Very linen-like, loose fit, somewhat show-through -- still a perfect summer garment!
Thanks to my seamstress mother-in law, I learned what makes a good garment good. Except for an initially sticky zipper (breath-holding moment!), this is a well-constructed and finished garment, and it actually fit my 20-22 body a little more loosely than expected. (In length, too. I'm 5'4" and unless there's a good bit of shrinkage after washing, there will be a hemming job in my immediate future.) The legs are indeed wide and therefore do a bit of flopping as I walked, but that might be partly due to their current too-long status (had to roll them up). Note: If I notice a significant difference in the length, fit, or anything else after washing, I'll return and post an update. Waistbands are a big bugaboo of mine -- I despise a waistband that shreds or goes wonky after wearing or washing -- yet the construction and finishing on this waistband -- flat in front, elastic in back, with smoothly stitched belt loops -- tells me it will likely hold up and stay comfortable. The pockets are deep and should also hold up well. The fabric feels very linen-like and is lightweight. However, it allows a good bit of light to shine through. With loose-woven material like this, sometimes the fibers will tighten up after the first washing, but out of the package I'd have to call it show-through. Even so, the fabric is lovely and gauzy, and if you're like me and will wear underwear underneath, or layer a long top over it (or plan to wear it as a swimsuit coverup), you'll be happy with its light weight and breezy feel. And, like genuine linen does, this fabric tends to hold on to wrinkles (see photo, where I retrieved it from the laundry basket to snap a photo). I personally like the slightly wrinkled look -- it adds to the "pricey linen" impression. If I were traveling with it, though, I would roll it rather than fold it, and prepare that I might want to to do a light steaming (hot shower or steamer) and hand pressing before wearing. Not a severe issue. With those limitations, this is a garment that will layer and pair well with many different casual styles of tops and jewelry, including a slender belt, and just like genuine linen, I think it will last through multiple summers. Read more




































