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livingcorner · 3 years ago

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Switchback Travel | Best Outdoor Clothing Brands of 2021

The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. With years of experience testing a wide range of hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and everyday products, below is our team’s list of the most well-regarded outdoor apparel companies. For each brand, we’ve included a brief history and background, their most popular offerings, and what sets them apart from the competition. For more information and our top picks in each category, see our hiking gear, ski gear, and winter gear reviews.

Patagonia

Location: Ventura, California Popular products: Down Sweater, Torrentshell 3L, and Capilene What we like: Well-built, stylish, and functional designs with a strong focus on sustainability. What we don’t: Arc’teryx still leads the charge in technical mountain apparel.

You're reading: Switchback Travel | Best Outdoor Clothing Brands of 2021

Patagonia is a well-loved outdoor brand with a rich history in mountain exploration. Founded in 1973 by accomplished rock climber Yvon Chouinard, the company has positioned itself as a staple in the outdoor industry with a vast selection of outdoor apparel ranging from hardshells to baselayers, accessories, and much more. They excel at insulation in particular, with a comprehensive lineup of both technical and casual products, including the legendary Down Sweater (casual) and synthetic standouts like the Micro Puff and DAS Parka (technical).

Patagonia focuses a lot of its time and money on environmental and sustainability initiatives, including incorporating recycled materials and responsibly sourced down into their products, offering repair services (at select locations and via mail), and selling used gear through their Worn Wear program. Arc’teryx below is the irrefutable leader in technical mountain apparel, but Patagonia gear consistently crosses over nicely between daily and backcountry uses. You can expect to pay a bit more for the cachet and Patagonia logo, but the transparency and stewardship efforts do help justify the cost.

Arc’teryx

Location: North Vancouver, Canada Popular products: Atom LT, Beta AR, and Alpha SV What we like: Top-end quality, craftsmanship, and styling. What we don’t: Very pricey, and some might not like the trim fit.

Based out of British Columbia, Arc’teryx is an industry leader in technical mountain apparel and one of the most revered outerwear brands on the market. From baselayers to daypacks, hiking and approach shoes, insulation, climbing and skiing gear, and more, Arc’teryx products exude quality and top-end craftsmanship. Their greatest strength is their hardshell jacket collection, including long-standing models like the Beta AR and Alpha SV. You can expect to pay a serious premium for the brand name—the Beta AR and Alpha SV check in at $599 and $799, respectively—but we’ve consistently found that Arc’teryx gear is well-made, good-looking, and stands up exceptionally well to regular use and abuse.

In addition to the steep price tags, Arc’teryx offerings are often very technical and trim-fitting. One exception is the venerable Atom LT synthetic, which nicely balances performance and around-town appeal. However, the Atom still is pricey at $259 for the hoody version ($239 for the non-hooded jacket and $175 for the vest). In the end, casual outdoor-goers can save serious cash by buying from brands like Marmot, Columbia, or REI Co-op, but Arc’teryx remains the gold standard among hardcore adventurers and backcountry enthusiasts.

Marmot

Location: Rohnert Park, CA Popular products: PreCip Eco, Montreal, and Minimalist What we like: Excellent budget/mid-range offerings for the casual outdoor adventurer. What we don’t: A step down in quality and can’t match the expansive collections of the brands above.

For a step down in price and performance from the brands above, Marmot represents an excellent value for the casual outdoor adventurer. From winter jackets to rain gear and ski shells, we’ve consistently been impressed by Marmot’s balance of affordability and quality. They do offer a few notable, high-end performance pieces, including the Gore-Tex-equipped Spire hardshell ($435) and resort-ready Freerider Jacket ($485), but the budget/mid-range category is where they excel most.

Some of our long-time favorites within Marmot’s lineup are the PreCip (now the PreCip Eco) and Minimalist rain jackets and the Montreal Down Coat, all of which undercut the competition considerably and offer great all-around performance for light outdoor uses. Like Patagonia, Marmot also has made fairly substantial sustainability strides in recent years, including the use of recycled materials and PFC-free DWR coatings on many of their products (including some of their key best sellers like the aforementioned PreCip Eco). Backcountry experts looking for bombproof protection and a full suite of technical features should look elsewhere, but for hiking, summer backpacking, around-town use, and other casual pursuits, the value is hard to beat.

