ColumbiaWomens PFG Freezer III Dress

First off, let me say that these dresses are AMAZING. I bought my first Columbia PFG Freezer dress 3 years ago and I liked it so much I've bought an additional one in a new pattern every year since. It is lightweight and doesn't wrinkle, absolutely perfect for travel to warm destinations. It is also dries quickly which is great for times when you don't have access to a dryer (I've literally worn it straight out of the washer) and makes it an ideal choice for lake or beach trips as it can be used as a swim cover up. The material is stretchy which means you can do just about anything in it, including hiking, and it's held up perfectly (ZERO snagging) over multiple years of use and many, many washes. The length is another thing I love about this dress, a lot of dresses these days are so short and this one hits right at the knees, which is perfect for me.All that being said, I was extremely disappointed to find that this year's new dress didn't fit. At first I thought I might be imagining things, but after comparing it to my other dresses I can confirm that this dress is about 1" smaller in both length and width (picture included for reference). I'm not sure if this a manufacturing defect or Columbia has changed their sizing. Either way I will be returning and will wait until I can try on in a store before re-purchasing.For reference, I am 5' 7", 140 lbs, pear shaped and I purchased a medium.

I have a few of the other Freezer dresses, such as the straight ones with the ties on the bottom sides. This dress is a different material than those - this is much more like workout pants or swimsuits, vs the other dress material which is more of a crisp nylon feel. Both are comfortable, but in my opinion the other fabric is a bit more versatile and dressy - this definitely looks like a swim dress. Cute, but not something I’d wear out or to work with a sweater. Perfect for around the yard or beach, and flattering on. It says it is the cooling tech fabric, whereas the other is omnishield (cooling and sun protection). Oddly, the sizing is different than the other Freezer styles as well. I wear a small in the other styles (maxi and straight side-tie) but in this a medium fit perfectly. So if you own the other style, just beware that the sizing is not the same. Anyway, I wanted to outline the key differences in case anyone was comparing the two styles. I do like them both, but they are decidedly different materials and looks.

This dress is made of comfortable light material that doesn’t wrinkle so it’s good for travel. It fits well. The only thing I don’t like about it is the strange triangular logo on the back of the dress that mentions fishing. What is that for? Kept me from giving it five stars.

I’m returning it because I don’t want to wear a dress that says “Performance Fishing Gear” on the back. (Who fishes in a dress??) I just assumed it said “Columbia”. I’m disappointed because it fit well. I was buying it to wear in Europe.

This Columbia dress is a must have summer dress. It can be both casual or dressed up. The material really did help me stay cool in the summer heat. The dress washes well. The fit was very flattering.

this is not a good dress if you expect any kind of coverage. The fabric is very thin like an athletic tank top. You can see bra & underwear lines. It shows any and all bumps/wrinkles etc. It's very thin and not good quality. If that doesn't bother you than this is a great dress for you. Maybe best for teens

I debated a long time before ordering this freezer dress, finally ordered one, and due to how it fits on me I have to return the dress. It's very well made. The material reminds me of super stretchy close fitting swim suit material. This material definitely makes it good for hot weather, easy care, travel, etc.I ordered my usual size, Medium, and it fits super close and tight which on me shows every bump, bulge, and problem area. I saw bumps and bulges I didn't even know existed until this dress squished them into existence. This isn't the dress's fault, it's just the way it fits on my body. It think on someone with a slender build, or evenly proportioned, it would look better. I don't think sizing up to a Large will help, as I'm a 36B bust and the fit there is good. I have a bit of a tummy and carry my weight in my backside and hips, pear shaped, which is where it clings right to my body and doesn't look flattering at all.FOR SIZING: if in between sizes I'd say order up. If looking for a looser fit, I'd say order 2 sizes up, especially if evenly proportioned all over. For someone who's slim, I think ordering the usual size worn would work fine.

Am a Size 6 so go between Sm and Med depending. I could have worn either but opted for the Medium and still looks like it fits good on and not as clingy as a small would've been. Easy dress to wear at home or errands.