Want to shatter trail norms and improve comfort…everywhere? Kate describes the liberating experience of hiking in a dress. She’s so convincing you’ll be rushing to get your own, probably before you finish reading.

 

In the early days of my trail experience, I subscribed to the belief that a true hiker must conform to a specific ‘look’. Khaki hues, heavy boots, and a nondescript shirt seemed to be the unwritten dress code of the outdoors. However, as I entered the world of thru-hiking, I realised that a true hiker prioritises comfort over the traditional hiker’s uniform, and this comfort can manifest in a vibrant array of clothing choices.

I first discovered hiking dresses while watching Elina Osbourne’s Youtube series of her Te Araroa thru-hike. At first glance it looked like she was wearing a classic shorts and singlet combo, but it suddenly became clear that she was actually rocking a simple black hiking dress.

I was captivated by the unconventional choice of attire. Unable to resist the empowering allure of hiking in a dress, I found myself rocking one on that very same trail, just three years later.

What exactly is a hiking dress?

Imagine something akin to a tennis dress. It’s as comfortable as your favourite baggy t-shirt combined with the benefits of activewear fabric. They’re typically made from a super-soft, lightweight, quick-drying and moisture-wicking material, coming in all types of shapes, lengths, and sleeve options.

 

Hiking dresses are mighty comfortable, but hard to find in Australia

Benefits of a Hiking Dress

Feminine Feels

While societal norms and the experience of growing up in a male-dominated household led me to believe toughness required shorts or pants, my mindset shifted on the trail. I’ve come to love challenging the traditional norms of hiking attire.

Thru-hiking taught me to embrace the freedom to wear whatever reflects my strength and confidence, and climbing mountains in a dress just makes me feel like an absolute badass. The juxtaposition of the flowing fabric against the rugged terrain adds a touch of femininity to the outdoors that just feels so undeniably true to my identity.

 

Anywhere shorts can go, dresses can go faster! (Not really but this summit has me enthused!)

Practicality

The hiking dress has simplified the age-old female dilemma of answering nature’s call in the wild – no more wrestling with layers in a hurry, then feeling totally exposed as you squat in a bush with your pants around your ankles.

When wearing a dress, I feel like I can maintain a sense of modesty, even while being in a less-than-modest position.

 

If it’s long enough you can even squat inside it and be completely protected from view

Versatility

Whether it’s combating the cold with thermals, braving the rain and throwing on shell pants, or navigating overgrown trails with a pair of gaiters, the simplicity of layering and delayering in a dress is unmatched.

I’ve met a few hikers who opt to toss in a lightweight hiking dress for the sole purpose of ‘town days’. The ability to seamlessly transition from the trail to a restaurant with just one item of clothing is a pretty impressive feat.

 

Plus getting changed at the start/end of each day is so much quicker

Comfort

I’ve never experienced greater comfort on the trail. The absence of zips, belt loops, or waistbands digging in under my pack and hip belt adds to the overall sense of ease. Yet it’s the unbeatable airflow ‘down there’ that’s the selling point for most hiking dress converts.

Disadvantages of Hiking in a Dress

Chafing

The number one concern I hear from people hesitating to switch to the dress is the fear of chafing. Surprisingly, it has never been an issue for me – in fact, I’ve found it to be far more common in hiking shorts.

For the sceptics, a chafe stick, like the 42g BodyGlide Anti-Chafe Balm, is a simple and effective solution. Beyond preventing chafing, this handy little stick can also be used on the feet to avoid blisters.

Cheeky Exposure

Personally, fears of exposing my knickers to unsuspecting onlookers was my biggest concern when I first made the switch. I soon realised that fellow hikers are far more interested in the breathtaking scenery than what’s beneath my skirt.

But for those still worried about accidentally flashing fellow hikers, dresses with built-in shorts are available. I tend to avoid these types of dresses due to the restrictions they impose on bush bathroom breaks. Instead, I opt for women’s merino boy shorts or boxer style undies, which offer both comfort and versatility, and double as a great pair of swimwear.

 

Pretty obvious that the benefits far outweigh the risks, eh?

Hiking Dress Recommendations

My beloved hiking dress has become a relic of trails past due to its discontinuation, but here are some alternatives that I rate. Note that many are difficult to find in Australia.

Note: This piece was first published in 2024. Options have been updated but unfortunately are still not easy to find from Australian retailers.

Patagonia’s Fleetwith Skort

For those not quite ready for the full commitment of the hiking dress, this skort serves as the perfect introduction to femininity on the trail.

 

Hikerkind Dress 02

I adore this dress for its simple design. Essentially a basic t-shirt style, it boasts a super soft, quick-dry, stretchy fabric that comes in some beautiful natural tones.

It boasts a simple design

But may be too short for some

AlderApparel’s Get Dirty Dress 2.0

Selling out faster than one can say ‘hiking dress’, these are a hot commodity for a reason. With a huge variety of colours, a size-inclusive range, and built-in shorts, it’s easy to see why these dresses are so popular.

 

Jollygear’s Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress

For those seeking extra sun protection, this shirt-dress features long sleeves, a hood, and a collar. Made from antimicrobial and smell-resistant fabric, it’s built for the sweatiest of hikers.

 

That’s Jolly, the founder of Jolly Gear

Loose but not a potato sack

With plenty of room to move

Melanzana’s Micro Grid Dress V2

This winter dress is made from Melanzana’s world-renowned lightweight fleece, and features their trademark cowl and pocket design with some added length. Honestly, I would consider selling my right kidney for one of these. Alas, they’e only sold in-store or in limited online drops, fancy!

Many colours available

But frustratingly difficult to purchase

Despite the popularity of the hiking dress in the overseas outdoor world, it’s yet to really make its mark in the Australian market. Similar to the slow start of the ultralight movement here, hiking is still perceived through somewhat of a traditional lens.

Nonetheless, I remain optimistic that the practicality of the hiking dress will find its place here in Australia.

 

When this piece was first published the hiking dress was fairly hard to find in Aus, it doesn’t seem to have become easier. Want this to change? Ask your local outdoor store to stock them!

 

What are you waiting for? Hike it in a dress!

Hiking Dress Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a hiking dress?

A hiking dress is similar to a tennis dress, made from super-soft, lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking activewear fabric that combines the comfort of a baggy t-shirt with functional outdoor design.

2. What are the main benefits of hiking in a dress?

Hiking in a dress provides superior comfort without waistbands or zips digging under a pack, excellent airflow, easy layering and town-day versatility, and simplified, modest bathroom breaks in the wild.

3. How do you prevent chafing and accidental exposure in a hiking dress?

To prevent chafing, you can apply an anti-chafe balm like BodyGlide, and to avoid accidental exposure, you can wear dresses with built-in shorts or pair them with merino boy shorts or boxer-style undies.

4. What are the top recommended hiking dresses?

Top options include the Hikerkind Dress 02, AlderApparel Get Dirty Dress 2.0, Jollygear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress, Melanzana Micro Grid Dress V2, and the Patagonia Fleetwith Skort.

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.