Patagonia Women's Bandha Dress

March 16, 2012

Oh my goodness, this dress is amazing. I have been searching for the perfect travel dress, and this one is IT. The size and fit: I am 5'9" and about 140#. I'm tall and straight-up-and-down with a long torso, long legs, and long limbs. 34C, and I have a bit of a, um, rear end. I ordered a medium, and it fits PERFECTLY. It hits me right at the knee. All the seams are in just the right places, slanting in just the right direction. Really excellent female design. The material: Not very thick, but I'm okay with that, personally. It doesn't feel cheap. Comfortable, dries quickly, looks great. From regular standing distance, this dress looks downright fancy. And it rolls up into practically nothing. The bag it came in was so small I thought it was the swim suit I had ordered. I am so pumped! I love this dress so much I'm thinking about buying a second one even though it's expensive! Well done, Patagonia.

great for everything dress
December 24, 2011

I love patagonia dresses and this one is good for work, travel, and dressy play. Super comfy and super flattering at the same time. I'm 5'5" and I wish it were a little shorter. Otherwise, it's perfect!

Flattering Comfortable Dress
December 15, 2011

This dress is very flattering for small to medium chested woman. It is a form fitting dress for the upper part but nice and flowing for the lower part. You can easily dress it up or down and comes in great colors!

great dress
October 12, 2011

love the berry color and the fit. not too low in front, good coverage all around. very comfortable, but cute as well. fabric makes it a great to pack, too.

Really nice dress
October 10, 2011

Wow! I just wore this dress for a casual evening out and I received so many compliments. I am 5'5", 135lbs., and a little curvy, and the medium fit great. The material is soft and flowy yet substantial. It is very comfortable. I think it would also be great for traveling. I am definitely getting another.

Feminine
October 09, 2011

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the color was as advertised on this website. The quality also exceeded my expectations. Dress is extremely versatile and feminine. Hugs the body in the right places. If you are overweight and/or bloated and want to desguise it, this dress may not be for you. If you are pregnant ( and not over weight.) with a small tummy and does not mind showing it off, this dress will be extremely comfy as it adds no pressure and feels and fits like a second skin and it is extrely easy putting on and taking off.

LBD
September 26, 2011

Beautiful drapey dress that follows your curves without clinging. I will get a ton of wear out of this dress, it can get dressed up or go casual. I will wear it with boots this winter and have already worn it on a warm fall day, felt great in it.

No Good Unless You're a Beanpole
September 16, 2011

There's a reason the website doesn't show this dress on a model: Unless you're a beanpole, this dress won't look good. I've bought other dresses in size L from Patagonia that fit well and are flattering. This one, however, made me feel like a blob of sausage. Even the XL would have hugged every tiny bump and lump. The rosehip color was a disappointment too--kind of blah and not very flattering with my skin tone. I've returned the dress for a refund.

Like the changes
August 11, 2011

I have a couple of the old style Bandha dresses which were sleeveless (now cap sleeve), longer and made of denser fabric. The new style is lighter and nicer to wear but does show more body imperfections. I bought black and blue and the black is way more forgiving than the blue. I am 5'9" and 150lbs and the M fits perfectly. I haven't worn either yet or washed them so can't comment on the durability.

Great dress but too small in the stomach area
July 31, 2011

I purchased this dress with the intention of bringing it to Jamaica on my two-week honeymoon. The dress was adorable but it really clung to the flaws and "donut" on my belly. I was hoping the style of the dress would be a little more forgiving and help hide this. I ended us returning the dress due to that one flaw.

Love this dress!
July 30, 2011

This dress is exactly what I thougt it would be -- comfortable, flettering, stylish and versatile. I'm sure it will be the dress I reach into my closet for all summer long.

Awesome
July 18, 2011

Easy to wear, comfortable with a great shape. Nice enough for dinner out, casual enough for day to day. Size is true; I'm 5'10" and found the length to be good, which is rare, falling just above the knee. Dress has a great drape that is very flattering!

