Stores we cover

The deepest catalog of the group, and the hardest to search. Strong for maxi dresses with real sleeves, occasion wear, and modest knits from house brands.

The widest range of long-sleeve midi and maxi dresses anywhere on this list, across dozens of brands. Its listings spell out neckline, sleeve, lining and fabric, which is why so much of it can be read.

Where the everyday basics live. Consistently good for long-sleeve midi and maxi dresses under $40, and layering pieces.

The layering backbone. Opaque fabrics, generous cuts, and long-sleeve basics that work under almost anything.

Denim, poplin and heavy jersey at everyday prices. The long-sleeve maxi shirtdresses and sweater dresses are the reason to look; most of the rest of the range is sleeveless.

Grown-up tailoring and good fabric for the money. Its listings describe collar, fit and lining in detail but rarely name a sleeve length, which is why little of it clears the sleeve filter.

The cheapest of the group, and stock moves fast. Its dress range runs short and sleeveless, so what appears here will always be a thin slice of it.

Clear fabric and fit notes on every listing — fibre content, lining, hem measured from the shoulder. Sleeve length is the one thing it leaves out, so its dresses mostly cannot be tagged.

Cut for coverage more often than most of this list, with 3/4 and long sleeves through the whole range. Lengths are given in inches rather than named, which costs it some listings here.

British, print-led, and unusually strong on shirt dresses with real sleeves. Also where a lot of the midi and maxi skirts come from.

Plain, heavy, opaque fabrics and a wide-leg trouser range that runs deep. Short on prints, long on things that layer.

Mid-range prices on natural fibres — linen trousers, cotton maxi skirts, and cashmere knits with high necks.

Workwear that happens to cover: full-length trousers, midi shirt dresses, and cardigans meant for an office.

Loft's more formal sister. Tailored full-length trousers and mock-neck knits, with a good petite and plus range.

Casual and fabric-first. Reliable for relaxed knits, overshirts, and wide-leg trousers in heavier cottons.

Soft, everyday knitwear. Useful for long-sleeve layering pieces rather than anything formal.

A small range, but the shirting and trousers are cut generously and the fabrics are stated clearly.

Expensive and quiet. Relaxed knits and wide trousers in cashmere and heavy cotton, in a narrow colour range.

Romantic and often long-sleeved, with high necks and a lot of cotton. Prices are high and stock moves quickly.

Long-sleeve midi and maxi dresses are most of what they make, which makes a small catalog worth reading closely.

Bright prints, and more full-length pieces than the brand's reputation suggests. Worth filtering hard.

Best known for one dress shape, some of it long-sleeved and full length. A short list, checked often.