Columbia shoppers say this 'freezer' dress is 'versatile,' 'comfortable' and 'breathable' — so I put it to the test for summer

Yahoo

5 days ago

From portable neck fans to cooling towels, I'm all about finding simple ways to beat the summer heat. Since entering menopause as part of my treatment for early-stage breast cancer, when the temperature rises outside, my body's internal temperature really struggles to regulate. After conducting some retail research, I came across Columbia's Freezer Dress, which features built-in cooling technology.
I took it with me on a recent trip to Florida, where the temperatures reached 40°C, and wore it during one of the hottest weeks in Toronto I can remember. In short, I spent a great deal of time in this "cute and functional" dress, and I can see why shoppers can't get enough of this "summer staple."
BTW — the Freezer Dress is currently on sale right now for $52, 30 per cent off its original price. If you're perimenopausal or menopausal — or just have a hard time in the summer heat — read on for my honest review.
This lightweight "freezer" dress falls right above the knee and is constructed using patented cooling and sun protection technology. The Omni-Wick and Omni-Freeze fabric keeps you dry by pulling moisture to the dress's surface, allowing it to evaporate and keep you cool.
With the built-in Omni-Shade UPF 50 protection, the dress also keeps your skin protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
The empire waist, A-line dress is made up of 92 per cent polyester and 8 per cent elastane, allowing for just the right amount of stretch, making it a great outfit for everything from running errands or playing volleyball on the beach.
It's available in eight colourways — all on sale — and in standard and plus sizes, meaning there's a large range of sizes available to suit your body.
$52 $75 at Columbia
Very lightweight: Even on the hottest days, the fabric was breathable and didn't feel heavy on my skin. It never clung to my body — and kept me cool and comfortable even when the sun was at its peak.
If you tend to overheat, this dress is a lifesaver: When it gets so hot I can't cool off, it can be very triggering for my menopausal body. But when I wear this dress, I feel more in control of my body and less anxious that high temperatures will inevitably lead to sweaty discomfort.
It doesn't smell: OK, I'll be honest: I thought that a dress made to absorb sweat would leave me a bit stinky by the end of the day. But I smelled great!
Love the length: The fun and flirty dress falls right above the knee, which is great when you're on the go but still want some coverage. The skirt flares slightly, making it great for outdoor sports. I played tennis in the dress on a super humid day and felt cool and comfortable.
It would be even better with a built-in bra: I have a modest chest and haven't worn a bra since my double mastectomy years ago, but those with a bigger bust might appreciate more built-in support. Although the thicker straps do mean you can easily conceal a sports bra underneath.
⭐️ 4.6/5 stars
🏅 2,000+ reviews
💬 "Cute and functional"
$52 $75 at Columbia
The Columbia Freezer dress has more than 1,600 5-star reviews, and 93 per cent of shoppers recommend it. Some even said they own the fun frock in several different colours.
One customer described the "fabulous" dress as "easy to wash" and "quick to dry" — perfect for summer.
"Cute and functional," raved another, who said they wear the "summer staple" dress to both "outdoor activities" and "casual outings."
Another shopper praised the dress for being "extremely comfortable," "versatile" and "breathable."
"Perfect travel dress!" said another.
However, sizing proved to be an issue for some. While many shoppers said it runs true to size, some did suggest sizing up. Some shoppers also said they wished the dress were complete with pockets.
As a busy 48-year-old mom of two, comfort and convenience are the priority for me in summer. The Columbia Women's PFG Freezer III Dress is cute, comfortable and doesn't cling. When an oppressively hot day arrives, it has me covered and helps me beat the heat. Do I wish it had a built-in sports bra? Sure. But the thicker straps mean you can easily wear a bra underneath, which is enough for me.
While it didn't personally bother me, some shoppers also complained about the lack of pockets, and some said to size up.