If you start your journey into sustainable fashion, one of the first brands you’re bound to run into is Reformation. Launched in 2009 out of Los Angeles, it’s established itself as a go-to brand for sundresses, party dresses, wedding dresses, and the like. While they do have more than just dresses (I can personally speak to how much I love a pair of their jeans I purchased from thredUP), their dresses are their calling card. I’m telling you now – if you want to make a purchase from Reformation, start with a dress.
About the Brand
To start – Reformation has its own page dedicated to Sustainability and, unlike a lot of brands, it goes into some detail. In fact, they actually have more than one page dedicated to their different sustainability causes. They have 19 pages, detailing their mission, sustainability reports, brand partners, and more. I strongly encourage you to check some of the pages out for yourself.
Each item on the site has its own RefScale for each of its garments, breaking down the item’s impact on the environment for you.
The Sizing
Reformation states that its dresses are made to fit a variety of body types. They do make a lot of their dresses with extended sizing as well as petite sizing. However, I do find that their brand, as a whole, runs a bit small, especially in the ribcage and bust area. Reading customer reviews of the brand, I don’t think I’m alone in that assessment.
Generally, I wear a size 6 or 8 in dresses, leaning more toward a size 8 to accommodate my bust. In Reformation, I almost always choose a size 10. I did purchase a dress recently that I did consider purchasing an 8, but overall still found the 10 to be the most comfortable.
I would recommend following their size chart as closely as possible and sizing up if you are between sizes, especially if you have a larger chest.
My measurements:
42″ Bust (34G)
30″ Waist
41″ Hips
The Material
Now, I tend to really like the material of most Reformation dresses. I find silk to be too delicate, but some people may not like the feel of Reformation’s Viscose and Rayon blend.
Some people do have problems with white being see-through, but I can’t fault the brand for an issue that seems to plague nearly every brand ever. That being said – I have never had an issue with their colored dresses and I own several dresses in black, green, and red. I do have a white Reformation top as well and have never had issues with a nude bra.
The one qualm I can find is that most of their dresses need to be dry cleaned or hand-washed. I’m not one to wash my sundresses between every single use (unless I get very sweaty, which is possible), so I don’t find this too irritating. I also love the dry cleaner I go to, so that may be it as well. For those that don’t have the patience to take care of high-maintenance clothing, these dresses may not be a good fit for you.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I own several Reformation dresses and can tell you that they are the favorites in my closet. But – I don’t think I can virtually look you in the eyes and tell you that a $200+ dress is worth the money. Now, sustainable brands are known for being a bit more expensive (I’ll go into this one day), so it may price a lot of people out.
Overall, spending more money on a few items rather than less money on a lot of items is something I adhere to. These dresses might not be in your budget, and that’s ok too. But – if you’re looking for a cute sundress that will garner you compliments all summer long and aren’t opposed to dropping a bit more money on it, this brand might be right for you.
This dress won’t change your life but it may get you a few extra glances at whatever summer event you attend. It won’t end world hunger, but it might be the star of a few thirst traps.
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