Fair Isle Sweater Dress

Madewell

4
(80 Reviews)

Product Details

Festive Fair Isle stipes adds classic cold-weather charm to this effortless madewell sweater dress.

Materials and Measurements

Black fair isle cotton knit (60% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 5% Alpaca). Shift. Long sleeves. Turtleneck. 36" from shoulder to henline. Imported.

Size and Fit

Sized: XXS-XXL

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Ratings &
Reviews

  (80)  

Includes written reviews and customer fit feedback.

Fit
Runs Small
True to Size
Runs Large

All Photos

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 34DD
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 142lbs
Browse Alexandra's reviews
November 20th, 2024
All wrapped up in a cute knit!

In comparison to another sweater dress I own, this one was 2-3 times thicker and warmer. The knitted pattern caught a lot of eyes - when I wore it to work (paired with leggings as it’s definitely on the short side), I received compliments right and left. The turtleneck section has a lot of fabric, but that lends itself to the coziness.

Overall Fit

Just right

Chest

Just right

Arms & Shoulders

Runs small

Waist

Just right

Hips

Just right

Length

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 160lbs
Browse Leisa's reviews
February 6th, 2021
Thick, warm and comfy

Slightly itchy neck but not overbearing. Loved this sweater!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 1"
Bust size: 32C
Body type: Pear
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Era's reviews
March 11th, 2020
Great comfy casual dress! I'm normally a 4 and the S was the perfect size -

Got this as a comfortable day dress to wear with boots and served great for just that! Nothing to blow your mind away but comfortable and great for winter / fall. I'm normally a 4 and the S was the perfect size in terms of being fitted but also loose enough to give the "big sweater look"

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Other
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 1"
Bust size: 32DD
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 115lbs
Browse Tsan's reviews
January 21st, 2023
Cute if a wee bit itchy

Got this to stay warm and get dressed easily while I was on crutches. It did the job and was cute.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
Small
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Pear
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Nancy's reviews
December 29th, 2022
More of a sweater for tall ladies

I loved this sweater dress so much but it was more of a long sweater than a dress. At 5’7 you can see from the photo the sleeves were way too short and I had to wear leggings. If you are tall I would recommend going up one or two sizes.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 16
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 40D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 210lbs
Browse Ginna's reviews
December 31st, 2021
Itchy tunic sweater. Not a dress.

Itchy Short Warm Lotsa loose fibers on the sweater. Well worn.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Hanna's reviews
March 4th, 2020
ITCHY!!

Very cute but omg I was so itchy all day at work I couldn't wait to take it off. It's one of those itchy fabrics that when you put it on you think it's bearable but when you get to work you realize you've made a huge mistake. Sad.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Petite
Weight: 165lbs
Browse Kathleen's reviews
December 11th, 2022
Very itchy

Had to go home and change before going out after dinner. Could not stop itching and was miserable!

Team RTR
Size worn:
XL
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 16
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 38F
Body type: Full Bust
Weight: 215lbs
Browse Jenn's reviews
December 2nd, 2019
Comfy

Runs a little large may be able to size down.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 140lbs
Browse Amy's reviews
November 19th, 2019
Fall Cozy

Love this brand! So many compliments

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 38C
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 180lbs
Browse Pamela's reviews
March 18th, 2024
Good fit

No issues with sizing. Great look for early spring. Comfortable and warm.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36DDD/E
Body type: Apple
Weight: 175lbs
Browse Tory's reviews
April 2nd, 2020
Warm Cozy & Cute

This was perfect for work but also great for a night out with lots of outside walking in the cold.

Size worn:
L
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 150lbs
Browse Diane's reviews
February 1st, 2020
Nice sweater dress

I wanted to try out a new style so I got this sweater dress. IT WAS SO WARM! a little itchy but I'm not that sensitive so it's ok.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Date
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Petite
Weight: 120lbs
Browse Alecia's reviews
January 28th, 2024
Boxy fit, but warm

This was warm, but fit weird in the arms. It was warm for a casual night out without a jacket. Wouldn’t get again because of the weird fit and was boxy, no shape.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XS
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 2"
Body type: Petite
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Julie's reviews
December 25th, 2024
Cute but itchy

Had to wear a long sleeve body suit and tights under it so I didn't crawl out of my skin. But it's cute!

Overall Fit

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XL
Usually wears: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 185lbs
Browse Candace's reviews
February 26th, 2025
Loved It

I loved this sweater dress and thought about purchasing it. The length and arms are on the shorter side. I wore black tights with it which made it appropriate for work. It was warm and comfortable.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 32B
Body type: Petite
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Hilary 's reviews
January 10th, 2023
Wear with tights to be work appropriate

Wore with above knee boots. Heavy for indoors.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XXS
Overall fit:
Small
Rented for:
Other
Usually wears: 0
Height: 5' 11"
Bust size: 30A
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 115lbs
Browse Kate's reviews
December 28th, 2022
Size up

Ladiessss, I know you’re an XS and a 00 but trust me you want to size up. Especially if you’re tall - it won’t fit like a dress like some of you 5’7ers out there. I wore pants underneath & it was cute!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Veronica's reviews
November 4th, 2022
Great cold weather sweater dress!

Cozy and chic!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Rented for:
Other
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 6"
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Yerusha's reviews
January 2nd, 2021
Fall favorite!

