This is my un-sponsored eShakti review as a customer who purchased multiple eShakti dresses online. Check out the bottom of this post to find more authentic eShakti reviews and feel free to leave your own comments about your shopping experiences in the comments (they will not be edited or deleted). Do my best to answer “is eShakti legit?” and sharing my honest experience ordering from eShakti.
I’ve mentioned my love affair with dresses – and how difficult it has been for me to find a cute dress with sleeves. When I stumbled across eShakti, an online retailer that sells beautiful dresses you can customize (for a ridiculously good price), it seemed too good to be true. I immediately Googled eShakti reviews and was disappointed to hear that so many people – including bloggers who had been provided a dress for free or been otherwise compensated – had issues with fit and size.
My eShakti Review:
I put off ordering for many months because of these bad eShakti reviews, but ultimately I couldn’t resist ordering a dress when eShakti offered $30 off their already great prices to new customers! I couldn’t find anything I liked locally, so I was getting desperate. Happily, I was thrilled with the dress I bought and promptly ordered another (and then a third – not pictured). For anyone else who has been curious about eShakti, here is my un-sponsored eShakti review and my thoughts on the process – including some tips for getting a great fit!
The First Dress I Ordered:
Here’s a look at the first dress I ordered (I’ve taken a good long look but I’m hoping no one spots any goose poop in this photos – DON’T look for any, those are all leaves I swear!):
What Can You Customize with eShakti?
Below is a screenshot of what the dress looked like originally. The inventory changes really quickly so this exact dress is no longer available, but if you search “Emma Dress” on the eShakti website, you might find it in another print. After my $30 coupon (even adding $10 for shipping to the US), this dress was so affordable!
When you shop for a dress on eShakti, you’ll see the different options available, which usually include at least half a dozen sleeve options, neckline options, length options (cut to your height), and even other details like removing pockets (who the heck wouldn’t want pockets?). You can even skip standard sizing altogether and just send in your custom measurements for a dress that’s tailor made. It seemed the most negative eShakti reviews were from fully tailored, custom dresses so I steered clear of that option for now.
Here’s What I Changed About My First eShakti Dress:
I added sleeves but kept everything else – neckline, hemline (“just below knee”), pockets – the same to keep things easy. I am a size 6 in dresses now (every now and then a 4 – but only because of my small bust) so I ordered a size S6 and found it fit really true to size, if a teeny bit snug (I don’t think I could get away with an S4 from eShakti). The only thing that surprised me was the length. I ordered “just below the knee” because I am pretty tall and I have pretty long thighs, so knee length dresses always look super short on me, but I’d say this is more like a mid-calf. It can always be hemmed so it’s not a problem – I’m just surprised at the generous length!
Are eShakti Dresses Good Quality?
I was worried that with customization options like this, and price so low, that the quality would be poor. Nope! My dress is cotton, fully lined, with a nice fit and flare style. It’s sewn so expertly and there are thoughtful little details, like pockets and straps inside to keep my bra strap in place. I have zero complaints about the quality and after numerous washes and wears, it has held up perfectly.
Is eShakti a Sweatshop?
Deeply suspicious, I looked at the company’s manufacturing before ordering and, apparently, although the clothes are made in India, the wages paid exceed the minimum wage by 70% and the factory is clean and safe. Of course, I’m only basing this information on the eShakti website, but it looks like this isn’t a brutal, sweatshop situation.
Those are all of the photos you get of this dress! If I stay still for too long, someone thinks I could be doing something more productive, like doling out treats or offering two hour long puppy massages. Clearly I’m not busy:
My Second Dress From eShakti:
For my second dress, I changed a bit more: adding sleeves (I love three quarter sleeves so much), changing the neckline, and also changing the hemline (to the knee, as opposed to just below). Once again I ordered a size 6.
I find this size 6 to be ever-so-slightly tighter, but it still fits me as expected. Once again, the sewing is excellent, the fabric is a nice weight (doesn’t feel cheap at all) and the little details continue to amaze me. Plus I get a ton of compliments on both dresses!
It doesn’t look like the zebra print is available anymore (things sell out so quickly), but this is the style of dress before I made the changes (search “Crepe Print Sash Tie”):
I am not one who usually shops online for clothes because I can walk into a store, try on fifty things and emerge empty handed and famished from the exertion, so the odds of me finding something online that fits well are usually slim to none! But I seem to have struck gold with eShakti, which is why I wanted to share my eShakti review with you.
