This dress and the fit was exactly what I was hoping for, and even exceeded expectations. But one surprise element to this dress that wasn't noted in the fabric content, which the garment description shows as 100% cotton, is that it has a light lining that's definitely synthetic. But the lining has a nice, silky feel, making this already comfortable dress slip on like a dream. In the front, the lining starts below the front bodice, at the gathered part of the dress, and in the back, it starts right under the neck yoke. I was worried that the lining would make this otherwise cotton dress a bit hot, especially on the back if you're sitting against something like a hot car seat for any length of time. But that's not the case. Even in almost 100-degree weather, the dress stayed cool. And the lining keeps the dress from being too sheer, so I'm glad it's there, even if it's not cotton.This is a pretty forgiving style, so I bought it in a size larger than I usually wear. I'm 5'5'', and it came just about a couple of inches below my knee, which is perfect for me. The fact that it drapes a bit better in the larger size actually makes it more flattering and slimming than if the fit at the top was a bit less loose. The dress is surprisingly well made, and the cotton fabric is soft, has great movement and is not at all stiff. Though having previously worked for years in women's apparel, I expect that certain fabric colors may have slightly different textures. And as is often the case with less expensive clothing, the quality of the fabric can change from garment to garment -- whether due to the dye colors used or changes in fabric sourcing -- even if it's the same make and style. So I'll be prepared for some variations when I order more, because I definitely want this dress in more colors.7/13/24 UPDATE: It's been sweltering here in NorCal for the past couple of weeks, and this dress is all I want and can bear to wear in this heat. Even though the light lining isn't cotton, the dress is still cool and comfortable, and the lining allows the body of the dress to drape nicely. Just received delivery of my third of these dresses, and after wearing the previous two quite a bit, I really appreciate the light texture to the fabric, which keeps it from appearing wrinkled, even if you take an unplanned, heat-induced nap in it. Woke up and the dress was surprisingly unwrinkled! Oh, and now that I have it in three colors, I can report that the quality of the fabric and construction is consistent with each order. Also -- can't stress this enough -- buying it a bit oversized is actually more sliming than having it too tight over the bodice. And due to the slight drape of the lined body of the dress, it doesn't balloon out and make you look larger. Be brave and go big!