Universal Standard Tiered Twirl Wrap Dress: A Bust-Friendly Wrap Dress

As someone who is short (5'3″) and with a large bust (36 F), it's hard to find wrap dresses that fit. They are often too low-cut, and even more often do not have enough fabric to properly cover my bust area. I've become used to safety pins strategically placed inside the dress to hold it together and keep my bra covered. So I must say I was very impressed by the Universal Standard Tiered Twirl Wrap dress and how it's a bust-friendly wrap dress!

I originally wrote this Universal Standard Tiered Twirl Wrap Dress review in 2022, but seeing that Universal Standard relaunched this dress in 2023, I have updated this post with details after owning the dress for a year, laundering it, traveling with it, and still being a big fan. I also updated the additional outfit details with pieces in stock this season.

Universal Standard Tiered Twirl Wrap Dress Review

Made from a really nice knit jersey that has a weave that isn't clingy and looks luxe (94% Cotton, 6% Spandex) I liked how the dress looked when it arrived (Universal Standard gifted me this dress) and I liked that it had pockets, but with a skinny wrap belt and no closure at the bust, I feared I'd be showcasing my bra more than actually covering it.

Here I am wearing a size XS in the US Tiered Twirl Wrap Dress without a safety pin hidden to keep it closed, without any fashion tape holding the dress to my bra, and no alterations from my tailor. It fit great right out of the bag! Underneath I am wearing my favorite t-shirt bra and a pair of Thigh Society 5″ Cooling Shorts.

This dark green/almost teal color is so rich and pretty.

I've vented before about Universal Standard's color choices, but I dig this Deep Sea color for all four seasons of the year. I like how brown leather and gold makes it feel summery.

I got these sandals from the brand Bella Vita several years ago. I also have these in gold. I have a hard time finding wide width sandals that don't look fitness or frumpy. When I found these in gold, I bought a second pair on backup and then found them on sale in brown on Amazon. I'll totally cry when they fall apart. I found these from Dolce Vita which provide a similar effect. I also like these gladiator sandals from Aerosoles.

The earrings are from REALM, a small woman-owned jewelry line based in Philadelphia. I love REALM jewelry, it's such high quality without having the 14K pricetag. The date necklace is this one from Etsy. The lipcolor is this Laura Mercier lipstick pencil in the color Clique.

The bag is from Talbots but from last year. This bag also from Talbots offers a similar effect in the same color. this orange is a neutral, especially in summer. It looks great with denim and chambray, white, brown, turquoise, mustard, navy, and so much more. And this bag holds a LOT! I went to Target and didn't get a bag because I could fit everything in here along with my purse essentials!

Anyway, back to the dress. It is longer on me than the model, but I don't think it looks awkward. I think this style is also super versatile. While I'm wearing flat leather sandals, this dress would also look great with a pair of white sneakers or dressed up with some heels (I wore it to dinner with my Margaux heels).

This is a true wrap dress, and the only closure is the thin belt you see.

However, I feel secure. Universal Standard does a good job of designing clothing to work with curves and real life, and I've always been impressed by their wrap dresses and the coverage offered, even on a breezy day.

I am also impressed how this dress kept its shape after being washed. The first time I washed it, I was super careful, washing on the delicate cycle and line drying. But the second time I washed it I was on vacation and it got thrown into the washer and dryer with the rest of the family's knits. I was thrilled to find out it didn't shrink, didn't pill, didn't fade, and didn't get all weird (we've all had pieces get “weird” and not look the same after being washed).

Since I originally wrote this Universal Standard Tiered Twirl Wrap Dress review last year, I can report that I wore this dress over a dozen times last summer. I took it on vacation, dressing it up and down, and when the weather cooled I did wear it with flats and my Universal Standard Kelsey Jacket.

I can also share that friends IRL and many of you in the Wardrobe Oxygen community who are taller than I and have a different shape also bought this dress and love it. It's a style that works with a range of body types quite nicely. I am so thrilled Universal Standard brought back this dress. It's great quality and a great fit. Available in three colors including this teal (“Deep Sea”) in sizes 00-40.