit; it’s refreshing not to have to deal with any buttons or zippers to get it on.”
Shop: Sizes XS-XL
Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Casual Belted Dress
This reader-recommended Royal Robbins Traveler tank dress is cute and practical, too! The fabric is light and breathable with a hint of stretch, and it can be worn casually with sneakers for sightseeing or dressed up for a night out with slide sandals. If you want to add some fun and function to your travel capsule wardrobe, choose from several colors and prints!
A user shares, “I am not a dress person, but I needed at least one dress in my wardrobe and this one fits the bill! It’s super comfortable and flattering, and I especially adore the pockets. It can be dressed up or down!” Sizes range from S-XL.
Shop: Sizes XS-XXL
Natural Life Casual Summer Dress
This adorable Natural Life Rebecca Midi summer dress is lightweight airy and comes in tons of lovely prints. The overall style with the empire waist and flowy skirt is flattering and timeless. A great addition to a summer trip!
One happy wearer says, ”I LOVE my Rebecca midi dress; it’s beautiful, comfortable but most of all it’s so lightweight during the heat of the summer. I get compliments of how pretty this dress is all the time!”
Best Plus Size Dresses With Pockets
Shop: Sizes 0X-3X
Karen Kane Quinn Pocket Shift Dress
When it comes to modest dresses with pockets, this Karen Kane shift dress is a comfy option with a lovely, flattering silhouette. It comes in sizes 0X-3X, and wearers say it fits true to size.
Perfect for a fair-weather capsule wardrobe, pair it with sandals or wedges and look chic and ready for anything!
Shop: Sizes 1X-3X
Quince Plus Size Tiered Maxi Dress
This chic Quince dress is a dream to wear, especially while adventuring under the hot sun! Made from 100% organic cotton, the smocked waistband creates a comfortable yet flattering, poviding effortless style on your summery getaways!
One wearer raves, “This dress is a perfect everyday, warm weather dress. It’s the perfect length, the cut is flattering, and the fabric is super soft with lots of stretch. I wear a 3X and a 3X fit perfectly.”
Shop: Sizes 1X-3X
Caslon Sleeveless Maxi Dress
There are some gorgeous plus size maxi dresses with pockets out there and this sleeveless maxi is definitely one of them! Made out of a soft cotton blend, it’s lightweight, breathable, and ideal for outings in sunny places.
A happy user elaborates, “Very flattering on the body. I’m a 1X-2X and the 1X fits beautifully without being too tight. Soft, lightweight material. Will look great with a little platform espadrille sandal. Excited to take it on vacation to the Caribbean!”
Shop Sizes: XS-4X | XS-XXL Tall | XS-XXL Petite
Old Navy Fit & Flare Midi Dress
An amazing combination of casual feel with airy details, this lightweight midi dress is super versatile with a cinched waist. The side pockets allow you to store items or simply look chic with a hand in pocket. Plus, the fabric is linen blend, so you’ll feel fresh and cool under the hot sun!
One wearer says, “The length is perfect, the pockets are always a hit, and the straps on the back add an extra level of sexiness. I love the fabric and textures of the dress; they give it a unique twist. You can totally dress this up or wear it casually.”
Best Work Dresses With Pockets
Shop Sizes: Regular XS-XL | Petite = S-XL | Plus 1X-3X
Coldwater Creek Midi Dress
If you’re looking for a dress with pockets that works for both business and leisure trips, this Coldwater Creek Destinations Seamed Dress has you covered. With breathable fabric that resists winkles, keeps its shape and a fit that’s balanced—not too tight or loose! This dress comes in a range of solid colors and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
A traveler reports, “I love this dress. It feels wonderful on and fits beautifully.”
Shop: Sizes XS-XL
Quince Tencel Jersey Ruched Waist Dress
This elegant dress from Quince is a beautiful travel option for all seasons and destinations. The shape is timeless and chic and can be paired with everything from sneakers to strappy sandals. The tencel fabric is high-quality and wears super well in all climates!
One wearer raves, “This is adorable on. Soft and comfortable material. Highly recommend!!”
Shop: Sizes XS-XL
Karen Kane Travel Half Zip Shift Dress
If you want a sportier look for business travel, this Karen Kane sleeveless dress has timeless details, such as the half-zip closure, high neck, and flowy shape that drapes beautifully. The look and feel is lightweight, and it can easily be rolled into a packing cube and packed in a carry-on suitcase.
This is such a great, simple dress when traveling for work, especially because the fabric is wrinkle-resistant! You can pair it with a travel blazer or a more structured cardigan. Or even wear it casually too!
One happy reviewer says, “I love the ease of this dress! It is comfortable and stylish. The drape of the fabric adds polish and sophistication! I highly recommend this adorable dress for spring/summer.” This beauty comes in sizes XS-XL.
Want more dress lengths? Check out the best midi dresses for travel!
Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts | Sizes XS-6X
Best Shorts to Wear Under Dresses
If you’re looking for shorts to wear under your dresses, Thigh Society’s The Cooling Anti-Chafe Shorts are a reader favorite. These shorts pull heat and moisture away from the body, keeping things cool, fresh and chafe-free on even the hottest of days due to their silky hi-tech performance fabric.
They’re tagless, don’t roll or bunch, and are ultra-thin and lightweight yet stretchy and durable as can be. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, lengths and sizes from XS-6X!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Dresses
Many of our readers use packing cubes to roll up and organize their dresses. Compass Rose packing cubes allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate parts of your outfit.
And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What do you think are the best womens dresses with pockets? Share and comment below!