Columbia Sportswear

Location: Portland, Oregon Popular products: Bugaboo, Steens Mountain, and Watertight What we like: An impressively wide selection of affordable clothing and gear. What we don’t: Decidedly casual and not the best quality.

Founded in 1938 as a hat distributor, Columbia Sportswear has since grown to epitomize casual outdoor apparel. In particular, they’re a real standout in the budget realm, with extensive collections of clothing and footwear that undercut the competition considerably. Their Watertight II rain jacket is case in point: priced at $60 and often found online for less, you get a durable, 2-layer build that can handle moderate precipitation and short jaunts on the trail with relative ease.

That said, reduced prices almost always come with reduced quality and performance, and Columbia isn’t known for high-end materials or long-lasting designs. For example, the Watertight will soak through much faster than more premium shells, and breathability is a major step down with the cheap build and lack of pit zips. But a big selling point for many is value, and casual recreationalists who don’t need top-end waterproofing or technical features can save big without too many compromises (provided you don’t demand much of your gear). Finally, Columbia offers a dedicated collection of “big and tall” options for those with larger builds, which only adds to the widespread appeal.

The North Face

Location: Alameda, California Popular products: Denali, ThermoBall, and McMurdo What we like: Lifetime guarantee and some well-respected insulation collections. What we don’t: They excel at the casual and hardcore ends of the spectrum, but not really in between.

Read more: Painting Outdoor Wood Furniture Like a Pro!

We couldn’t get too far down this list without addressing The North Face, a storied mountain brand with a rich history in high-altitude exploration. Their bright orange and yellow tents are a common sight at high-elevation basecamps around the world, and they’ve accumulated a high-quality team of athletes including pro climbers Alex Honnold and Margo Hayes and dedicated mountaineers Jimmy Chin and Conrad Anker. In terms of outerwear, TNF’s Summit Series—ranging from the mountain-ready L5 Futurelight shell to the L6 Down Belay Parka—are undeniably premium pieces built for harsh conditions and demanding pursuits.

Impressively, The North Face also excels at the casual end of the spectrum, evidenced by their legendary and ubiquitous Denali fleece and around-town-friendly ThermoBall synthetic. The downside is they haven’t found a solid middle ground—their strong suits are either serious mountaineering or everyday pieces. Further, we often find that their jackets have boxy fits, and TNF’s core apparel lines are typically a step down in quality and overall attention to detail compared to Arc’teryx and Patagonia. But the brand’s lifetime guarantee against defects is one of the most generous policies on the market, and prices are often good for what you get.

REI Co-op

Location: Kent, Washington Popular products: 650 Down Jacket, Rainier, and Stormhenge What we like: Excellent balance of price and performance. What we don’t: Can’t match the fit and finish of brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia.

REI Co-op is well-respected among outdoor lovers all over the country, and for good reason. With 165 stores across the U.S., excellent sales throughout the year, and a host of member benefits (including a yearly dividend, access to Garage Sales, and discounts on gear rentals and shop services), REI stands out as a community-focused brand with a strong commitment to the outdoors. In addition, REI is involved in a number of environmental and community initiatives, conservation efforts, and sustainability practices within its own line of outdoor apparel and gear.

REI committed to making their own clothing in 2014 and quickly assembled a well-rounded lineup that runs the gamut from hardshells to down jackets, winter parkas, and more. Today, the company uses premium materials from brands like PrimaLoft, Pertex, and Gore, with popular offerings like the Stormhenge down jacket and XeroDry and Stormbolt rain shells incorporating high-end fabrics at great prices. All in all, REI gear is surprisingly affordable for the level of performance you get, and we’ve consistently been struck by the overall value. You don’t get the same painstaking attention to detail or top-end fit and finish of brands like Arc’teryx, Fjällräven, or Patagonia, but you’re not paying for it either.

