Mesh dresses: 9 best pieces to add to your wardrobe now

While clothing has traditionally been synonymous with concealing the silhouette, a resurgence of sheer, mesh fabrics is now embracing the art of revelation. And let’s be transparent – quite literally – naked dressing is undeniably liberating, all while exuding a sultry edge to your sartorial agenda. 

From the runway to the streets and red carpets, the risqué trend is marked by the barely-there fabric that tastefully reveals nipples, belly buttons, and the occasional exposed thong. The spring/summer 2025 runways indulged in a playful affair with femininity. Ethereal chiffons, gauzy tulles, sheer organza, and fluid silks collided with voluminous silhouettes and whimsical bubble hems – conjuring a mirage of mesh that felt both delicate and daring. 16Arlington embraced romance with ethereal sheer skirts while Chloé stayed true to its boho-chic roots through translucent, airy layers. Simone Rocha offered a more sultry take, revealing flashes of skin beneath sensual organza.

Despite its current resurgence, mesh dressing is far from new. The 18th-century painting Portrait of a Young Woman in White captures its subject with breasts subtly visible beneath a sheer veil of fabric. Fast forward to the Silent Film era, and stars like Clara Bow flirted with provocation in gauzy gowns, most notably in her sheer dress from 1925’s My Lady of Whims. But it was the 90s that cemented mesh as a fashion mainstay. Embracing the grunge boom, designers like John Galliano, Alaïa and Atelier Versace redefined the look – merging seduction with subversion.

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Naturally, what to wear under your mesh dress depends on the details of the garment. If it has sheer side panelling, it's essential that you avoid the uncouth sight of a snippet of knicker, and instead go commando. Otherwise, if you're planning on making a feature of your undergarment, you could plump for a metallic slip, or a lacy bodysuit. 

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Shop the hottest mesh dresses for this season:

How we chose:

Style: Ranging from classic styles to print iterations, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.

Price: Our list boasts a myriad of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels. 

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.