The jersey dress and why the fit feels different

Short answer: A jersey dress is knitted rather than woven, which is why it stretches. That means it follows the body and is comfortable to move in, but also that it needs to fit from the start so it does not hang and lose its shape.

Knitted rather than woven

Jersey is a knitted fabric that stretches across its width. That gives freedom of movement without zips, buttons or darts, and the dress can be pulled over the head. In return, the fabric gives less support to the shape than a woven fabric. So the fabric and your size decide how the dress sits, not the construction.

Why size matters

A jersey dress that is too big hangs, because there is no construction to hold it in place. A woven dress can be slightly too big and still look fine, but jersey collapses. Choose the size that fits across the shoulders and bust. Read more about sizing in the size guide.

The drape of bamboo viscose

Bamboo viscose jersey drapes more heavily than cotton jersey and therefore hangs more nicely on the body. The fabric settles softly around shoulders and hips instead of standing out. That gives a calm silhouette that works for everyday wear and slightly smarter occasions. See the range of bamboo dresses in different lengths.

Under the dress

Jersey can cling to tights and ride up as you walk. A smooth layer underneath lets the dress glide freely and fall as it should. A slip also gives a little extra coverage if the fabric is thin or the colour is light. Choose a slip slightly shorter than the dress. See bamboo slips.

Drying and hangers

If a jersey dress is hung wet on a hanger, the weight of the water pulls the fabric down and the shoulders get stretched. Lay it flat to dry on a rack or a towel instead. Once dry, it can hang on a wide hanger, but many people prefer to fold jersey dresses and keep them on a shelf.

The T-shirt dress

The most worn jersey dress is the T-shirt dress: a straight style with short sleeves and a round neck. It is easy to wear, on its own in summer and with leggings in winter. Because it is cut straight, it is especially important that it fits across the shoulders. See bamboo T-shirt dresses.

Washing

Wash jersey dresses at 40 degrees inside out and skip the tumble dryer. Heat makes jersey shrink and can make the fabric less elastic over time. Use a gentle spin and give the dress a light shake before laying it out to dry. All the rules are gathered in the washing guide.

When the fit feels different

Many people are surprised the first time they try a jersey dress, because it feels closer or looser than expected. That comes from the stretch: the dress shapes itself to the body rather than having a shape of its own. Give it a few hours of wear before you judge it. Jersey often settles slightly after a short time.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my jersey dress hang?

Usually because it is too big, or because it has been hung wet on a hanger. Jersey has no construction to hold its shape, so size and drying matter a great deal.

Should jersey dresses be dried flat?

Yes. Lay them flat to dry so the weight of the water does not stretch the shoulders. Once dry, the dress can hang on a wide hanger or be folded on a shelf.