Tips For Shopping eShakti Dresses:
1. Shop a sale! There seems to always be a sale or deal so try to wait for one if you can. With shipping my first dress was only $35. eShakti literally emails me daily now, so I always know about sales – but those emails are so darn tempting! I am currently eyeing up another dress and a top (UPDATE: I did buy another dress, with a stretch cotton top and polyester bottom – it’s also lovely!).
2. Pick a style you’ve worn before and tend to gravitate toward. I know that fit and flare dresses usually fit so that’s what I went with, even though I’ve been finding that a lot of wiggle dresses work for my body now too. I went with old faithful and was not disappointed because fit and flare is forgiving. I recommend trying a style you know works, just to get a feel for fit and size before trying something really different.
3. Allow time for ordering. Dresses can take a couple of weeks (although mine arrived much faster), so if you’re planning for a trip or event (or even just a season), order in advance to accommodate the manufacturing and shipping times. I wish I’d ordered earlier because I would have liked a third summer dress, but by the time I got my second one it seemed too late to order one.
4. Read measurements carefully. The sizing seems very true to size to me, but make sure to carefully take your measurements to double check. If you try the fully custom option, let me know! I’m still a little nervous about that.
5. Try stretch fabrics. If you’re at all worried the dress will be too tight, opt for a stretch cotton or knit cotton which will offer a little bit of extra wiggle room. The two dresses I ordered have no stretch whatsoever, making an exact fit more crucial. With stretch fabrics, I could have gone up or down a size comfortably, I’m sure – clothes are so much more forgiving when there’s a little stretch.
6. Don’t dawdle! Dresses sell out quickly – I missed out on the cutest retro black and white buffalo check. Argh, I still think about it. But I waited too long and – poof! – it was gone.
7. Watch for duties! I had my dress shipped to the US, but I’ve heard of Canadians getting slammed with duties and taxes, which isn’t eShakti’s fault. I had no issues getting the dress shipped to the US, but ask their customer service questions about importing to other countries.
8. Don’t stress! eShakti customer service is top notch and they accept returns so try not to stress too much. They seem to really want to keep our business and make return customers out of us so if anything isn’t to your liking, I’m sure you’ll have no troubles. Plus, because it’s so inexpensive that once it arrives, you can always take it to a tailor for minor alterations and still end up with a good deal on a perfectly fitted dress.
Share Your Experiences in the Comments Below!
I hope my un-sponsored eShakti review was helpful. If you have ever ordered from eShakti – or have tips for shopping for clothes online – I’d love to hear your advice, experiences and eShakti reviews! Your eShakti review (positive or negative) is welcome in the comments because it helps other people make informed shopping decisions. I’m still trying to replace an entire wardrobe, piece by piece, after my recent weight loss, and am struggling to find things I like, so I wanted to share this happy online shopping experience. Plus, as an avid DIY-er, I guess I’m just thrilled by the customization available. Now, I really should stop being so lazy and make myself some new clothes…
P.S. Don’t Forget to Pin to Pinterest
Thank you so much for posting this! I've been eyeing eShatki for a while now and have been hesitant to try it out. Your dresses are so pretty and they look amazing on you. I love that aqua floral print so much.
I was so hesitant too!! And it's probably still a bit of a gamble. But it's worth it if you wait until a good sale. I hope you're not disappointed.
that first one is so you, but then when i saw the zebras i was dying! love! i have a dress from them and love the fit!
Hi Cassie! Did you also pick a standard size or did you do the custom option? I'm curious about how that works out for people.
So happy to hear you have one that fits great too. Although, can't imagine anything NOT looking amazing on you!
This is so good to know there is a website that offers this. Your dresses look fantastic! Thx for sharing this:)Amy in MN
Thanks Amy! I'm happy to share. They also sell fancier dresses, so I'm keeping that in mind for the next wedding, etc.
I discovered EShakti four or five years ago when they first opened and at this point like 90% of my wardrobe is from them. I can't say enough good things about the company! I always do the custom size option and I love knowing that whatever I order will fit perfectly right out of the box. After shopping there so long, the whole process of trying on and getting things altered now seems so unreasonably annoying and inconvenient.
I'm so sorry Eliza, the spam filter caught your comment by mistake and I only just saw it! I can totally see how trying on clothes would seem like such a hassle after such a great eShakti track record 🙂
You look lovely in your new dresses. My favourite photo is where Szuka is looking up at you expectantly.
Haha. She's thinking, "hey, you're sitting. Pet me? For an hour or so."
Like both your dresses, particularly the first one. I ordered from Shakti once, customized it for me, but it just didn't look right. I'm short and round, had I been thinner it might have worked.
That's a bummer! Sometimes no matter the size, the cut is all wrong.
