Reformation Dresses: A Blend of Sustainability and Style

Reformation dresses have quietly become the it-girls’ favorite—and for good reason. Whether you’re all about looking good, doing good, or both, these frocks hit the sweet spot. They hug curves just right, use fabrics that don’t wreck the planet, and somehow look effortlessly cool at the same time. No wonder everyone from college students to fashion editors can’t get enough.

Below, I’m diving into everything you really need to know about Reformation dresses: where they came from, why they’re kinder to Mother Earth, and the various styles waiting for you (spoiler: there’s something for everyone).

Where It All Began

Back in 2009, Yael Aflalo—just a regular Angeleno—decided she wanted to make dresses that felt vintage but fit modern life. She opened a tiny shop in L.A. where she’d handcraft one-of-a-kind, old-school silhouettes (think: tea-length skirts, nipped waists).

But it quickly snowballed from that cozy workshop into a full-blown brand known for marrying retro vibes with eco-friendly practices. Before you knew it, Reformation wasn’t just a cute idea—it was the place to shop if you cared about style and sustainability.

Sustainability At The Heart (Really)

There’s a lot of greenwashing out there—brands love to tout “earth-friendly” stuff but don’t back it up. Not Reformation. They’ve been extremely deliberate about how they do things:

• Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Picture buttery-smooth TENCEL™ Lyocell, whisper-light linen, and FSC-certified viscose. These fabrics aren’t just easy on your skin; they’re easier on the planet compared to conventional cotton or virgin synthetics.
• Saving Water: We all know fashion guzzles water like crazy. Reformation, however, tweaks its dyeing and finishing processes to use way less water. You’re literally wearing a dress that didn’t drink the equivalent of a small lake.
• Carbon Neutral Vibes: The company actually offsets its carbon footprint with real-deal measures—things like investing in renewable energy or reforestation projects. So when you click “buy,” you’re supporting a label that’s actively fighting its own emissions.
• Made In L.A.: Instead of shipping everything across the globe, most Reformation pieces are cut and sewn right in Los Angeles. That means fewer freight miles, more local jobs, and—let’s be honest—easier quality control.

Leaning Into Circular Fashion

In the last year or so (we’re talking 2024–2025), Reformation basically doubled down on wanting to go full circle—pun intended. Under new leadership, they vowed to slash all those sneaky, hard-to-recycle synthetic fibers so that by the end of 2025, less than 1% of their fabric mix is virgin or recycled plastic.

They’re even experimenting with a yarn called cycora®, made from discarded synthetics—it’s a neat way to turn trash into something wearable again. Plus, they’ve started partnering with farms to trace everything back to real, regenerative wool and cotton sources—because knowing where your fibers come from is kind of a big deal.

On top of that, their RefRecycling program (in cahoots with SuperCircle) is now snagging tons of scraps and unsold inventory that would’ve otherwise ended up in a landfill. And if you happen to be done with your Reformation mini, you can send it back via their recycling program and snag a store credit.

Win-win, right? Oh, and if you’re a data nerd (guilty), check out their RefScale tool on each product page. It breaks down how much carbon and water went into making that exact dress—so you can shop with your eyes wide open.

What Makes Reformation Dresses A Big Deal

Sure, sustainability is sexy, but there’s more to the hype. Here’s why you’ll see Reformation frocks on everyone from your favorite TikToker to your aunt who still rocks a smart blazer:

Flattering Fits For Days

Whether you’re curvy, petite, or somewhere in between, there’s a cut that’ll feel like it was made for you. From playful cutouts and flirtatious ruffles to unexpected corset-style boning and adjustable ties, each silhouette is designed to highlight different body features.

Eco-Conscious Packaging

They don’t just put your dress in any old plastic bag. Nope. Every parcel is wrapped in recycled materials—recyclable mailers, compostable tissue—so you’re not tossing excess waste every time you treat yourself.

Size Inclusivity (Finally!)

They’ve broadened their size range all the way up to a size 24. That might not sound groundbreaking to everyone, but for a brand that started small, it’s huge. Everyone deserves to look and feel incredible, and Reformation seems to get that.

How To Rock Your Reformation Dress

Let’s be real: these dresses are chameleons. A few simple tweaks and you’ve got a completely different vibe.

• Casual Day Out: Slip into a mini dress, chuck on your favorite sneakers or comfy sandals, and maybe drape a denim jacket over your shoulders. Perfect for coffee runs, farmers’ markets, or an impromptu picnic.
• Nighttime Glam: Go for a slinky slip or wrap dress, pair with strappy heels, and throw on some chunky earrings. Top it off with a statement clutch and a bold pout—and you’re good for dinner dates or rooftop cocktails.
• Wedding Guest Ready: If you’re tasked with dressing up for a spring or summer wedding, a flowy maxi dress in a soft pastel or floral print will have you twirling all night. Slip into strappy heels, add delicate jewelry, and pin your hair into a loose chignon for the “just floated in on a cloud” effect.
• Office-Appropriate: A structured midi dress is your best friend here. Throw a fitted blazer over it, slip into ankle boots or kitten heels, and you’ve got that sweet spot between business-casual and “I’m the boss.”

Keeping Your Reformation Dress Alive

These pieces are made to last, but they do love a little extra TLC:

• Gentle Cleaning: Most styles call for hand washing or a delicate cycle on your machine. Always use cold water—it’s kinder on the fibers and helps keep colors true.
• Air Dry Only: A dryer can be too harsh. Instead, lay your dress flat on a clean towel or hang it on a sturdy hanger until it’s fully dry. Your dress will thank you.
• Smart Storage: Keep it in a cool, dry spot—no overcrowded closets. And if the dress has ties or thin straps, loosely knot them together so they don’t get lost or tangled.
• Recycling, If You Must: If you ever do decide to part ways (heartbreaking, but life happens), pop it back into their RefRecycling program for store credit. That way, it gets a second life instead of clogging up a landfill.

Putting It All Together

At the end of the day, Reformation dresses are about striking a balance: looking undeniably chic while caring for the planet. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a meeting, or hitting the dance floor, there’s a style that’s ready to make you feel confident and conscious all at once. And with their push toward being fully circular by 2030, buying a Reformation dress isn’t just a style statement—it’s a tiny, wearable act of environmental progress. So go on, snag one, and wear it like you mean it.