Outdoor Research

Location: Seattle, Washington Popular products: Helium, Ferrosi, and Transcendent What we like: Often great bang for your buck, and we love their in-house waterproofing. What we don’t: Fit isn’t as dialed as Arc’teryx or Patagonia.

Unlike the brands above, Seattle-based Outdoor Research (OR) is popular in one area of the country in particular: the Pacific Northwest. The company was founded by mountaineer Ron Gregg after a climbing partner experienced frostbite from a pair of poorly designed gaiters on Alaska’s Denali in 1980. Since then, the brand has expanded its focus considerably and covers activities ranging from hiking to skiing, with a particularly well-executed selection of shells and insulation (both down and synthetic).

We don’t often write home about in-house waterproofing technologies, but OR’s proprietary AscentShell membrane—found in designs like their Skyward II ski shell and Microgravity rain jacket—has proven to be impressively weather-worthy, mobile, and breathable (although a slight step down from more premium Gore-Tex in all-out protection). The fit isn’t always spot-on (see our reviews of the Hemispheres and Skyward II, for example), but OR gear consistently nails a great balance between price and performance. All in all, we consider it a nice middle ground between budget brands like Columbia and high-end specialists like Arc’teryx.

Kuhl

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Popular products: Renegade and Arktik Down What we like: Great on-the-trail durability. What we don’t: Utilitarian styling can be polarizing.

Originally Alfwear, Kuhl’s story began in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, where the brand’s founders (including aforementioned and legendary mountaineer Conrad Anker) had a goal of creating functional skiing and mountaineering clothing and accessories. Now, almost 40 years later, the brand has evolved into a big-time player in the outdoor apparel world and especially in the lifestyle and hiking realms. From baselayers to down and winter jackets, Kuhl offers a nice selection of competitively priced options that will stand up to regular use and abuse.

In general, Kuhl products are known for their distinctive and often utilitarian styling. The Arktik Down Parka, for instance, has a burly shell, faux-fur hood, and paneling along the shoulders and elbows that stand out, especially in the darker colorways. But Kuhl excels in the durability department—we’ve been particularly happy with their hiking pant collections, including the popular Renegade—and the quality is excellent.

Rab

Location: Derbyshire, UK Popular products: Microlight Alpine and Neutrino Pro What we like: A nice array of high-quality, technical mountaineering and climbing pieces. What we don’t: Limited availability in the U.S.

Rab might not have the name recognition of many of the companies above, but this U.K.-based alpine specialist has a quality collection of weather-ready shells and down jackets that rival the performance of premium brands like Arc’teryx. Their Neutrino Pro, for example, is our favorite heavyweight down jacket for the cold this season due to its generous dose of high-quality down, weather-resistant and durable Pertex Quantum Pro shell, and reasonable $375 price point (many heavyweight competitors come in at least $50-$100 pricier, including Arc’teryx’s $575 Cerium SV).

Rab also makes a handful of premium Gore-Tex shells, including the fully featured Muztag GTX and ski-focused Khroma series. The two biggest downsides are cost and availability: Arc’teryx still is a slight step up in price, but Rab products are undeniably premium. Further, Rab gear can be difficult to track down in the States, although REI and Backcountry have both started carrying the brand. Two other European companies that stand out in the technical/high-end category are Norrøna and Mountain Equipment, although they have an even smaller presence in the U.S. market.

prAna

Location: Carlsbad, California Popular products: Stretch Zion, Halle, and Kanab What we like: Strong sustainability focus; wide array of colors and sizes. What we don’t: Not a high-performance brand.

In 1992, the founders of prAna set out to create sustainably made and stylish yoga and climbing apparel, and the brand has mostly stayed true to those roots. Today, prAna is an industry leader in eco-friendly practices, including the use of organic cotton, recycled wool, RDS-certified down, and bluesign-approved fabrics in their clothing. We also love that prAna often offers each piece in a wide array of colors and sizes—one editor landed on the brand years ago because they sold a 31-inch-waist pant, which is fairly uncommon in the industry.

