It took me so long to finally buy my first Hill House Nap Dress. It wasn’t until I was in a tight spot and needed a few more dresses for family photos that I finally gritted my teeth and ordered it.
It wasn’t necessarily the price that put me off for so long (I spend similar amounts on dresses from stores like Tuckernuck all the time—you can find my favorite Tuckernuck dresses here); it was the fact that there were fakes everywhere. I thought the real thing can’t be that special. I mean, how could it possibly be any different from the similar smocked midi dresses I’ve seen everywhere else, including on Amazon?
I was absolutely thrilled when my Hill House order arrived. The quality is top-notch. The fit is so flattering, and the smocked work actually supports the bust instead of making it sag like so many other smocked dresses. The ruffles on the shoulders are the perfect size and flatter the arms, and the neckline is tastefully low without leaving too much room. And the best part? I felt beautiful in it immediately after giving birth (yes, it’s breastfeeding-friendly), and I still love wearing it now, even after the first few weeks postpartum. It’s a true all-around dress, and I think everyone should try it.
It’s important to note that Hill House makes several different Nap Dress styles, but they’re all similar. I own the Ellie Nap Dress, the most classic cut with the flared straps. I can’t comment on the fit of the other Nap Dress models, but I find them very similar in terms of size and comfort.
As for sizing, I recommend choosing your usual size. If you’re unsure (e.g., because of a smaller bust), choose a smaller size. Sizing is very easy because the dress is smocked, which makes sizing easier. If you normally wear XS/S, choose XS. If you normally wear M, choose M. I also wear XS while breastfeeding, even though my bust is a bit larger.
A key selling point for the Nap Dress is its comfort. One reason for this is its fit—supportive yet flowing. It’s so comfortable you could even take a nap in it. Although I haven’t done it myself, I can confirm it’s comfortable enough for that.
The smocked bodice panels are stable and compress the bust without being too tight or constricting. Some smocked dresses tend to make my chest look sagging rather than accentuating it. The Nap Dress, on the other hand, supports the bust without being constricting. The straps are also decorated with smocked ruffles and don’t pull or slip on the shoulders—they stay exactly where they should.
The rest of the dress has a typical A-line fit, which is flattering for most body types. It sits where you want it to and flows everywhere else. This makes the Nap Dress ideal for photography. It’s a great choice for family photos.
The fit is true to size, comfortable, and figure-flattering.
Okay, let’s take it a step further: Do you like the idea of the original velvet dress, only shorter and without the short sleeves? Then I present to you the Charlotte Dress with Ribbon! It’s so pretty, I love it. I bought a size S, and it fits almost as well as the previous two. I’m 5’2″ (1.57 m) and it falls above the knee, but it’s not too short on me. So I wouldn’t worry about it unless you’re very tall.
This is the Hill House original—the dress that started #napdressnation! The Ellie Nap Dress is the style I talked about earlier. You can find more information there. Bottom line: this dress is super comfortable. I originally wore a size XXS in pink and now wear a size S in tartan, as I bought it during pregnancy. As I said, you don’t have to worry too much about sizing, as the gathered design is stretchy and the skirt has a soft drape.
I know everyone raves about the Cosima maxi dress, but I think this mini version is even better! It’s bra-compatible, machine-washable, packable, and perfectly matches a conservative yet flirty style. I chose a size S, and while an XS would have been… Better yet, I still love the fit. It’s gorgeous!
I know it seems like ruched dresses are all the rage, but they’re not! This dress has a beautiful structure and cinches in at the waist; I love it. Whether it’s for a formal event or a casual brunch, I wore it on Mother’s Day this year!
If you love the romantic silhouette of the Matilda but prefer a mini dress, this one is perfect for you. I usually wear a size S and have worn it countless times. When I took this photo at 23 weeks pregnant, my bump was still showing, but I was able to wear it until my son was born.
This dress makes me want to travel to Europe! It has the typical ruching of a nap dress, which makes it super comfortable. I love the wide and narrow shoulder straps, which create a very flattering silhouette. The skirt has fullness, but isn’t too tight for a petite figure, and it’s… Easy to dress, both formal and informal. I bought a size S and could definitely have gone one size smaller, but I was glad to have a little more room during pregnancy.
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Customer Service Email: customercare@hillhousehome.com
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Overall, I’m thrilled with Hill House Nap. It doesn’t hold up well in the sweltering heat, but what really does? The brand strives to create products that its fans want and love, which reflects its core mission.
I always struggle to say if something is “worth it” because it depends on so many factors. But if you like simple, comfortable dresses for summer and your budget is between $120 and $250, then yes. It’s worth it.
