I Tried On the 6 Dissh Dresses Everyone Wants Right Now—Here's How They Fit

It’s not often that I’m accosted at random and asked for the details of my outfit. But that’s exactly what happened to me when I wore a dress from Australian contemporary resortwear label, Dissh. I was passing through Oxford Circus on my way to a meeting in Mayfair, wearing a dreamy chocolate coloured linen maxi with tuck detailing from Gold Coast-based brand alongside a pair of navy suede boat shoes from Reformation, when a lady stopped me in my tracks outside of Liberty department store. “Excuse me,” she interrupted me. “Is that the Dissh dress?” Surprised and a little bashful to have been asked, I confirmed her suspicion. “It looks so good on you! I’ve had it sitting in my cart for ages, but you’ve just convinced me to get it…”

This is the power that fashion holds. Each thread is like a connective tissue that builds a community and influence. Given the fact that I was born and raised in Sydney, I took it upon myself to be Who What Wear’s official authority on the brand, guiding my colleagues on sizing concerns and questions about fit or fabric. When I was approached wearing one of DISSH’s designs, it confirmed what I knew all along—a languid spirit, an air of relaxation and pieces dreamt up for summer would certainly make a splash here.

Its effortless aesthetic has earned the likes of Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and Simone Ashley as adherents. Now, with Dissh’s launch into Selfridges, marking the first time British customers can try on and shop the brand in person, its fanbase has boomed. “From a style and trend perspective, I’ve always felt the brand would resonate with the UK customer,” Lucy Henry-Hicks, Dissh’s chief executive officer and co-founder, told me over email.

“The fact that the brand is loved by customers all around the world is still somewhat surreal in many ways,” she adds of the international fanfare. “The vision is, in essence, to provide value to customers – creating a product that she loves, feels good wearing, and from a company that she feels good about spending her money with. It is our job to continue to improve on that promise every season.”

For many, this retail presence will be the first introduction to the world of Dissh. For me, I’m already well acquainted with their floaty shapes, feminine cuts and sumptuous natural fibres having frequented their stores over the years and raking up a collection of staples, including tailored blazers, soft shirting and breezy skirts. With the brand new to the UK fashion landscape—let alone still causing confusion for people unsure how to spell it when searching for it online—I took it upon myself to share my knowledge with you all and break down exactly what makes DISSH so desirable.

You’ve already no doubt seen it make waves on social media. (Including its enviable official launch celebration in Saint-Raphaël in the South of France.) You may already have a piece or two that you’ve been coveting and want confirmation on. You might not know anything about Dissh and are curious to change that. Whatever your concern is, I have you covered. Ahead, I tried on some of the brand’s best sellers and spoke to the woman in charge to help counsel you through your next summer dress purchase. Brighter days, incoming.

What Is Dissh?

But first, what exactly is Dissh? The brand isn’t new by any means, beginning in 2001 as a single standalone beachside boutique established by Henry-Hicks’s mother, Maree. While linen has always been a crucial part of Dissh's DNA, the original offering was something more bohemian, free-spirited and slightly sleazy, producing everything from perfect nightclub dresses to paisley prints intended for festival fields. Henry-Hicks joined in 2006 and, after her mum stepped down in 2018, spearheaded a significant rebrand that was undertaken in 2019.

Henry-Hicks helped breathe new life into the pieces, fortified the brand’s direction and focused on palatable pieces that suited the laid-back energy rooted in Australia’s coastal towns and city hubs. The result was the designs we know and love today—slouchy suiting, delicate body-grazing silks, nonchalant denims and fine knits. Of course, it’s Dissh's dresses that have served as the brand's bread and butter. Timeless and the definition of anti-trend, read on for my review of the best styles that will make for a worthy addition in your own wardrobe.

