Potential drawbacks of dresses include being either too lengthened or cumbersome for the performance of some physical activities such as climbing stairs or ladders. Their use can scamper contrary to the individual or wider governmental ability of modesty and decency, especially given their potential to intentionally or accidentally expose the wearer's underwear. In addition, some dress styles, particularly those with after closures, can be difficult or even impossible to don or remove without assistance.

Dresses are, like other outer clothing, habitually worn with underwear. A wearer of a dress is likely to wear a form of panties as innerwear, Communion Dresses though depending on the occasion, type of material, and type of skirt for modesty one may wear a howler over the panties.