5 New Sundress Sewing Patterns for Summer
We are reaching that point in the sewing calendar when it is tempting to start thinking about fall—but I’m not ready to put away my summer fabrics just yet. Here in the Midwest, we still have plenty of hot and humid weather ahead, which means there is time to sew and wear another sundress or two.
Dresses are some of my favorite things to wear during the summer. They are comfortable, easy to style, and often much cooler than separates when I don’t want anything clinging to my body.
For this roundup, I’m looking at five sundress sewing patterns released in summer 2026. I have already made one, another is high on my sewing list, and the others offer interesting options depending on your style, fabric preferences, and—because this is always important to me—what kind of bra you want to wear.
Read on or watch the video on YouTube to see all five patterns:
What Makes a Good Sundress Pattern?
For me, a sundress is sleeveless, breezy, and suitable for lightweight summer fabrics. It doesn’t have to be completely loose or shapeless. A little shaping through the bodice can make a flowing summer dress feel much more wearable.
The right sundress also needs to fit your lifestyle. Do you want to wear a regular bra? Are you comfortable with a strapless bra or bralette? Do you need a relaxed swimsuit cover-up, or do you want something fitted enough to wear to dinner?
These five patterns offer very different answers to those questions.
Cashmerette Wayland Dress
If you have been following me for any length of time, you probably know that I am mildly obsessed with the Cashmerette Wayland Dress*. I have made it several times, including two versions for my complete sew-along and a Wayland and Gilmore mashup for my daughter.
The Wayland has a fitted princess-seam bodice with cup sizes from C–H, a fully lined bodice, and narrow or wide straps. The back can be made with a one-piece shirred panel that allows you to pull the dress over your head or with a divided shirred panel and zipper.
The pleated skirt includes pockets and two length options. The longer version has a back kick pleat for comfortable movement.
Can You Wear a Regular Bra With the Wayland?
Yes—and that is one reason I like it so much. I prefer the wider straps because they cover my regular bra straps. I don’t enjoy wearing a strapless bra, so bra compatibility is always part of my pattern decision.
The Wayland is also drafted especially well for larger busts. I made a size 10 with a G/H cup, and the cup sizing and princess seams gave me the shaping I needed without completely redrafting the bodice.
For fabric, I would choose linen, cotton lawn, chambray, or another lightweight woven with enough body to show off the fitted bodice and pleated skirt. You could also use rayon or viscose for more drape and movement.
The Wayland is part of the Cashmerette Collection, so you can purchase it individually without joining Cashmerette Club. It is also compatible with the Cashmerette Upton and Ellington Collection patterns and select Cashmerette Club patterns, giving you even more bodice-and-skirt combinations.
For a closer look at the fit, fabrics, and mix-and-match possibilities, read my complete Wayland Dress review.
Chalk and Notch Bora Dress
The Chalk and Notch Bora Dress is the pattern from this list that I am most interested in making next. It includes sleeveless and short-sleeve options plus shorter and longer skirt lengths, so it could carry you from the hottest part of summer into early fall.
The shaped bodice, princess seams, and paneled skirt give the Bora a more tailored appearance than some of the relaxed sundresses in this roundup. It also includes two bust-front options covering A–D cups. I have had good results with the larger cup option in other Chalk and Notch patterns, which makes this one especially appealing.
How Will Fabric Choice Change the Bora Dress?
A fabric with more body, such as linen, cotton poplin, or cotton lawn, will emphasize the dress’s seam lines and shape. These fabrics will also help the skirt stand away from the body.
Rayon, viscose, or a cotton-and-TENCEL™ blend will give the dress more drape and movement. The bodice will retain some of its shape, but the skirt will fall closer to the body and have more twirlability.
Be thoughtful when choosing a print. With several seams—some of which may run diagonally—a large-scale print could be difficult to match. A solid, texture, or small-scale print will allow the design lines to take center stage.