The Best Dissh Dresses, According to a Fashion Editor

1. Gabby Cotton Mini Dress

Style Notes: One thing I firmly believe is that a well-rounded wardrobe isn’t complete without the addition of a shift dress. Something that is quite billowy, wafty and leaves plenty of room around your waist. It’s a staple piece intended to throw over bikinis on beach days, wear to long lunches or pair with braided ballet flats for an unfussy but still elevated look. Dissh's Gabby Flared Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress fits this bill and then some. The style immediately piqued my interest right off the racks thanks to the muted pale blue shade and deep scooped ruched neckline. When I tried it on, which I did in a size 14, the fabric was so breathable on my body that it felt like I was wearing the chicest and softest nightie imagined. I sized up because I wanted more room, but I didn’t feel like the fabric swallowed me whole. On the contrary, the A-line shape looked really sweet and girlie, especially when paired with my suede brown ballet flats. Best of all, this piece has pockets, meaning you can discreetly tuck your hands for a more sculpted feel if you wanted to cinch in the style slightly.

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2. Milano Cotton Midi Dress

Style Notes: It’s hard to pick favourites when it comes to these Dissh dresses. In saying that, I’d have to say this style is a top contender. When I tried it on, I immediately felt like a princess because of how beautiful and confident it made me. The piece itself features a shirred bodice that is really flattering for larger chest sizes (guilty!) because of how elasticated the top half is. The Basque waistline might be controversial to some members of Gen Z, but it’s earned the approval from this 25-year-old given how the dipped effect elongates the figure and slightly smooths the torso. I did find the gathering along the hemline slightly bulky and uneven, but that’s only something a trained eye would pick up on. The skirt is made of a luxe cotton that features a conspicuous slit so you don’t have to worry about being constricted when walking. The brand recommends sizing down if you want a slimmer fit, however, I’d advise opting for your true size. The stretch through the bust area is quite generous and the invisible zip closure makes it easy to get in and out of, but the smocking could feel slightly tight to some people. What I love most about Dissh is how they make special occasion dressing so accessible. Yes, this style would be perfect for a gorgeous soiree or cocktail hour, but I’d equally wear it grabbing spicy margaritas and sushi.

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3. Tahlia Linen Blend Midi Dress

Style Notes: Ah, the infamous dress that prompted me to get stopped in the middle of Regent Street! Here she is in all her glory. I can completely understand my flatterer’s intrigue in this style. Available in two shades—bitter chocolate and cornflower blue—the style falls so elegantly down the body that it feels like it’s made for a double-take. What I adore the most about this style is the chic tucking that accents the middle of the dress. These details, however, do make it slightly nightmarish to iron. Even as a seasoned steamer, I spent about 15 minutes straightening out the main layer and lining. In saying that, I do despise the look of crinkled fabric so if you’re happy to walk around with a crease, you won’t find this an issue. The main gripe I had was the way the dress fit around the cleavage. The deep V-neck effect turned into more of a scoop thanks to my bigger cup size, meaning it left this slightly concave effect when I was side on. Again, the sizing is quite limited so larger body shapes would struggle with this piece, which is an overarching grievance Dissh needs to address in future.

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4. Milo Linen Blend Midi Dress

Style Notes: Slightly similar in shape and finish to the previous style, this more conservative style was the one that earned me the most comments when I circulated these try-on photos to my group chats. (What’s a purchase without consulting the grand council of all your best friends?) The high neck resolved all issues I had with the aforementioned piece and I didn’t find the cut too taut around my underarms either, despite my breasts taking up quite a bit of space. In fact, I actually found the fit to be so pleasing to the eye. The brand doesn’t boast about it, but I found the silhouette to cinch in at the waist and create a built-in hourglass effect that I just loved. The skirt also didn’t protrude too far out around my feet, making the fit feel quite modern rather than dated. The linen is sheer, but even being blasted by Selfridge’s harsh lighting, it didn’t come across as transparent, giving just enough coverage to feel modern and fresh. It definitely is more sculpting than other sizes, so if stiffer shapes aren’t for you, you might want to lead with a different option.

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5. Mila Cotton Corduroy Mini Dress

Style Notes: This is the least "Dissh"-y, but there’s something about the ‘60s hem length and ‘70s corduroy that feels the most ‘me’. Slightly beatnick, slightly modish, the Milo is relaxed, casual and cool. Since picking it up myself, I’ve worn it with a crisp white t-shirt and with biker boots on my days off and over a button-down shirt to the office, making it a true all-rounder. It’s quite similar to the cotton Gabby style if the corduroy isn’t to your liking, but it also comes in a very sleek suede style (called Oakland), which I can imagine the style set eating up.

