As someone who’s been on a mission to build a more sustainable wardrobe, I’ve had my eye on Reformation for a while. Known for their chic, eco-conscious designs, Reformation Women’s Dresses have become a go-to for fashion lovers who want to look good and feel good about their purchases. With spring around the corner and a need for a versatile dress to elevate my closet, I decided to take the plunge and order from Reformation. Spoiler alert: it was an experience worth sharing. Here’s my in-depth review of Reformation Women’s Dresses, including what I bought, how they performed, and whether they’re worth the investment.
Why Reformation Stands Out in Sustainable Fashion
Let’s start with what makes Reformation a leader in the sustainable fashion space. No brand is perfect, but Reformation’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is impressive. Their mission is rooted in reducing environmental impact, and they’re transparent about their progress. Every quarter, they release a Sustainability Report that breaks down their efforts to cut water usage, carbon emissions, and waste. As someone who values accountability, I found this level of transparency refreshing.
Reformation uses low-impact materials like Tencel, organic cotton, and deadstock fabrics (about 20% of their collections at the time of writing). Their packaging is biodegradable, right down to the veggie-based “plastic” bags. They’ve also invested in energy-efficient factories and partner with programs to offset their carbon footprint. Plus, their leadership team is over 70% women or underrepresented groups, which speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusivity.
Compared to other sustainable brands like Everlane or Sezane, Reformation strikes a unique balance of trendy designs and eco-conscious production. While Everlane leans minimalist and Sezane focuses on timeless French elegance, Reformation brings a youthful, feminine flair that’s perfect for those who want sustainability without sacrificing style.
The Online Shopping Experience
Shopping on Reformation’s website is a breeze. The interface is clean, with intuitive navigation that lets you filter by category, size, color, or price. I headed straight to the dresses section, where you can zoom in on fabric details—a must when buying online. The site also includes a “RefScale” tab for each product, showing its environmental footprint in terms of carbon emissions, water usage, and waste. This level of detail builds trust and helps you make informed choices.
Reformation’s sizing can be tricky, as they tend to run slightly small and cater to a younger, slimmer demographic. Their size chart is accurate, though, so measure yourself and stick to it. I appreciated seeing diverse models, including some plus-size representation, but I’d love to see this expanded across all products. Orders over $200 USD qualify for free shipping, and my package arrived in Chicago from LA in just six days—impressive for international standards.
The packaging? A total delight. The box had a cheeky “Being naked is the most sustainable option; we’re #2” slogan, and the biodegradable bags showed Reformation’s attention to detail. It’s these small touches that make unboxing feel special.
What I Bought from Reformation
I ordered three dresses to test the waters, knowing I’d likely keep only one or two. Below, I break down each piece, why I chose it, and how it held up. For a visual try-on, check out my YouTube video (link placeholder for affiliate content).
1. Juliet Dress in ‘Midnight’ – $248 USD
Why I Chose It: This midi dress caught my eye with its sleek silhouette, square neckline, and rich navy hue. Perfect for dinners out or office settings, it’s made from a Tencel-viscose blend that promised breathability and sustainability.
What I Thought: The Juliet Dress is a showstopper. I ordered a size 4 (my usual size), and it fit like a glove through the bodice, with a flattering A-line skirt that skims the hips. The fabric feels luxurious—soft, lightweight, and slightly stretchy. It’s double-lined, so no worries about sheerness. The only downside? The skirt length was a tad long for my 5’6” frame, hitting below my calves. A quick tailor visit fixed that, though. I’ve worn this dress to a friend’s engagement party and got so many compliments. It’s versatile enough to style with heels or sneakers. Definitely a keeper.
Customer Quote: “I was hesitant about the price, but the Juliet Dress is worth every penny. It’s so flattering and feels amazing on. I’m 5’4” and had to hem it, but now it’s my go-to for date nights!” – Sarah T., Seattle
2. Nikka Dress in ‘Cherry Blossom’ – $218 USD
Why I Chose It: This floral wrap dress screamed spring. With adjustable straps, a V-neck, and a midi length, it’s ideal for picnics or casual outings. The rayon fabric uses deadstock materials, aligning with my eco-conscious goals.
