I did have to buy 1 size up. I’m a size 12-14 and bought an XL based on the review that said the sizes were messed up. I think I could have gotten a large but I don’t like my shirts tight. I was surprised when I held it up that the fabric looked like mesh but I put it on and it’s not sheer or see through. Very comfortable. The shirt is the perfect length for me. I do like them a little long but how else do you hide that belly? The neck goes a bit lower than I like (nothing immodest) but no problem pinning will make sure that never flaps open. A review mentioned a pleat but not sure what that would be. The front does have a a seam from the neck down. It’s a style thing and is just sewn on top of the fabric so it doesn’t affect the feel. It has a princess cut so it is shaped to go in at the waist then out for the hips. I like that. It’s not super stretchy but does have give. My complaint is it doesn’t make me look thinner than I really am. Bummer.