REI Co-op  Sahara Dress

This dress is lightweight, stretchy, and has a perfect length but is not flattering. I am a larger person- I usually wear a dress size 16- and this dress was not really shaped well for my figure. I love the length (It's longer in the back) and it feels great on, but the high waist belt didn't really work for me- It just accentuated an already large chest, and the button-up top feels a little "frumpy". It was also a bit snug around the hips when I would walk, but I always wear leggings underneath so that may not be an issue otherwise. Overall, I would love a skirt or shorts in this material but the design of the dress just didn't work for my figure.

I really wanted to like this dress! The fabric color is a nice subtle blue and the fabric is comfortable- it would be really comfortable on a hot summer day. Formal yet casual - could dress up or down. I would say the fit is true to size, so order what you would normally order. The belt can twist and is a big pain to fix, so keep an eye on that when putting on and taking off dress. Would be a great travel dress. The best thing is hands down the pockets! It has pockets! Great large perfect location pockets. The main downside with this dress is my own preference - the style is just not for me. In addition, even though the fit is good, moving my arms up and around (as an active person would in an active dress) the shoulders don’t articulate as well as I thought they would. Looks decent with leggings. I tried wearing a sweater over since it’s currently winter in WI, but due to location of belt - it didn’t look quite right (on me at least). I’m a 12/14 and I got a large. Initially I thought I’d need an XL, but subsequently decided it wasn’t the fit I didn’t like - it was the style. Would be a great dress if you like this style!!

This was supposed to be the perfect dress for upcoming hot weather travel and casual summer use in general. Fit was actually correct: at 5'3", 120 lbs I fit the size small. But the look: oh how ugly on me, don't even know where to start. The straight v-neck and baggy sleeves (and faded grey/purple color) looked like scrubs, and not nice ones. The pockets bagged out. The high/low hem looked odd. The rounded side slits were unflattering. No! I could not have looked more awful in a dress. The fabric was just a bit too stiff. Having looked forward to picking up my online purchase that was going to be a wonderful practical piece, I sadly returned it instead.

I have four REI Aoraki dresses, which are perfectly cut for my body. I tried the Sahara dress, which is a replacement for the Aoraki, and it is boxy and poorly cut. I wear a small in the Aoraki, but the small in the Sahara was too tight over the chest and the medium looked like a sack. The belt does not cinch in a flattering place. The Sahara is very casual and would not be appropriate for the offce. The Aoraki was extremely multi-functional. It could be worn hiking, for dinner, or even for work. It was the perfect travel dress, because it could take you from the trail to a restaurant.

Love the comfort, the pockets. Hate the empire waist, not flattering at all. But it’s sure easy to use my Tinklebelle while wearing it. I’m happy with my purchase. It buy another if you lowered the waistline to, like, my waist.

The Sahara dress has a lot of the features I look for in a travel/outdoor adventure dress. The fit is perfect. I’m 5’4” with a short torso and 38C band. There is no gaping in the chest and the length is great - just above the knees and the right length when you sit down, along with an adjustable waist. The V in its v neck looks good but is not too low cut. There is a vent in the upper back which is good for airflow. It’s an interesting but neutral colour that goes with anything but won’t show dirt as easily as a lighter one. It dries quickly. It’s enough of a layer for a longer hike even with snow on the ground, and a light jacket. If you’re taller the torso of this dress might be short for you. If I had one wish it would be that the adjustable waist strap was in the back instead of the front and that it was the same colour as the dress instead of being black and sticking out. There are three pockets. Two large open ones, on each side, and one zip pocket on the right. I would only use the zip pocket, anything else would fall out when you’re moving. The bottom of the dress has rounded edges and is open enough for a good range of motion.

Found the dress while looking though a sale rack. I'm in love 🥰

I purchased this dress within a few seconds of seeing it as a new arrival! I didn't read the reviews first nor did I even check the price! I wanted this to be the perfect rest day camp shirt for canoe trips in northern MN. I like the quick dry material and that it has large pockets. I am busty and athletic. I typically wear a size 14, but the XL was very tight in the shoulders and bust but fit ok in the waist and hips. I'm not sure the problem would be solved by adding larger sizes as something seems off about the design.

I'm assuming this is replacing the Aoraki dress, and man, that's a bummer. The Aoraki was absolutely perfect. I bought almost every color of it these last few years because I would throw it on with a cute necklace to teach in and then turn around and wear to the farmers market on a summer Saturday. It could do everything. This dress is much more casual, and the fit just...didn't work for me. Super bummed about this change.

I adore the Sahara shorts so while buying them again, I added the dress for a trip next Spring (sailing class in the Caribbean) where packing light and casual are important. Got it today. Fit is great, surprisingly because I am very short waisted. Would probably be great for camping if all you care about is comfort. Reason I will return is that the black one when on literally looks like a hotel maid uniform. (Or a 1960s maid uniform in a tv show, white apron /hat optional.) Because the other choices are prison uniform orange or a blue that could also look like a hotel maid (or a depressed dentist office uniform), I sadly have to give this a pass. Your mileage may vary. Sad as it fits and feels fine.