What I Thought: The Nikka Dress is pure romance. I went with a size 6, as the size chart suggested sizing up for wrap styles, and it was spot-on. The cherry blossom print pops without being overwhelming, and the wrap design cinches the waist beautifully. It’s perfect for pear-shaped figures, as it accentuates the waist while skimming the hips. The fabric is breezy but prone to slight wrinkling, so I’d recommend steaming it before wearing. My only gripe is that the wrap can gape slightly at the bust if you’re curvier up top—I fixed this with a safety pin. I kept this one for its versatility and vibrant print.
Customer Quote: “Obsessed with the Nikka Dress! The floral print is stunning, and it’s so comfy for all-day wear. I did need to pin the neckline, but it’s a small fix for such a gorgeous dress.” – Emily R., Austin
3. Cynthia Dress in ‘Olive’ – $198 USD
Why I Chose It: This sleeveless, high-neck mini dress looked like a chic option for summer brunches. Made from organic cotton, it promised breathability and a relaxed fit.
What I Thought: The Cynthia Dress was a mixed bag. The olive color is rich and trendy, and the cotton fabric feels crisp yet soft. I ordered a size 4, but it felt a bit boxy around the waist, which didn’t flatter my hourglass shape. It’s better suited for straighter figures or those who prefer a looser fit. The quality is undeniable, but the silhouette wasn’t for me. I also found the $198 price tag steep for a mini dress with such a simple design. This one went back, but I’d consider it in a different color or size for someone else.
Customer Quote: “I love the Cynthia Dress for casual days. It’s super breathable and looks great with sandals. Wish it had a bit more shape, but the quality is top-notch.” – Mia L., San Diego
How Reformation Compares to Competitors
Reformation’s dresses shine for their blend of sustainability and style, but how do they stack up against other brands? Compared to Everlane’s minimalist cotton dresses, Reformation offers more feminine, trend-driven designs. Sezane’s dresses are equally chic but lean toward classic elegance, while Reformation feels bolder and more playful. Price-wise, Reformation is on par with Sezane ($150–$300 USD) but pricier than Everlane ($80–$150 USD). However, Reformation’s eco-friendly materials and transparent practices justify the cost for sustainability-focused shoppers.
For those considering fast-fashion alternatives like Zara or H&M, Reformation’s dresses are a clear upgrade. They’re made to last, with higher-quality fabrics and ethical production. While Zara might offer a $50 dress, it won’t match Reformation’s durability or environmental credentials.
Pros and Cons of Reformation Women’s Dresses
Pros:
- Sustainable Materials: From Tencel to deadstock fabrics, Reformation prioritizes eco-friendly options.
- Trendy Yet Timeless: Their dresses balance current trends with versatile silhouettes.
- High-Quality Construction: Double-lined fabrics and sturdy stitching ensure longevity.
- Transparent Practices: Quarterly sustainability reports and RefScale data build trust.
- Inclusive Leadership: A diverse management team reflects their values.
Cons:
- Pricey: Dresses range from $150–$300 USD, which may be a barrier for some.
- Sizing Challenges: Runs small, and petite or curvy shoppers may need tailoring.
- Limited Plus-Size Options: While improving, their size range could be broader.
- Minor Fabric Issues: Some materials (like rayon) wrinkle easily.
Would I Shop Reformation Again?
Absolutely. Reformation Women’s Dresses deliver on style, sustainability, and quality. The Juliet and Nikka dresses have become staples in my wardrobe, and I’m already eyeing their fall collection. The brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, from biodegradable packaging to low-impact materials, aligns with my values. Their sizing can be a hurdle, so double-check the size chart and be prepared for potential tailoring if you’re petite or curvy.
Price-wise, Reformation isn’t cheap, but you’re paying for ethical production and durable pieces. If budget is a concern, wait for their seasonal sales (typically three times a year) to snag a deal. Returns were hassle-free—I sent back the Cynthia Dress using Reformation’s prepaid FedEx label for a $15 USD fee, which felt reasonable.
For anyone looking to invest in sustainable fashion that doesn’t skimp on style, Reformation is a solid choice. Have you tried their dresses? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