For more travel dress ideas, please read:
- Ultimate Guide To the Best Travel Dresses for Summer
- Best Long Sleeve Dresses to Wear In Any Weather or Season
- Best Wrinkle Free Dresses for Travel
- Moisture Wicking Dresses for Summer Travel
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I love anything by Quince, they have changed the way I shop and pack for travel. Thank you. Travel fashion, girl for making your website a one stop shop for anything I need but I’m packing and planning a trip.
What about the pretty green dress in the picture at the top of the article??
Hi Blake, I am afraid that since it is a stock image we are not sure what the brand is.
Sorry I could not have been of more help.
My favorite type of dress for travel is one with pockets. I love the summary at the end. A great way to compare the dresses. This group has been so helpful
Great review for easy travel dresses. Thank you! The comparison chart at the end is a very useful summary. I also like Lole, most are quite wrinkle proof and have the coveted pockets! https://www.lolelife.com/en-eu/search?q=dress
I purchased the Eddie Bauer Departure Easy Tank Dress in a coral color, and I love it. It barely wrinkles, dries very quickly, washes well, feels great, and looks so cute. The pockets zip up so you can keep your phone, keys or money from getting lost and because they zip, the pockets lay flat. The drawstring waist makes it a custom fit for anyone. I recently wore it to my grand daughter’s birthday party, and it was pouring down rain when we got there. It was dry in a matter of minutes, and you never would have suspected that I was caught in a downpour.
Thank you for recognizing the need for pockets in our dresses! Love these choices!
The Columbia Chill River dress is super comfortable and can be worn casually, at the beach, or dressed up for a night on the town.
I really love my Columbia little black dress. It could be for sight seeing during the day and dress it up for dinner even on a cruise!
Thanks for all your helpful lists and links
Just loved the Columbia Chill River dress that whitout your review I would not buy it and weared it to my last medeterien cruise and also to my one week say in Vegas
What a great website. The fun everyone is having really shines through.
Thank you for providing such a wide variety of options in terms of styles as price points!
Love these suggestions. I hit the jackpot a few years ago with a long black Patagonia dress with pockets. It can be dressed up or down.
When you’re having trouble finding the look you want or need, travelfashiongirl.com consistently has great suggestions. The tips TFG shares and the readers’ personal experiences are so helpful!
Even better would be pockets that zipper or Velcro please as I am always afraid of something falling out.
Hi! I’m in Bordeaux France right now and heading to Portugal 🇵🇹 it’s been HOT 🥵 all I can say is thank
Goodness for cute cool dresses! I’ve grabbed a few
From this list and love the ease to walk through vineyards and catacombs yet still look cute enough for dinner out. Cheers!
Thank you for your ideas! We just returned from Greece and I bought the packing cubes and a couple of dresses suggested here. It was a game changer!
So many great ideas and dresses I haven’t seen before!
Nothing better than having pockets when traveling!
I appreciate all the examples listed above. There is a style for any body type. I didn’t see Title Nine dresses listed. I have a few- sleeveless, short sleeve and reversible . They are definitely well made and durable.
I’m always on the lookout for a new travel dress even better if it has pockets!
I might be the only person who doesn’t care about pockets. I’ve been eyeing some new travel dresses so this is really helpful though
Love dresses with pockets – thank you for a great list!
Yes! Dresses with pockets, why don’t more people cover this topic? Crucial! The MITILLY Casual Swing Dress is adorable. I like a dress I can wear to work, out and while traveling, several good choices here.
Love a dress with pockets! Even my wedding dress had pockets haha
I have 4 Columbia Chill River Dresses that are essential to my travels. They don’t wrinkle, quick dry , and you can dress them up for biz.
Love this post! I am a one amd done dress girl. No mixing if and matching with tops and bottoms. These dresses are so cute and affordable!
Your dress recommendations have never failed. The Eddie Bauer one you listed here was my go-too during our Italy-Serbia trips this past summer. Keep doing what you do – the advice is sooooo helpful!
As an older woman (73), I like dresses with short sleeves and at knee or below knee length. The Karen Kane dress is cute, but only comes in black. I’d like to also recommend Karina Dresses….similar price point and material, packable, washable, and colorful. Boden also has similar dresses, many of which can be ordered in Tall length, which means they will be long enough for my 5 ‘6″ length.
Thank you for this great list but why doesn’t every dress have pockets???
Thanks for these suggestions. I love some pockets!
I love this blog post. I am a teacher in an older building without AC and I wear dresses everyday! I often find myself reaching for dresses when I travel too.
Thank you for featuring knee length/longer dresses for those of us who don’t have the legs to wear the little short ones. Great choices!!
I loved a dress with pockets! my favorite is the Karen Kane half zip shift dress. It fits by body type perfectly.
Dresses are the most comfortable option for me and pockets just improve them! Thanks for the great suggestions! Time to shop!
I wanted to also suggest Eshakti. They do custom sizing and almost all of their dresses come with pockets. I find that they are one of the few places I can get dresses that hit me properly at the knee.
Thank you for thinking of us, plus size girls!
These dresses are awesome. Thank you for always guiding me in the right direction! Happy traveling!
Also want to recommend Target for dresses – their “A New Day” line has some really cute/wearable/packable styles, including this season’s linen tank dress that looks great on its own or with a simple belt.
The BEST dresses hve pockets and are lightweight to maximize clothing packing choices. My Favorite dresses are from Columbia.
I love all these great dress recommendations! Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets!
Love all these great dress suggestions! Who doesn’t love pockets!
Where has this Eddie Bauer departure been, now I want one in every color.
I’m a big fan of Columbia’s dressesThey wash well and barely wrinkle. Glad to know the Chill River dresses have pockets. I traveled with a Betabrand dress that had pockets and it was easily my favorite dress the entire trip.