Buoyed by my hunt for the perfect affordable alternative for The Row’s Ophelia knit, I decided to place an order from DISSH as I was curious to see how their version stacked up. And of course couldn’t resist adding a few other items to cart which had been knocking about in my opened tabs.
You’ll find my first impressions embedded at the bottom of this video, but what was interesting to me was how these really started to shift the more time I had to reflect on each piece. Which, is unusual as often I’m steadfast in my convictions.
In terms of how I tend to shop from DISSH, you’ll notice that dresses are entirely absent from my order. Which is an intentional choice for a couple of reasons. I find that these do tend to lean a little more formal in nature, but also are less versatile than separates – the main consideration at a time where I’m seeking out versatility with wear above most other things. But also, I do find that the linen quality varies as I suspect they’re using different stocks depending on the style (and it can be prone to shrinkage).
So fabric composition clearly plays a role. I gravitate mostly towards their thicker cotton pieces which feel robust, durable, and like they could withstand some serious wear and tear. And I’m also a big fan of their silk/cotton blended pieces as it has a soft sheen, but the benefit of being low maintenance. That said, I’ll sometimes make the odd exception for a synthetic blend when I’m considering how the item will function in my wardrobe or what role I’m expecting it to play.
Silhouette is also important. Something that DISSH does well are elevated takes on traditionally classic pieces. Like the ladder broderie on the white short sleeved shirt or the ruching on the long sleeved merino which you’ll see below.
So, let’s review my latest DISSH order; scroll on for my hot takes, item measurements, and notes on which pieces I ended up adding into my wardrobe.
DISSH Owen White Sleeved Broderie Shirt
Wearing size AU8. Measures 63cm underarm to underarm and is 71.5cm long
Email marketing cottoned me on to this relaxed shirt, which I thought felt incredibly special because of the ladder style broderie. When an item is minimal, it needs to inject interest through texture or silhouette, and this does both, to an extent. The silhouette itself is pushed, modern, and overly oversized with a white sleeve which I thought I would love.
The quality of this seems nice; it’s a thinner cotton which does have a sheer quality to it, compounded by the broderie detailing – neither of which bother me much. I liked the lack of collar at the neckline, which can sometimes feel like too much fabric, and the way the sleeve flares out gives the shirt a point of view.
For sure thought this would make it into my wardrobe as it ticked all the boxes, but in addition to loving the item, it had to practically slot in with what I already owned. I was seeking out range, and what I found when I starting styling it up with my closet was that I liked it with a limited number of outfits, which was enough to tell me that this wouldn’t get enough wear.
Generous fit. Recommend sizing down if you want a slimmer look or are petite.
Status: Returned
DISSH Leo Off White Knit Top
Wearing size AU8. Measures 44cm underarm to underarm and 55cm long
I always make room in my orders for what I consider to be a wild card piece. As in, I love it in theory, but am not sure whether the reality will be what I’m seeking out. And the Leo knitted slim tee was it for this order.
For me it was the fabric composition – 60% cotton and 40% nylon – that I was on the fence about. Because I tend to avoid synthetic blends where it doesn’t make sense (and embrace it where it does). I figured here, it would be to amplify the texture.
Described in my YouTube video as something akin to the tactile quality of a loofah, that impression still stands, though I think it doesn’t quite do the tee justice. It’s softer, not scratchy on the skin at all, and visually has impact without being too structured, or too languid and loose through the body.
A bit of a departure from those more relaxed silhouettes I tend to seek out, I like this as an elevated workwear basic. Something that would feel like wearing more of a weekend piece, but that felt appropriate in a more formal setting. All that said, I was almost ready to return this one, but at the last minute thought better of it, and wore it two times in the one week. To me, that says the purchase was a success. No buyers remorse here, though I am curious to see how it launders.
Fits true to size for a slim fit.
Status: Kept
DISSH Off-White Nico Merino Knit Top
Wearing size S. Measures 39cm underarm to underarm, 29cm across waist laid flat, and 64cm long
You’ll note that I highlighted earlier how I seek out those natural fibre picks from DISSH, and I was curious to see what merino options they had. I love these knits from COS, but I think where basics are concerned, it can be nice to mix it up and have a little bit of variation.