Worth every penny
July 05, 2011

Dress it up or down, fits nicely; not overly body hugging. Attractive on a 25 yr old or 60 yr old. I'm glad I didn't try to "bargain" shop this time and, instead, acquired a beautiful easy-care flattering dress that will last years.

Bandha Dress
June 23, 2011

The new length is perfect on my 115lbs 5ft. 4 frame. I tried last year's longer style, but I looked lost in it. I love the amaranth color, and am planning to buy more colors. So comfy and flattering. I love it.

bandha dress is my new favorite
June 16, 2011

This dress is incredibly flattering. It is form fitting in the shoulders and chest, sexy but not too low cut and flares out in a very flattering way. I love the pink color! The fabric is thin and silky yet the cut makes this dress very flattering. The dress can also be worn for hanging around the house or a casual day or easily dressed up for most any occasion. I plan to order it in black as well. This is a go to dress!

Love this dress
June 12, 2011

Feels great, looks great. I got lots of compliments on this dress in Amaranth so got the Bali Blue as well. Perfect for summer. A little clingy through the chest. Neckline might be a little low for work but otherwise great.

Comfortable and Forgiving Dress
May 14, 2011

WOW! The Patagonia Bandha Dress is very comfortable. The dress flows beautifully from the waist and the twist at the center-chest adds a touch of formal flare. It is extremely figure-flattering, especially in the black. I had to size up with this dress. The small was less clingy than the x-small. I am 5'3", 120 lb, and 32B bust, for reference.

Versatile dress but too long
May 07, 2011

This is a great all-purpose dress but on me at 5'6" it falls mid-calf which makes me look dowdy. I can sew so I took 10" off the hem of each of these dresses that I own. It looks as if the newer version might be shorter. Otherwise a great travel dress, comfortable to wear, even OK for the office possibly with a camisole underneath. I normally am spot on in size SM with Patagonia. For this one I tried the SM and MED. Both were OK but I went with the MED as the bodice is pretty fitted and I didn't want every lump and bulge to be visible.

Fab dress
May 04, 2011

This is a great dress--the grey color is sophisticated, the material is comfortable. The fit seems great--I bought at my regular size (sm) and don't have any trouble with panty lines. It's snug through the top, sure, but flowing from the waist. The knee-length of this version is just right--you can dress it up with heels and a scarf or dress it down with thongs. Easy wash and wear--great for travel. THe Bandha twist neckline is sexy without being revealing--gorgeous easy dress.

Great Dress!
May 03, 2011

A bit lighter in weight and shorter than last year's. I like the length, but actually preferred the heavier material. Great colors and fit as always. Very packable too.

comfortable and classic
September 30, 2010

This dress is attractive, comfortable, versatile and durable. It has quickly become my favorite in many colors!

Flattering - for the Woman on the Go
September 25, 2010

I purchased this dress as a lightweight, easy care cocktail/evening dress while traveling and was not disappointed. The cut is very flattering, the fabric elegant and comfortable even on hot summer evenings. I agree with other reviewers that this dress looks better in a size slightly smaller than what one would usually get (e.g. I am more a "Medium" but opted to get a size "Small"). The only problem there is that this dress is slim fit, meaning the area at the arms is cut tightly and one can see the panty line. Something to be mindful of - a fabulous dress though!

This dress is long!
September 21, 2010

This dress is made for tall ladies--not even for average height. I am five-two and it came down to my ankles. Fit nicely in the bust area. Because of the fabric type, it will show panty lines and bulges, if you have any.

Loved this dress.
September 07, 2010

Wore this dress to a wedding with a shawl & got lots of compliments. Very flattering. Fits great. Extremely comfortable.

Banda Dress
September 01, 2010

Love this dress. I have worn mine for three seasons and it looks new. I machine wash and air dry. Always get compliments whenever I wear it. Flattering, feminine and easy to pack and wear. No need to wear a cami to cover up.