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6. Toby White Cotton Midi Dress

Style Notes: If you’ve seen any Dissh dress on your Instagram feed, it’s this one. The ‘Toby’ is a shirred cotton-poplin number that’s already on its way to sell out. Maxi in length and hugging the body, Who What Wear’s editor in chief Hannah Almassi says the design is “very flattering, stretchy and comfy”. One word of warning, however: "It does require a white bra as it's a bit see-through!”

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Influencers Wearing Dissh Dresses

Style Notes: If you haven't familiarised yourself with Marianne Smyth's holiday wardrobe game, now is the time to.

Style Notes: One of Dissh's original design staples is the elongated bandeau top and soft fitted skirt.

Style Notes: It's not made a reprisal in Dissh's collection this season, but this gingham piece will never go out of style.

Style Notes: Consider this the Dissh equivalent to the LBD.

Style Notes: See what I mean about the elongated strapless bodice being a Dissh staple?

Style Notes: This new season mini is made for holidays.

Style Notes: Like Toteme's subtle patterns, Dissh have made this a part of their design codes, too.

Style Notes: Lace is a new motif for the brand, but I'm loving how they've used it in their new collection.

Is DISSH Available to Shop in the UK?

If you’re not based in London but still want to enjoy the brand, fear not. Dissh currently ships throughout the UK and Selfridges offers domestic shipping, too. According to the brand, in the last year alone, “its web traffic in the region doubled year-on-year,” making their entrance into a brick-and-mortar space “a response to rising demand and signals the brand’s growing global momentum".

Henry-Hicks emphasised this, too. “We’ve seen steady growth in the UK over the last couple of years, so it was a very natural and organic next step for us,” she says of the launch. When I asked her why she thought Dissh resonated with UK customers, she had this to say in response. “There is a shared natural affinity for laidback and classic silhouettes that communicate a sense of ‘effortless cool’.” Based on the amount of praise I received alone, you can best believe that Dissh won’t be a name Brits forget.

Where Can You Buy Dissh in the UK?

Dissh is shoppable exclusively at Selfridges and its direct-to-consumer website. Of the partnership, Henry-Hicks explained that the multi-retailer store “is the perfect home for Dissh, and is iconic in its own right.”

“Selfridges brings together the best brands in the world, under one roof,” Henry-Hicks believes. “We feel incredibly proud to sit alongside brands we admire in a space that mixes high-end fashion with attainable luxury,” she added.

“Selfridges is also a tourist destination for customers from all around the world, and this was important to us when selecting the right partner in the UK. From a brand awareness perspective, the visibility this gives us is unmatched.”

Why Is Dissh So Popular?

So, how exactly has Dissh blossomed from an established name to a dynamic player with growing devotees in an aggressive market, all thanks to a well-executed rebrand? It all comes down to what makes the brand stand out on the rack. "Intentional, quality design, at an attainable price that transcends one season," is how Henry-Hicks describes it. "We put a big emphasis on designing pieces that [our customer] can style many ways and will love for years to come. From a value perspective, this is where we win."

Interestingly, Dissh didn't need to translate its cardinal designs in any form to make them work in the UK. When compared to its home base of Australia, Henry-Hicks tells me that "both markets value quality and versatility, which resonates with our brand and design philosophy." She explains that the biggest difference comes down to seasonality and weather. "This naturally influences how customers shop," she explains before adding that these factors are "something that we consider in our planning and marketing strategies".

Crucially, at the heart of Dissh, are those enduring designs that you don't require updating season after season. The ability for the brand's pieces to work in different contexts and environments is because these new horizons are factored into the shapes from the very beginning. "We travel as a design team around the world chasing the sun and collecting inspiration," Henry-Hicks advises.

"Dresses are our largest category and have helped to put us on the global stage. The Dissh customer appreciates easy-to-wear silhouettes made from feel-good fibres and elevated thoughtful detailing. We are selective with and lean into trends with intention, never straying far from our signature neutral (and timeless) tonal palette and staying true to what we know."