This, I loved for the ruching across the waist, but also the slightly flared raw edged cuff detail on the sleeves. It felt refined but relaxed at the same time, and I’m not overly bothered by the sheerness. What I was drawn to here was the very specific shade of cream. More of a neutral tone to it that the pink undertone of the basic COS version which I find looks a little “off” on me.
For sure one I thought would make it into my wardrobe, but after a few try ons, I realised that the detail I loved actually limited my styling options. The ruching across the waist – gorgeous, figure flattering. But, it needs to be worn loose to get this effect. With the hem tucked in, this actually has the opposite impact, creating bulk at the waist instead. And I wanted to be able to style it both waist, especially to maximise my ideal proportions.
Fits true to size.
Status: Returned
DISSH Roy Navy Longline Jumper
Wearing size S. Measures 66cm underarm to underarm, and is 66cm long
As the measurements immediately suggest, this is a very boxy knit. And also, very slouchy. The reason for placing this order, though, to see how it might stack up against The Row Ophelia (full review here). Keeping in mind that the fabric composition is quite different (cotton and merino blend).
This is very good for what it is. A reasonably priced knit in natural fibres, that feels ultimately very relaxed. This has more details to it which feel more inspired rather than immediately influenced by the Ophelia; the rolled hemline, and the visible raw style seam on the dropped shoulder.
Also looks good both worn loose or tucked so you have a bit of range there. I recommend sizing down for petites especially. I’m 172cm tall so can managed a more oversized silhouette like this.
One thing to note on the fabric? It’s smooth to the touch and will be perfect for those who are wool sensitive, but I do anticipate the hand feel changing once laundered so do keep that in mind.
Fits very oversized. Recommend sizing down for petites in particular.
Status: Returned
DISSH Rhea Bitter Choc Oversized Shirt
Wearing size AU8. Measures 70cm underarm to underarm and is 78cm long
Last year, I ordered the Minnie trousers in this lovely Bitter Choc hue, and they’ve gone on to become one of my most loved items in my wardrobe. A dark, desaturated brown which feel truly effortless to wear. And I decided, why not try out DISSH’s infamous Rhea Oversized Shirt in the same colour with the intention of wearing them as a set, but also pairing this in a similar way to my other oversized shirts (a summer staple, at this point).
My first impression? Gosh, this is oversized. Really, really oversized. A quick roll of the sleeves helped improve the look and create some visual balance, combined with opening up the bottom buttons a little.
The quality of the cotton was exactly what I’d come to expect from the trousers. Thick, sturdy, robust. Something that won’t easily get a tear. That I expect to tolerate some heavy duty wear and tear, a consideration point for items I know I’ll be wearing around my two young kids.
One thing I immediately picked up on is that the trousers have faded ever so slightly. It’s subtle, but it does tell me that at least in the Australian sun, this is something you can expect to happen.
I know that Kmart do a dupe of this shirt (in blue) though can’t speak to how it compares, but a good option given that this does come at a higher price tag.
Honestly I thought I’d be returning this because of the sizing, but on reflection I thought about how I felt, particularly when pairing it with the trousers. It was a mirror image of the way I wanted that outfit to feel. And I knew it would play the same role as my other oversized shirts, so styling felt familiar to me.
Fits incredibly oversized. Unless that’s your preferred look, you may want to size down 1-2 sizes. Highly recommend doing so for petites as this will swamp your frame.
Status: Kept
DISSH Rhea Bitter Choc Cotton Short
Wearing size AU8. Measures 32cm across the waist unstretched or 46cm across fully stretched, and is 37.5cm long from waistband to hem
These sorts of cotton boxer shorts have been trendy for the past two summers, and I totally get the appeal. The elasticated waistband feels chill, comfortable, and creates a sense of ease with wear. That said, they do pull extremely casual and I think in certain contexts can feel a little like wearing PJs out in public. This coming from someone who seeks out a sense of formality in her outfits though, so my impression may be different to yours.
As per the shirt, the quality of the cotton is substantial, truly lovely. The elastic on the waistband is thick, feels sturdy, but doesn’t dig in. There’s a softness to it, yet it doesn’t feel flimsy.
Also appreciate that there are pockets! The length is nice. Not too short. I think these are great, a good version of what they are, but I realised fairly quickly that this style isn’t one that has a high rotational pull on my wardrobe so doesn’t make sense to stockpile colour options when I have two pairs already that fulfil this role.
Fits true to size.
Status: Returned