One standout in prAna’s current lineup is their Stretch Zion pant (and women’s Halle), which snagged the top spot in our hiking pant round-up this year due to its excellent combination of comfort and performance. The classy colorways also make it a viable around-town and travel option, and we’ve found it doubles as a great climbing pant too. Those searching for technical, mountain-ready shells and insulation should look elsewhere, but prAna has excellent everyday appeal (especially in outdoorsy cities like Boulder, Bend, and Seattle). It’s worth noting that prAna was acquired in 2014 by outdoor giant Columbia Sportswear, but the quality and environmental ethos remain.

Fjällräven

Location: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden Popular products: Greenland and Vidda What we like: A growing lifestyle brand that makes durable and hardwearing products. What we don’t: Pricey, heavy, and sometimes overly technical looks.

Fjällräven started in 1960 as a backpack company, and the brand’s Kanken packs and bags remain a mainstay in their lineup to this day. However, the Swedish brand has grown significantly since its inception and is now equally lauded for its collection of upscale hiking apparel. From winter jackets to down parkas, hiking pants, and trekking tights, Fjällräven’s products are stylish, durable, and highly capable in mountain environments.

We can’t discuss Fjällräven without mentioning their signature and hardwearing G-1000 fabric, which they use throughout most of their lineup and consists of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. Cotton often gets a bad rap in the outdoor apparel world for its inability to wick moisture (which can lead to hypothermia when you work up a sweat), but we’ve found that Fjällräven’s blend is entirely functional, and you can apply their Greenland Wax for better water resistance. As with Kuhl above, some might find the looks a bit polarizing, but we personally like the unique fabrics and robust constructions.

L.L. Bean

Location: Freeport, Maine Popular products: Sweater Fleece and 850 Down Sweater What we like: Well-made clothing that nicely transitions from the outdoors to around town. What we don’t: Not widely available outside of the East Coast.

Like Outdoor Research above and Eddie Bauer below, L.L. Bean is prominent in one specific area of the country: the Northeast. The company was founded in the early 1900s in Freeport, Maine, and originally sold only a single product: their legendary duck boots, which remain a cornerstone in the lineup today and come in a wide variety of styles, colorways, and heights. However, they quickly evolved into a ubiquitous lifestyle brand that makes everything from down jackets to sweaters, fleeces, baselayers, flannel-lined jeans (a personal favorite), sleepwear, hiking boots, and much more.

L.L. Bean nicely toes the line between casual and performance, although most of their products are best-suited for activities like camping and hiking rather than technical backcountry pursuits (think cozy cabin trips, fall hikes, mild-weather snowshoeing, etc.). Availability is another downside for some, as their products are only sold in-store and through their website, with most of their retail locations focused on the East Coast. But it’s hard to knock the styling and all-around appeal, which is why you’re bound to see plenty of L.L. Bean gear on the trails and around town in places like Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Read more: Outdoor Play | Play Encyclopedia

Black Diamond Equipment

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Popular products: First Light, Mission, and StormLine What we like: A new but fairly impressive lineup of backcountry-ready shells and insulation. What we don’t: A narrower climbing/backcountry skiing focus than many of the brands above.

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard started another company in the late 1950s, this one dedicated to producing climbing hardware: Chouinard Equipment. A few decades later, the company filed for bankruptcy, and Black Diamond was born. The brand still focuses much of its efforts on climbing equipment—including their cornerstone Camalot series—but in 2013, they jumped into the outdoor apparel scene in a big way. Since then, the collection has grown considerably and consists of a fairly impressive lineup of quality shells and insulation, as well as baselayers and accessories like hats and gloves.

Much of Black Diamond’s apparel has a climbing/backcountry skiing focus, which makes sense given the brand’s background. That said, there are a few crossover pieces that work well for daily wear, including the StormLine Stretch rain shell. We also like their in-house BD.dry waterproofing membrane (used in the StormLine), which isn’t as bombproof as Gore-Tex but nicely balances protection, mobility, and breathability and keeps costs low (the StormLine comes in at $149). BD still has a ways to go in matching the long-standing and venerable reputations of brands like Rab and Arc’teryx, but their progress thus far has been promising.