I have a bright lime-green linen from The French Seam here in Indianapolis that may be perfect. I bought four yards during a sale, so I have enough for the longer sleeveless version that keeps catching my attention.
Friday Pattern Company Uma Top and Dress
The Friday Pattern Company Uma Top and Dress stood out because it is different from many of the sundresses currently on the market.
The Uma is designed for knit fabrics and has a fitted, lined bodice with a dropped waist and gathered skirt. Adjustable channels at the sides allow you to change the ruching and bodice length. It is a fun detail that makes the Uma more than a basic knit tank dress.
Because the bodice is lined, it provides two layers of fabric and a little more coverage if you prefer to go braless. An experienced sewist might also be able to add a partial support layer with elastic underneath.
Which Knit Fabrics Will Work Best?
The pattern calls for knit fabric with at least 50 percent crosswise stretch. I would choose a knit with good stretch and some drape, such as rayon-spandex or modal-blend jersey. A lightweight rib knit could also be beautiful and would highlight the side ruching.
An ITY knit would likely work, but I tend to prefer fibers that feel more breathable during hot weather. Whichever knit you choose, make sure it has the required stretch and enough recovery to support the fitted bodice without becoming baggy.
The Uma is a great choice if you want the comfort of a knit dress in a silhouette that feels fresh and interesting.
Seamwork Marigold Dress
The Seamwork Marigold Dress* is a simple, flowy woven tank dress designed for easy summer dressing. The yoke across the upper bodice adds interest while keeping the overall shape loose and breezy.
This could be a wonderful dress for anyone who deals with sensitive skin, heat rash, or simply doesn’t want fabric clinging to the body. It could also work as a swimsuit cover-up or an easy dress for relaxing near the pool, lake, or beach.
The standard neckline may require a strapless bra, bandeau, or another undergarment that works with the shoulder-baring design. You could also adapt a built-in support layer from another pattern if you are comfortable making that alteration.
A bonus variation adds a sweet tie-back detail. When the video was filmed, Marigold was Seamwork’s July member pattern, with the bonus variation available to members. Check Seamwork’s current listing for individual pattern and bonus availability.
Seamwork patterns have generally fit me well, and their catalog includes many coordinating patterns and bonus variations. Unlimited members receive access to the full pattern catalog. CLICK ➡️HERE* for an offer that gives you 50 percent off a yearly Seamwork Unlimited membership.
Fibre Mood Jax Dress
The Fibre Mood Jax Dress is a relaxed halter-style dress with a dramatically open back. It reminded me of the halter silhouettes we have been seeing throughout ready-to-wear this summer, including the seashell-inspired halter top I recently made for my daughter.
The simple style lines should make this a satisfying sewing project. They also make the Jax an excellent candidate for a textile that may not have started as traditional yardage.
A vintage tablecloth with an interesting border, a thrifted curtain, or even the right bedsheet could create a beautiful Jax. Fibre Mood’s white sample uses its textile placement to create an especially striking asymmetrical hem.
What Kind of Bra Can You Wear With an Open-Back Sundress?
The open back means a traditional bra will be visible. You could go braless, wear a decorative bandeau or bralette that is meant to be seen, or alter the back for more coverage.
The beauty of sewing your own clothes is that you are not locked into the original design. You may be able to raise or partially close the back while preserving the halter neckline. Test any major alteration with a muslin to make sure you can still get into the dress comfortably.
Is It Too Late to Sew a Sundress?
It may feel as though fall sewing is right around the corner, but summer isn’t over. Depending on where you live, you may still have weeks—or months—of warm weather ahead.
The Wayland offers thoughtful bust shaping and bra-friendly straps. The Bora combines a tailored silhouette with multiple lengths and sleeve options. The Uma brings something different to your knit fabric stash. The Marigold is loose, cool, and easy to wear, while the Jax offers dramatic halter styling and an opportunity to experiment with thrifted textiles.
I’m still happily sewing for summer, and I’m not ready to pack away my lightweight fabrics yet. Which of these five sundress patterns would you add to your sewing list?
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