Bandha Dress by Patagonia
August 30, 2010

This is one great dress. I now have three colors and all are perfect for day or evening...dressing up or casual wear. The material is soft and light. The bodice is unique prompting many complimentary comments. I am 5'2", 110 pounds and 34C. I chose medium as I don't like tight fitting clothing. This is just right for me as the slim cut makes the dress very shapely though a size larger than I would normally wear. At first I thought it was a tad long, but the tea length allows me to work in comfort at my desk and it is perfect for evening. Altrec's service was superb!

True to size
August 22, 2010

I considered ordering up a size based on the other reviews but am glad I didn't - I'm 5'7" and 140 lbs, 34B...small fits well...and I can wear a bra with it - great dress.

Amazing dress
August 09, 2010

This dress is not only comfortable, attractive and easy to care for.. it looks great in any venue from doing errands to out to dinner. I have it in three colors and have given two to my sister and one to my daughter-in-law. We all three love it...Great dress from Patagonia and great service from Altrec...I think I will shop for other colors that are on sale now!

Great purchase experience - great dress!
August 06, 2010

This dress is wonderful - I have it in 3 colors and have made it the core of my summer wardrobe. And Altrec purchase experience is the best!

love it
August 03, 2010

I bought this dress for my daughter and fell in love with it. It is flowy and very flattering. I agree with other reviewers who point out that a size larger makes it less form fitting.

Nice looking dress.
June 15, 2010

I would order up a size as it is a bit small through the bust. Overall a nice dress. Next order will be larger.

Wear it wherever....
June 09, 2010

I wore this to a wedding and the next day to the beach - effortless. I usually wear a Medium in Patagonia but sized up to a Large so that it drapes rather than be formfitting. Very nice drape. As usual, Altrec has more sizes/colors available than other websites. Great purchase!

Beautiful, but too tight
May 21, 2010

I am typically and XL, but this dress in XL no where near accommodated my large bust. I really loved the look and feel of it, but it was way too tight.

not for me
May 16, 2010

I liked this dress in the picture and I like the bandha top, however I didn't like the dress on me. I think it was too long for me (I am 5'5") and the color (prairie mist) was a little too pale.

another great Patagonia buy
May 05, 2010

The Banda dress is really comfortable and good for travel since it squishes down into a nice roll with few wrinkles. The x-small fits a 5'3 110 lb. frame perfectly and even compliments it, tighter along the bust line with a more relaxed fit around the torso. The black can be worn casually or dressed up. Overall a great dress- and Altrec as usual gets 5 stars for service and fast delivery.

Great Dress
April 29, 2010

Looks great and can go anywhere! Travels well and ready to wear at your destination. True to size. I wear a 4-6 and the small fit perfectly. I will definitely order more colors!!!!

Wonderful Dress
April 28, 2010

I purchased this dress for my wife, and she loves it. It washes and packs well. She is very pleased with it.

A great simple sleek dress!!!
April 07, 2010

An awesome simple dress that can look casual or dressy, and perfect for outdoorsy girls to look a little dressed up, but still maintain their down to earth appeal!!

Great dress
April 06, 2010

This is a very nice dress. The fabric is very nice, I normally wear a large and have a smaller waist than hips and this dress fits perfect. It does cling but the fabric is nice/thick enough that it lays well. I would definitely buy another.

beautiful
March 09, 2010

I was looking for a dress for my 14 year old daughter to wear to her 8th grade graduation. It was a little shocking to see all the dresses on line and in the stores that I guess they think are acceptable for young girls. Being obsessed with comfort this dress seemed like (from all the other reviews) it would be a great choice for her. It fits her beautifully and I think it will be a great dress to wear in May in Arizona. It has beautiful lines...and now I think I will be looking for a dress for me from Patagonia as well.