Eddie Bauer

Location: Bellevue, Washington Popular products: MicroTherm and CirrusLite What we like: A storied mountain brand with over 100 years of experience in the industry. What we don’t: Popularity has waned over the years.

Like Outdoor Research, Eddie Bauer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1920 as a tennis shop in the back of a local hunting and fishing outfitter, the company quickly evolved into a committed outdoor brand (founder Eddie Bauer patented the first quilted down jacket in 1936). Since then, the company has outfitted many defining expeditions across the world, including early summits of K2 and Mt. Everest throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Today, their lineup runs the gamut from hiking boots and accessories to insulated jackets, rainwear, winter parkas, and more.

Like The North Face, Eddie Bauer offers standout products at the technical end of the spectrum and has a fairly large casual following, but they aren’t very popular among the average outdoors-goer. That said, we’ve been impressed by their down products in particular, including the MicroTherm series that uses premium down (ranging from 800 to 1,000-fill) and incorporates performance features like stretchy side panels and underarm mesh for ventilation. All in all, Eddie Bauer seems to be making a push to widen their appeal, and we’re eager to continue following their progress.

Cotopaxi

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Popular products: Fuego and Teca What we like: Retro styling and clear commitment to “doing good.” What we don’t: Not a true performance brand and some don’t love the bold looks.

Cotopaxi began manufacturing clothing in 2014, but founder Davis Smith had been dreaming up the socially minded outdoor brand for years. After spending much of his childhood living in impoverished regions of Central and South America, Smith committed to creating a brand centered around giving back, and Cotopaxi does a lot of that today. The company’s efforts range from sustainably sourcing materials to allocating 1 percent of annual revenue to their namesake foundation, which focuses on awarding grants to humanitarian organizations and other nonprofits. Cotopaxi is also a certified B Corp and climate neutral-certified, working to measure, offset, and reduce emissions and minimize their overall impact on the environment (for reference, their “Do Good” motto is featured on much of their clothing and accessories).

In addition to their ongoing efforts related to sustainability and social stewardship, Cotopaxi is known for their distinctive retro styling, with vibrant colorways and striped patterns that set them apart from the competition. Their Fuego down jacket and Teca windbreaker are two particularly popular offerings, with fun looks and quality materials that both perform well for casual outdoor use and look good around town. However, keep in mind that Cotopaxi isn’t a technical brand, and those looking for specialized gear for long and demanding mountain missions should instead check out companies like Arc’teryx, Mammut, or Rab. And some will find the aforementioned styling to be overly flashy, but that’s purely a matter of preference, and we personally like how much Cotopaxi’s designs stand out.

Montbell

Location: Osaka, Japan Popular products: Plasma 1000 and Versalite What we like: A leader in the ultralight insulation and rainwear markets. What we don’t: Lacking in everyday appeal.

Unlike the brands above, Japan-based Montbell appeals to one very niche area of the market: the ultralight (UL) crowd. A leader in the fast-and-light category, Montbell is known for their ultra-premium down products (including the 1,000-fill-power Plasma series) and ultra-thin shells (like the 10-denier Versalite rain jacket). The net result is remarkably low weights across the board, with the Plasma 1000 Down Jacket checking in at a scant 4.8 ounces and the Versalite at 6.4. Compared to the rest of the market, those numbers are nearly unmatched.

Unfortunately, cutting weight often comes with compromises, and the main sacrifice here is everyday appeal. In other words, these are targeted pieces that won’t hold up to regular wear, and the styling is decidedly technical (we recommend reserving them specifically for hardcore adventures when weight and packed size matter most). But if you’re a thru-hiker or committed alpinist looking to shave ounces, Montbell products are often priced surprisingly well given the level of performance.

Mountain Hardwear

Location: Richmond, California Popular products: Ghost Whisperer/2 and Stretchdown What we like: A growing collection of capable shells and snow gear. What we don’t: Innovation and quality were lacking for a bit, but they seem to be back on the rise.

