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 contemporary Australian brand, Dissh. I was passing through Oxford Circus on my way to a meeting in Mayfair, wearing a dreamy chocolate-coloured linen maxi dress with tuck detailing from the Gold Coast-based brand, with a pair of navy suede boat shoes from Reformation, when a woman stopped me in my tracks outside Liberty.

"Excuse me," she interrupted me. "Is that the Dissh dress?" Surprised and a little bashful to have been asked, I confirmed her suspicions. "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," she said. This is the power that fashion holds. Each thread is like a connective tissue that builds community and influence.

Given that I was born and raised in Sydney, I took it upon myself to be Who What Wear UK’s official authority on the brand, guiding my colleagues on sizing concerns and questions about fit or fabric. Being approached wearing one of Dissh’s designs 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 approval of stylish celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and Simone Ashley. 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 co-founder and CEO told me.

"The vision is, in essence, to provide value to [our customer]—creating a product that she loves, feels good wearing and [is] from a company she feels good about spending her money with. It is our job to continue to improve on that promise every season."

You’ve already no doubt seen Dissh making waves on social media (there was a fabulous official launch celebration in Saint-Raphaël in the South of France), but for many, this retail presence will be the first introduction to the world of Dissh. I’m personally already well acquainted with the brand's floaty shapes, flattering cuts and sumptuous natural fibres, having frequented its stores over the years and racking up a collection of staples, including tailored blazers, soft shirting and breezy skirts.

So, with the brand new to the UK fashion landscape (and causing confusion for people unsure how to spell it when searching for it online), I'm sharing my knowledge with you all and breaking down exactly what makes Dissh so desirable. Ahead, I tried on some of the brand’s best-selling dresses and spoke to the woman in charge to help counsel you through your next summer dress purchase. Let's hope for some of that Aussie sun too.

What 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. Whilst linen has always been a crucial part of Dissh's DNA, the original offering was something more bohemian, free-spirited and slightly hedonistic, 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 in 2019.

Henry-Hicks helped breathe new life into Dissh, 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. But 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 worthy additions to 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 a shift dress; something quite billowy, wafty and which leaves plenty of room around your waist. It’s a staple piece I 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 I could imagine. 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 cutesy, especially when paired with my brown suede 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 it in slightly.

Shop the Dress:

2. Milano Cotton Midi Dress

Style Notes: It’s hard to pick favourites when it comes to these Dissh dresses. In saying that, this one is a top contender. When I tried it on, I immediately felt like a princess because of how beautiful and confident it made me feel. The dress features a shirred bodice that's really flattering for larger chest sizes (guilty!) because of how elasticated it is. The Basque waist might be controversial to some members of Gen Z, but it’s earned the approval from this 25-year-old, given how the dipped, triangular design elongates the figure and slightly smooths the torso. I did find the gathering where the bodice meets the skirt 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 it makes special-occasion dressing so accessible. Yes, this style would be perfect for a gorgeous soirée or cocktail hour, but I’d equally wear it to grab spicy margaritas and sushi.

Shop the Dress:

3. Tahlia Linen Blend Midi Dress

Style Notes: Ah, the dress that got me 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—this maxi falls so elegantly down the body that it feels like it’s made for a double-take. What I adore the most 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. I despise the look of crinkled fabric, though, so if you’re less fussed, you won’t find this an issue.

The main gripe I have with this dress is the way it fits around the cleavage. The deep V-neck turns into more of a scoop thanks to my bigger cup size, meaning it leaves a slightly concave effect when I'm side on. Again, the sizing is quite limited, so larger bodies would struggle with this piece, which is an overarching grievance Dissh needs to address in future.

Shop the Dress:

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 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 friends?) The high neck resolved all issues I had with the Tahlia dress, 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 loved the fit. 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'm a big fan of.

Also, the skirt didn’t protrude out too far around my feet, making the fit feel quite modern rather than dated. The linen is sheer, but even being blasted by Selfridges' harsh lighting, it didn’t come across as transparent, giving just enough coverage to feel modern and fresh. It's definitely more sculpting than other styles, so if stiffer shapes aren’t for you, you might want to go with a different option.

Shop the Dress:

5. Mila Cotton Corduroy Mini Dress

Style Notes: This is the least "Dissh"-y of the dresses I tried, but there’s something about the '60s-style hem length and '70s corduroy that really spoke to me. Slightly beatnik and slightly modish, the Milo is relaxed, casual and cool. I ended up buying this one, and I’ve worn it over a white T-shirt with biker boots on my days off, and over a button-down shirt to the office, making it a true all-rounder. If the corduroy isn’t to your liking, this dress is quite similar to the cotton Gabby style (the first one I tried), and it also comes in a very sleek suede iteration called Oakland, which I can imagine the style set eating up.

Shop the Dress:

6. Toby White Cotton Midi Dress

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

Shop the Dress:

Shop More Dissh Dresses:

Influencers Wearing Dissh Dresses

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

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 has made this a part of its design codes, too.

Style Notes: Lace is a new motif for the brand, but I'm loving how it features in the 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 its entrance into a brick-and-mortar space "a response to rising demand [that] signals the brand’s growing global momentum," it says.

Henry-Hicks emphasises 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 ask her why she thinks Dissh resonates with UK customers, she tells me, "There is a shared natural affinity for laid-back and classic silhouettes that communicate a sense of effortless cool." Based on the amount of praise I received in these dresses alone, you can bet Dissh won’t be a name Brits forget.

Where Can You Buy Dissh in the UK?

Dissh is shoppable exclusively in-store and online at Selfridges. Of the partnership, Henry-Hicks explains that the multi-brand retailer "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," she says. "We feel incredibly proud to sit alongside brands we admire in a space that mixes high-end fashion with attainable luxury. 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 a beachside boutique 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. Compared to its home base of Australia, Henry-Hicks tells me "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 we consider in our planning and marketing strategies".

Crucially, at the heart of Dissh are enduring designs that don't require updating season after season. The ability of the brand's pieces to work in different contexts and environments comes from these new horizons being 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 says. "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 and lean into trends with intention, never straying far from our signature neutral (and timeless) tonal palette, and staying true to what we know."