1950s Swing & Dancing Dresses

Our swing dresses are designed in England and made by hand in Europe for one purpose: movement. Each has a fitted bodice, a defined waist and a full skirt that swings when you walk, twirl or dance. The collection is led by the 1950s Swing Dress, with the Pretty Dancing Dress and a 1940s classic dress alongside it.

What is a swing dress?

A swing dress has a fitted top and a full skirt, and it is named for the way that skirt swings as you move. The look belongs to the 1940s and 1950s: swing dancing was at its height in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and the nipped-in waist and full skirt stayed fashionable through the 1950s. Our 1950s Swing Dress takes both decades as its inspiration, with pleats above and below the bust, a nipped-in waist panel, a three-quarter swing skirt and petal cap sleeves.

What makes a good dancing dress?

A skirt full enough to move, sleeves that do not restrict your arms, a waist that stays in place and a little stretch. The Pretty Dancing Dress has all four, with a square neckline gathered at the bust and a slim belt, so it works as a swing dance dress as well as a party dress. The 1940s classic dress adds a crossover V neckline with gathers under the bust and longer sleeves that cover the upper arm. Whichever you choose, the skirt measures about 26 inches from the natural waist.

How to dress for a 1950s party

Add a belt or a cardigan, flat shoes you can dance in and, if you like extra volume, a petticoat. Red lipstick is optional but encouraged. If you would like a sculpted line instead, try our wiggle dresses; for a day dress with a swinging skirt, see our 1940s tea dresses; or pair a separate circle skirt from our skirts with a top from our tops. You can browse every style in our dresses collection.

Our swing dresses come in UK sizes 8 to 18, in a soft poly-viscose with a little stretch; see the size guide for measurements.