Try again, you just have to find a style that works for you. I am short and round too, but I have found that empire waisted dresses with a drawstring, or a button-down shirtdress looks good on me. Of course, you can tell I am short and round anyway, but I feel good in them. I avoid the wide waistbands. I love the cotton or rayon dresses the best, they are so comfortable!
Love both of these dresses on you! We've also had good luck with eShakti, much better quality than expected!-Mollyhttp://www.modcircus.com
I know – the quality was surprising! Really, really nice.
Wow. Thanks for your review and photos and great explanation of your experience. I think you have given me the impetus to go ahead and try them out. 🙂
I'm so happy this post was useful. So many of the posts I read were sponsored by them, so it was nice to put something out there that was from the perspective of a buyer. Since this post I ordered a third dress and it was also so adorable and a great fit! Happy shopping 🙂
Thanks for your review, I think I'm going to take the plunge and order. One question though, what neckline style did you choose for your zebra print dress? it looks like the scoop neck, but I have trouble keeping all the styles straight.
Yes it's the scoop and I prefer it to the boatneck. I know there are a ton, right?
Just happened across this review. Love your dresses on you! My daughter has a hard time finding a good fit in dresses. Cannot wait to order one for her!!! Thanks for all the info.
Happy to help!
I have several dresses from them. Every time I wear one people have asked me where is it from. Now, they have conveniently included cards with the web address on them. I keep them in my purse. I, too, prefer 3/4 sleeves and just below the knee.
You're so clever!! I'm happy to hear people are so happy with their dresses. Hopefully they stay in business a long time I don't know what I'd do without them. I'd never find a nice dress!
I had a terrible time with their customer service! No response online, lady on the phone was rude and unhelpful…they said a manager called me and I have no missed call or voice message. I wound up canceling my order. If they can't treat a first time customer halfway pleasantly, then my money can go elsewhere!
Oh no that’s so disappointing to hear! They’ve always been so good with me. You can always try reaching out through social media but I totally understand, sometimes companies only get two chances with me and then I move on! Thanks for sharing.
I know they don’t answer emails or calls on the weekends, so it can seem a long time before you can hear from them, but I have asked to change things after I placed an order, and they always managed to work it in. I am sorry you got a bad rep on the phone. You should email them and let them know how you were treated, I am sure they will make it right.
I just bought the custom dresses and can I say horrible. Returning now. Too big in spots and too tight in others. Ugh…
Oh no! How disappointing! Hopefully the return process is smooth 🙂
So glad I came across your review and read it! Your review was very thorough and covered everything I needed to know. I have been so hesitant for several months to order from them, as I felt it was too good to be true. Such beautiful pocketed dresses, the way you want, at such reasonable prices. I've been burned in the past with sites that oversell and under-deliver. Now I look forward to purchasing.Thank you.
Has anyone returned an item? How was that process? A friend and I are picking bridesmaid dresses out and I want to know I can easily return things that don't make the cut.
I ordered two dresses about a year ago and returned both. The zippers on both garments were getting stuck on seams they crossed. I think I’d have overlooked one faulty zipper, but not two. Also, the fabric of one dress was clumsily printed–it looked cheap and cartoonish. I think it was about a month before I got the dresses after ordering, and I sent them back immediately. It was about six more weeks before the refund hit my credit card. I feel badly because this company does seem to be able to give women exactly what they want, but I was just not impressed with the quality of (1) the sewing and (2) the fabrics. I also would like to see more color choices, especially for some of the more basic dresses.
Author
That’s too bad you didn’t have a good experience! I’m hoping the quality isn’t going downhill, it’s been a while since I ordered anything. Thanks for sharing your experience it’s very helpful!
I just received 2 dresses as well and have the same issue with one of the zippers. Also they made one dress a v-neck when I asked for scoop, fabric was wrinkled and bunched up and then sewn into place like that, several stains around the neckline of one of the dresses. They offered me $20 store credit to get it cleaned and fixed by a local seamstress. Will a dry cleaner or seamstress accept $20 in eshakti store credit?? How will that help me? And it would cost more than $20. I also have a friend who works at FedEx who is dealing with sending back the dresses for me and she said that as far as she can tell Canada customs doesn’t have a record of eshakti remitting any fees to them (the package was marked as having no customs fees collected). Shady!! So far customer service has been disappointing and the quality of the material and sewing is some of the worst I’ve ever seen.
Author
That is such a bummer! Seriously disappointing. I’m so glad you took the time to leave a comment. It’s good for people to hear multiple experiences before choosing to order/purchase. I was lucky, I only had good experiences, and I’m so sorry you had to deal with this. Sometimes I find it helps to call out a brand on social media. I have had some terrible customer service experiences until I left a public comment on Instagram and then, magically, my problems was resolved. I hate to recommend it, but if you’re not happy speak up in a public way and hopefully you get a refund!