Mountain Hardwear fell off the radar for some time, but they’ve made notable inroads of late in both quality and sustainability, and we think their current lineup shows a lot of promise. Most notably, the company stands out for their premium down products and growing fleet of Gore-Tex shells and snow gear. The latest Ghost Whisperer is a shining example: the original model helped define the ultralight down jacket category, and the latest “/2” carries the torch with a sub-9-ounce weight, excellent packability, healthy dose of high-quality down, and functional feature set. For serious outdoor adventurers committed to traveling fast and light, it remains a top pick year after year (and MH recently released an even lighter UL version).

On the hardshell front, the brand’s Exposure/2 collection—which ranges from the minimalist Paclite to the premium Gore-Tex Pro—nicely balances protection and weight, and their ski lineup also incorporates Gore’s proven membranes. Further, we appreciate the brand’s ever-growing focus on sustainability, highlighted by responsibly sourced down and recycled materials in many of their new and updated offerings. All in all, this brand is definitively on the rise, and we’re excited by their recent progress.

Where to Buy Outdoor Apparel

It’s incredibly easy to shop online in 2021, with a variety of gear retailers and manufacturers carrying most of the brands above. Backcountry excels in the outerwear market in particular, with a wide selection of brands and available colorways and sizes (as well as free standard shipping on orders over $50). REI Co-op is another great place to shop—both in store and online—and offers a number of benefits and discounts to members throughout the year. Additionally, many of the companies above have modern websites that allow you to access their full collections, including Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, The North Face, and more (and as we mentioned, brands like Eddie Bauer and L.L. Bean aren’t sold anywhere else). Finally, we always recommend supporting your local gear shop when possible, and it’s especially nice to try the items on in person to nail the fit. Back to Our Top Clothing Brands See Our Hiking Gear Reviews

Source: https://livingcorner.com.au Category: Outdoor

source https://livingcorner.com.au/switchback-travel-best-outdoor-clothing-brands-of-2021/

