Soft and comfortable. (So much better than the rough fabric dress which I got earlier, which looks similar in the catalogue!) No difference between front and back except for the position of the strap slider. I have made the straps as short as possible. It's floor length. It's roomy beneath the arms, far from the armpits. Very cool. I didn't iron it. It has a lovely heaviness to the drape, but isn't hot at all. Can look casual or smart. Works for many body shapes.