A long sleeve gown with ruffled cuffs and an easy, flowing shape
This is a V-neck maxi dress with full-length sheer mesh sleeves, a gathered high waist and a skirt that falls to the ankle. The sleeves are the main feature. They carry an embroidered look and finish in ruffled cuffs, so your arms are covered but the dress still feels light and finished.
I want to be straight about the word "ruffle" here. This is not a dress covered in tiers of ruffles. The ruffle detail sits at the cuffs, and the waist is gathered. If that is the amount of ruffle you want for a wedding, this is a good match. If you picture ruffles across the bodice or skirt, this is not that dress.
Our photos show the black version. It is also offered in red and navy blue, so you can choose a shade that sits well with the wedding colors. The price is $99, with free shipping to the US.
If you are looking for a ruffle plus size mother of the groom dress with sleeves, this one gives you sleeves, a defined high waist and a long skirt without anything fussy or tight.
Why it works for a plus-size mother of the groom
The mother of the groom is usually on her feet for hours, standing for photos, greeting guests and maybe dancing. You want a dress that looks composed and does not need constant adjusting. This one is built around that idea.
Full sleeves with a lighter touch
Many women want their arms covered at a formal event, and long sleeves in solid fabric can feel heavy. Here the sleeves are sheer mesh with an embroidered look, so you get coverage and some visual softness. The sleeves gather into ruffled cuffs, which gives your wrists a finished edge. The listing describes them as puff-style sleeves, so expect some fullness rather than a close, tube-like fit.
Because the mesh is sheer, your skin tone will show through the sleeves to some degree. That is part of the design. If you want more coverage, a wrap or shawl in a matching color is an easy addition.
An empire waist and a flowing skirt
The waistline is gathered and sits high, in the empire position. The photos show an elastic-style gathered waist, which sets the dress's shape just under the bust. From there the A-line skirt falls in a full, flowing way, with a side slit for easier walking and stepping.
This shape does not cling at the middle or hips. That is why many women like empire styles for formal events. The skirt moves, and you are not holding your breath for a long reception. Do note that the fabric itself is listed as non-stretch, so the dress needs to fit your bust and body from the start. We cover that in the size guide below.
A tie back for a neat finish
The back has a tie detail, which you will see when you walk away from a group photo or when you turn on the dance floor. It adds a little interest at the back without making the dress busy. The tie is something to arrange before you leave the house, so it is worth doing in front of a mirror.
Fabric and feel
The dress is listed as polyester. We do not have a fiber breakdown beyond that, and we do not have details on lining, so we will not guess. The photos show a solid-color body with sheer mesh sleeves that have an embroidered, woven-lace look. The listing calls the craft "tatting" and the decoration "sheer."
The fabric is listed as non-stretch. The waist looks gathered with elastic in the photos, but do not count on the rest of the dress to give. Choose your size with that in mind.
Polyester generally holds its shape and dries quickly, which helps if you are traveling to a wedding. Sheer mesh can snag, though, so be careful with jewelry, bracelets and bag straps against the sleeves.
Care instructions
We do not have a care label to quote, so check the label on your dress when it arrives. These are sensible general steps for a polyester dress with delicate mesh sleeves:
- Hand wash gently in cool water, or use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle if the label allows it.
- Use a mild detergent and skip bleach.
- Do not wring the sleeves. Press water out gently.
- Hang to dry away from direct heat.
- If it needs smoothing, use a low-heat steamer from a distance. Avoid pressing an iron directly on the mesh or embroidery.
- Store it hanging, with the sleeves laid straight so the cuffs keep their shape.
Size guide
The dress comes in sizes 0XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL.
How to measure
Take your measurements before you order. All sales are final, so a few minutes with a tape measure is worth it. Wear the underwear you plan to wear with the dress.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level across your back.
- Waist: Measure at your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of your torso. For an empire dress, also note the area just under your bust, where the gathered seam will sit.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Arm length: With your arm slightly bent, measure from the top of your shoulder to your wrist bone. This matters for a full-sleeve dress with cuffs.
- Height and dress length: Measure from the base of your neck, or from your shoulder, to the spot on your ankle where you want the hem. Compare with the length figures.
The listing gives these length figures by size: 0XL is 98 cm (38.58 in), 1XL is 104 cm (40.94 in), 2XL is 110 cm (43.31 in), 3XL is 116 cm (45.67 in) and 4XL is 122 cm (48.03 in). Length increases by 6 cm (about 2.4 in) with each size up. We have not published a full measurement chart for this dress, so use these numbers together with your own measurements and the chart above if one is shown for your order.