I wore this for an apple picking event and brunch with my girlfriends! Loved it! Received complaints for the style & autumn appeal!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Vacation
Usually wears: 14
Height: 5' 1"
Bust size: 36J
Body type: Full Bust
Weight: 170lbs
Browse Kim's reviews
December 4th, 2020
Worn for a night in with my gals on the Oregon Coast.

Cozy and warm, this sweater dress was lovely and looked great over black tights. It is a bit weighty, so no need to layer anything over it. The material is also thick, not super soft but didn't bother me. Can be dressed up with heels or more casual with leather boots. Had both the L and XL, but preferred the L.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Vacation
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 155lbs
Browse Jamie's reviews
May 18th, 2024
Super warm and cute

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 36DD
Body type: Full Bust
Weight: 165lbs
Browse Launa's reviews
March 10th, 2023
A little heavy but good fit.

Would rent again

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Date
Usually wears: 14
Height: 5' 3"
Browse Danielle's reviews
November 9th, 2021
Prefect Fall Dress

The dress is heavy and prefect for fall or winter dates nights. I wore for at at home photo session.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Gina's reviews
January 14th, 2021
Great WFH winter dress

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 32C
Body type: Pear
Weight: 115lbs
Browse Adrienne's reviews
January 4th, 2021
Loved this dress. My favorite in this order.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Vacation
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 2"
Bust size: 32F
Body type: Petite
Weight: 115lbs
Browse Katherine's reviews
March 10th, 2020
Loved this sweater dress! Super cute with boots and very warm

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XXL
Rented for:
Date
Usually wears: 16
Height: 5' 2"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 215lbs
Browse Katherine's reviews
March 3rd, 2020
I was complimented by my date

#comfyandcute

Size worn:
XXL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 18
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36DD
Body type: Pear
Weight: 180lbs
Browse Grace's reviews
November 25th, 2023
Heavy, very warm. Great for cold.

Great look. Very warm for cold days or nights.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Party
Usually wears: 16
Height: 5' 11"
Bust size: 38B
Body type: Apple
Weight: 210lbs
Browse Sara's reviews
January 3rd, 2023
Warm and Cozy!

Very warm, thick knit. Loved it, got compliments. It gets a little stretched out over time, and is a bit scratchy - best to wear a lightweight top underneath. Wore it with skinny jeans and thick leggings, both times with boots. Didn't work as a dress for me, as it was too short for my frame.

Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 34DD
Body type: Full Bust
Weight: 150lbs
Browse Linda's reviews
December 16th, 2022
Long too more so than dress

Cute sweater I wore more as a tunic type top than dress. Sleeves did not come to wrists and length would have been short without leggings.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 11"
Bust size: 32B
Body type: Pear
Weight: 165lbs
Browse Jennifer's reviews
December 12th, 2022
Cute but itchy

Super cute and super warm, I loved the look of this sweater dress. Just a little bit too itchy not to wear full length sleeves underneath.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XXL
Overall fit:
Small
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 20
Height: 5' 11"
Bust size: 42DD
Body type: Pear
Weight: 290lbs
Browse Megan's reviews
October 19th, 2022
Fit like a tunic not a dress

Very heavy material especially with the full thick collar. Absolutely beautiful and would pair with a camel straight leg but either too tall or wide for it to sit on me as a dress.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 32B
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 140lbs
Browse Grace's reviews
December 11th, 2021
Cute but short

This "dress" is way too short to be worn without leggings or pants if you are over 5'8" like I am. It is very warm and cute, but the wool is definitely prickly. One weird thing is that it is purposefully "inside out" so the actual fair-isle design is on the inside and all the yarn carries from the "back" of the pattern are on the outside. This makes it very easy to snag things on the dress.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 136lbs
Browse Laura's reviews
December 5th, 2021
Cute dress, lots of compliments!

It's WOOL! So be prepared for warm and also itchy - need something under for arms and legs

Top Contributor
Size worn:
L
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 38A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 160lbs
Browse Andrea's reviews
November 7th, 2021
Great work horse. Scratchy but get over it quickly

Definitely a boxy dress but was relaxed and comfy (when you get over the scratchiness...didn't bother me). Very warm.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
M
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 38DD
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 155lbs
Browse Joann's reviews
December 1st, 2020
NA

It was a little short and I'm not very tall. I had to wear leggings and would order a large for length next time.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
None
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 12
Height: 6' 0"
Bust size: 36DD
Body type: Athletic
Browse Alyssa's reviews
November 3rd, 2020
I really loved this sweater dress, but I could not wear it because it was so itchy.

The dress fits true to size. I would have loved to wear it, but I could not stand the itchiness. I am fairly sensitive to wool, but have been able to wear other wool sweaters without much issue.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XL
Rented for:
Work
Usually wears: 14
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 38DDD/E
Body type: Full Bust
Weight: 220lbs
Browse Bryanne's reviews
March 11th, 2020
Runs short, but cute

Very cute and warm. Great colors. Had to wear with leggings as it was too short to wear alone. Not itchy for me.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
S
Rented for:
Everyday
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Silvia's reviews
February 27th, 2020
Cozy and warm!

The fit was a bit off for me - sleeves were short and the shoulders didn't really fall correctly. A larger size would have been even less shapely, so I don't think moving up to a medium would have helped. Overall - comfortable and VERY warm. I wore with black leggings and cute Frye booties, but I think it would have worked also as an outer layer with a warm long sleeved underneath and more substantial layered leggings on the bottom.

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