Athleta Kiki Swim Dress Review

Athleta Kiki Swim Dress Review

Price and Where to Buy Athleta Kiki Swim Dress: Full price $69 on Athleta.com (sale prices from $23)

Pros: This swim dress offers great sun coverage and a flattering fit. It’s ideal for both the beach and pool. When immersed in water, the dress maintains structure from the waist up (you’ll need bikini bottoms though) so you’re not exposed; out of the water, the dress dries as quickly as a swimsuit. It looks great; good enough to wear out and about as a sun dress. This just happens to be a sun dress that can easily weather a dip in the ocean.

Cons: It’s not great if your main purpose is swimming. Hanging out by the pool? Yes. Frolicking in the waves at the beach? Yes. Wading? Sure. But if you’re going to be doing laps, or taking a long swim to a idyllic island across the bay, you’re better off with a traditional swimsuit.

How Athleta Kiki Swim Dress Rates:

• Usefulness: 9/10. This is a dress that works at the pool, in the pool, at the beach, out and about, and in restaurants. It’s not great for swimming laps, but it is the most versatile resort-wear we’ve tried out.
• Value: 8/10. Even at its original price of $69, it’s comparable in price to both Athleta swimsuits and dresses. When it’s on sale (at press time, it was on sale starting at $23, depending on color), it’s an even better deal.
• Durability: 8/10. It’s made of a material similar to what you’d expect in a swimsuit, which means it transitions well from wet to dry without stretching out.
• Cool Factor: 9/10.  Ultra-flattering, comfortable, and incredibly adaptable. That’s cool.

Final Verdict: Disclaimer: I went into this product test not understanding how to properly use a swim dress. Was it a dress or a swimsuit?  The answer, I learned by bringing it along on a Hawaii vacation, was that it made transitioning between water and land activities easy; on the days I wore it I changed fewer times because, unless I was going for an extended swim, I was already wearing something appropriate for just about any beach vacation activity (including non-beach pursuits like shopping and light hiking).

(Photo: Athleta)

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.