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saniwriter · 3 years ago

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The Evolution of Athleisure

This group's winning trifecta of comfort, fashion and functionality fits today's active lifestyles-- and also beyond. Nowadays, athleisure is far more than a garments buzzword. It's a phenomenon that has actually changed where and how consumers put on apparel like slogan T-shirts, leggings, joggers, hoodies and also caps. " Athleisure is a power mix of convenience satisfies design, as well as style meets capability," claims Eric Simsolo, supervisor of organization development, Next Level Apparel. Actually, Americans spent $80.1 billion on athleisure and activewear in 2018, according to Euromonitor Intl. " The term 'work-life equilibrium' has actually taken hold in vogue due to the fact that consumers want garments that allow them to stabilize brand-new wellness top priorities with remote or at-home job needs in life, without requiring to outfit themselves independently for each," claims Summer Scott-Samuel, elderly retailing supervisor, Gildan Activewear. Comfort is a growing asset, she claims, and also end users want to pay more for style clothing with CUSTOM MADE PATCHES fundamentals that use adaptability and hid functions. Apparel suppliers have actually reacted to this way of life shift-- largely spearheaded by Millennials-- that focuses on experiential living as well as wellness with healthy habits as well as sports activity, with athleisure designs that can be worn at the workplace, the fitness center and on the go. The Athleisure Revolution Athleisure overtook American style virtually 20 years earlier when yoga-inspired athletic clothing company Lululemon showed up on the scene. "This surge in athleisure came at a time when way of livings were altering-- eating healthier, exercising even more and being even more health-conscious-- leading athleisure to fit consumers' practical as well as stylistic requirements," says Jeanene Edwards, vice head of state of retailing as well as advertising, Fruit of the Loom/JERZEES Activewear. "Since athleisure has actually mainstreamed throughout every ages and demographics, that's mosting likely to ensure its staying power." Just recently, more typical apparel merchants have gotten in the sports apparel group, including H&M as well as Forever 21, which introduced activewear collections in 2015. Additionally, Topshop has collaborated on an athleisure collection with Beyoncé, while J.Crew has actually partnered with New Balance. In addition, haute-couture brands like Gucci, Dior, Fendi and Balenciaga have imitated the success of athletic performance wear brands such as adidas, Champion, Nike as well as Under Armour. " They've added an elevated-couture feel and look to sports apparel," states Christina Marcantelli, account executive, S&S Activewear. "We see influencers, celebrities and also athletes tackling this garments group that fits multidimensional way of lives." A rebirth of 1980s as well as 1990s garments brand names and also styles traditionally rooted in cotton-rich items likewise contributed to athleisure's power rise. "Consumers wanted these items, yet really did not wish to abandon the convenience of even more modern materials or performance features of their poly-rich athletic garments," claims Marcus Davis, product development supervisor for HanesBrands. "Combining these comfort and also efficiency features on prominent retro brands and layouts helped the athleisure pattern take off even faster." Davis claims once consumers recognized they might have both casual convenience as well as performance attributes like UV defense, flexible wicking and smell control in their garments, they began to anticipate them in products varying from tees to outerwear. Thankfully, garments suppliers prepared to satisfy that demand, accelerating material advancement and technical advancements in garment style as well as building and construction. " This made garment production faster, simpler as well as much more capable of delivering a broader array of designs, fabrics and also shades," Edwards claims. "Many activewear textiles are especially designed to enhance all-day comfort with residential properties like wetness wicking, stretch and smell control." The Health Factor Many individuals explain their way of lives as "insane active," as they juggle household activities, occupations and healthy way of lives. "We've started to use the term 'lifewear' because consumers want clothes they can use anytime and also anywhere during their daily tasks," Davis says. This pattern has actually added to the consistent decline of procedure in the means Americans dress; athleisure blurs the line between activewear and also office clothing, supplying cross-functional styles. In the past 10-15 years, retail and also market clothing distributors have evolved the athleisure concept to adjust to extensive way of life changes. Generally, people-- particularly Millennials-- live even more health-conscious lives, however still want to look classy. " [Millennials are] exceptionally trend-conscious and wish to share their individuality through their style," Edwards says. "Athleisure is the best electrical outlet for Millennials to display their active, healthy way of livings, both on social networks as well as in their lives." By expansion, social networks has aided speed up an extra fit way of living across the board. "Many influencers and also health and fitness buffs train for marathons as well as tournaments in athleisure," Marcantelli says. "Even traveling, racecar, biking and also boating fanatics wear athleisure as they influence others to obtain energetic." The Uber-Casual Workplace Edwards points out that leaders like Steve Jobs, with his signature black turtleneck, as well as Mark Zuckerberg, with his hoodie, rapidly transformed the concept of appropriate office attire. Currently, more than one-third of consumers (34%) state they put on casual garments to work, according to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor Survey. And also, 71% of customers state their office has at the very least one informal day. " Changing job cultures as well as increasingly informal dress codes mean that 'power clothing' does not resonate with Millennial and also Gen-Z customers," Scott-Samuel says. "Casual garments basics worn as exercise gear are now the brand-new as well as acceptable 'uniform' at work." She also states that as an expanding number of Millennials function from another location or in freelance capabilities, they produce their very own guidelines for everyday styles that accommodate versatile wellness, work and also traveling way of lives. These brand-new "life policies" also include a shift far from traditional job hours toward a focus on experiencing life outside the workplace. " That's not to say Millennials aren't focused on their occupations, but they're more likely to go from the gym to the office, or from the office to the bike path," Davis says. "Not having to change clothing between the day's different activities has actually come to be extremely attracting this generation." Additionally, as older Millennials come close to age 40, they're often the major choice makers for marketing garments in their organizations. "Their preference for athleisure as well as brand names that mirror their worths show in lots of new product launches," Edwards states. On top of that, when a company gives its workers retail-branded merchandise from, claim, adidas or Columbia, it sends the message that they're valued. "The more functional the garment, such as a quarter-zip or fleece hoodie, the more probable workers will certainly use them outside the office, boosting the quantity of impressions," Marcantelli says. Athleisure's Lasting Look Thanks to the Kardashians, Edwards claims, jogging suit, leggings as well as tennis shoes can go just about anywhere. That equates into split tees or French terry pieces as the basis of many athleisure wardrobes, in addition to joggers or yoga exercise pants. " From a garment point of view, fit is still vital," she says. "Athleisure isn't sloppy, so just any type of set of sweat pants will not function." Sports fabrics likewise have come a long way in the past few years. "From the stretch and healing, to colorways, heathering and also fiber material, everything has changed," Simsolo says. "Without that technology and advancement, you wouldn't have the modern-day yoga exercise pant, the quarter-zip that does not resemble a trash bag, or perhaps the breathable, one-piece woven running footwear. A great athleisure top will certainly really feel and fit as comfortable with yoga exercise pants as they will certainly under a bombing plane coat, or perhaps a smart sports jacket." Marcantelli notes that due to the selection of athleisure garments, the items can be infinitely styled and also embellished. For instance, she sees monogrammed weekend sets of sweat shirts as well as matching lounge shorts growing in popularity as influencers wear them throughout their day-to-day routines. " We additionally see diverse shapes with keyhole cutouts; crisscross open backs; one-of-a-kind hemlines; open shoulders; and plant tops in tees, storage tanks, hoodies as well as crewnecks," she states. "The large variation of seasonal colors and patterns and materials, such as Sherpa, sponge [and] teddy fleece, along with large inlays in tights, yoga exercise pants, tops and tanks giving a hint of feminineness, are all classified as athleisure." Inevitably, Davis claims, athleisure is versatile. "When brands integrate elements of fashion, convenience and also performance right into their clothing, it's a winning combo for end users," he says.