Tanya, I am wondering if you can give us an update on how your previous dresses have held up over the years?
Author
Hi Grace, yes I’m happy to! I don’t have any current photos to share, but I can tell you that all of the dresses are still in my closet. I have actually ordered one more since this post. They have washed well and worn well – no fading, no seams failing and they don’t appear shabby, despite years of wear. I do, however, wash most clothes in cool water and line dry so that probably helps. I am very happy with how they have held up – very surprised actually. I should say that where I live (Lake Superior), our warmer seasons are short so I’m sure that I wear these dresses less than someone who lives in the south and lives in summer dresses. But I still feel good about recommending eShakti to friends, although from the comments it seems that other people have not been as lucky as me.
I have been blown away by all 4 dresses I have purchased from them, & my sister’s wardrobe is mostly eShakti now. Mine may end up being so, too. Perfect for work & church (need pockets for both!), brunch, hanging out, whatever! I am a large hourglass & everything they’ve made for me fits PERFECTLY. I have been pleasantly stunned each time.
Author
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! It’s so helpful for people to read through the comments and hear other people’s experiences. I’m so happy to hear you’ve like you eShakti dresses. The pockets are the best thing haha.
I have purchased 5 dresses from eShakti. All of them customized as I have a long torso and large chest. Every dress has fit perfectly and very well made. I have received many compliments on them. After searching for months for a mother of the bride dress for my daughters upcoming wedding and finding nothing that fit correctly, I finally found the perfect style here and should be receiving my dress in the next few days. I was able to customize the style and fabric color to match her theme colors.
I have never had any issues I read in the negative reviews with any of the dresses I have ordered from eShakti since my first customized dress in 2018.
Author
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! And best wishes to your daughter, I hope her wedding is nothing short of a magical day!
I found Eshakti 6 years ago and bought 6 dresses. They all turned out great.
You’re right… the dresses do run out of stock quicker now.
Some of the styles were a bit outrageous given the style and pattern but this company has to appeal to everyone on the planet.
The only 2 criticisms I have lately is the lack of response from customer service. I asked which fabric was thinner…jersey knit or cotton knit. Im a big women and look horrible in a thinner fabric. So I needed to know. Never got an answer.
I also asked why the cotton knits seem to only come in a few colors…black, blue, green, red.
Sometimes you get the occasional purple or pink but as someone who prefers knit, its frustrating.
Again no answer.
If they sell out fast they should restock more of the popular style.
I lovex the dresses I bought way back when. Keeping my fingers crossed on my next order.
Author
That’s frustrating you never heard back. I don’t know how you contacted them but I have better luck sometimes messaging a brand on social media (either a DM or a comment) than I do with emails. Brands seem more inclined to look like they respond when it’s a public forum and, even if they don’t respond, sometimes customers will message you to help. I also don’t understand why they let popular styles sell out permanently – but I guess they’ve figured out a business model that works for them. Glad to hear your dresses all turned out great!
I ate to admit it, but I probably have 25 (or more) eShakti dresses! It all started when I needed a dress for my son’s wedding. I have an awful time finding dresses that fit, because I have a hernia that makes me look pregnant, and I am already a plus size. I was looking for a dress on another website and someone commented about eShakti, so I looked it up. I plugged in all my measurements and ordered a few dresses. I changed something on each one, so they were all custom made to my size and height and modified to what I wanted. I got them, and was amazed that I could just take them out of the box and put them on, and they fit perfectly! One of them was an embroidered poplin dress, and it was hard to iron, so I returned it with no hassle at all. It ships from India, but you return them to a US address with a prepaid label. Since then, I have continued to buy dresses, always completely tailored to order. Customization is under $10 for everything. Not $10 for different sleeves, $10 for a different neckline, etc. but $10 for all the changes and the specific measurements. I even ask them to add a 2″ hem, so the hem doesn’t curl when I wash the dress. They added FX to most of the styles, so when you change sleeves, neckline, hemline, etc. you can see your changes. This is hands-down, the best website for dresses! Great prices, quality fabrics, pockets in all the dresses, unless you ask them to delete them, no-hassle returns, and a million choices of styles to choose from. They are always adding styles, so if you don’t see anything you want today, check back tomorrow! Don’t be afraid, order something!
Author
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and all of this great advice! I am so happy you found the perfect dress for your son’s wedding – and for every event since 🙂 It’s always a great feeling when we find something that makes us feel good!!