Which size should I choose?
The fit type is regular, and the fabric is listed as non-stretch. So if you are between sizes, the safer choice is the larger one. A dress that is a little roomy in an A-line, empire style can still look neat. A dress that pulls across the bust or upper arms will not.
Here are a few practical points:
- Bust matters most. The empire seam sits right below it. If the bust is too tight, the whole dress will sit wrong.
- Check your upper arm. The sleeves are full length with gathered cuffs, so measure your upper arm and forearm if you know sleeves are often tight on you.
- Think about height. The dress is ankle-length. The length figures rise with size, so a taller or shorter wearer should compare their own measurements with the numbers above. If you plan to wear high heels, take that into account.
- Look at shoulders. A V-neck sits better when it can lie flat. If you have a broader shoulder or a fuller bust, go up.
If you are unsure, send us a message before you order with your bust, waist, hip and height. We will tell you what we can from the information we have.
How to style it
The dress already has a lot going on in the sleeves, so keep the rest simple.
Jewelry: The V-neck leaves space for a short pendant or a pair of drop earrings. You probably do not need both a statement necklace and statement earrings. Skip bracelets if you do not want them to catch on the mesh.
Shoes: Because the skirt is long, with a slit, you will see your shoes with each step. Block heels or low wedges are easier on a long day than thin stilettos. Choose a closed or open toe depending on the season and venue.
Outerwear: An autumn wedding can be cool. A tailored wrap, a shawl or a light coat in a matching or neutral shade works over the sleeves. Make sure it is not too bulky, since the sleeves are full.
Hair: Sleeves and a V-neck look good with hair up or half up, which keeps the neckline and the back tie visible. Hair worn down is fine too.
Color: Check with the couple, or the bride's mother, about colors before you decide. Black is often a safe formal choice, navy is a softer option, and red makes a bolder one. Make sure you are not matching the wedding party or the bridal colors too closely.
Where else you can wear it
A mother of the groom dress should not be a one-day purchase. This dress works for other occasions too:
- Rehearsal dinner: A formal but comfortable option the night before the wedding.
- Engagement party or bridal shower: Pair it with flats or low heels for a lighter look.
- Holiday parties and formal dinners: The long sleeves and autumn release suit cooler months.
- Gala, charity or church events: Covered arms and a V-neck of moderate depth are practical for many formal settings.
- Other weddings: As a guest, in the same or a different color.
Shipping
Free standard shipping to all 50 US states. Orders are made to order and ship from our production partner within 1 to 3 business days, then arrive in about 7 to 14 business days. You get a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.
All sales are final
All sales are final. Because every item is made to order, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind or fit, so please check the size information before ordering. If your order arrives damaged, defective or not as described, email us within 14 days of delivery with a photo and we will send a replacement or a refund.
Contact us
Email hello@dressdune.com. A real person replies within one business day.
Why shop with Dressdune
We are a US dress shop, and we aim to describe things as they are. That is why this page tells you the ruffles are at the cuffs and waist rather than all over the dress, and why we say plainly that the size chart has not been published and the fabric is non-stretch.
Pricing is simple: $99, in US dollars, with free shipping to the US. If something arrives damaged, defective or not what you ordered, we will replace it or refund you within 14 days of delivery. Please measure carefully before you buy, since fit and change-of-mind returns are not accepted.
If you have questions about sizing, color or timing before you order, get in touch. A short message can save you a lot of worry close to the wedding.
Frequently asked questions
Is this really a ruffle dress?
Not in the sense of a dress made of ruffled tiers. The ruffles are on the sleeve cuffs, and the waist is gathered. We call it a ruffle style because that is the detail you will notice most at the wrists, but it is mostly a smooth, flowing A-line gown.
Does the dress stretch?
The fabric is listed as non-stretch, though the photos show a gathered, elastic-style waist. Do not rely on the body of the dress to stretch to fit. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size.
What colors does it come in?
It is offered in red, navy blue and black. The photos show black. Color shades can look slightly different on different screens.
Are the sleeves sheer?
Yes. The sleeves are sheer mesh with an embroidered look, so your skin will show through to some degree. The body of the dress is a solid color. If you want more coverage on your arms, add a wrap or shawl.
How long will delivery take, and can I return it if it does not fit?
Shipping is free to the US and takes 7 to 14 business days. All sales are final, so we cannot accept returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. If your dress arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we will replace it or refund you within 14 days of delivery. Because of this, we suggest you order well ahead of the wedding date and measure carefully first.