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dippedanddripped · 4 years ago

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It was back in early March when Jerry Lorenzo and Alessandro Sartori presented their Zegna x Fear of God collaboration at Paris Fashion Week, setting the stage for one of the most curious fashion collisions in recent memory. The clothing itself did not disappoint, delivering a sensibility that somehow bridges the sartorial gap between Skepta and Don Draper. Who says a polo neck shouldn’t be bulbous with a zip? Or a tracksuit can’t be made of luxurious silk? Together, they want to blow open the menswear conversation, bringing into being a hypermodern way of comfortable dressing that cherry-picks the best bits of luxury and chic sportswear. Think of it like bodega-core for when the bodega has an exclusive dress code policy.

The Los Angeles streetwear dynamo and Milanese tailoring savant might ostensibly make for odd bedfellows, but theirs is a relationship built on mutual admiration. The dynamic isn’t so much a case of the student and teacher; rather, it’s totally egalitarian, with Lorenzo’s intuitive knowing of what young guys want to wear just as important as Sartori’s unrivaled technical expertise. In other words, they’re both reading from the same script. “I think that the difference [between Fear of God and Zegna] is obvious on an aesthetic level from far away,” Lorenzo previously explained to us. “But the souls of the brands are the same. And when we sat together, we knew that immediately, and we also had a desire to create a new language that would require the best of both worlds.”

Keen to find out where the pair were currently at given the events of recent months, we caught up with them over Zoom.

Let’s start from the beginning. What attracted you guys to working together?

Jerry Lorenzo: I’ve been a fan of Zegna for a long time. The first luxury suit to ever live in my household was a Zegna suit that my dad bought back in the ’90s. Alessandro being the head of the house made the opportunity even more exciting to me. I wanted to not only learn from the 110-year-old-plus house, but also learn from Alessandro, whom I really look up to, and whose aesthetic I’ve been a fan of for a long time. Usually, you don’t want to meet people in fashion, because they’re never what you hope them to be, but Alessandro just gets better with time.

Alessandro Sartori : We come across as very polite, but we are honest in what we say. It all started when a mutual friend asked, “Do you want to organize a coffee with this designer?” I remember seeing Jerry’s work first on the web and then in a very beautiful store in Tokyo. I was attracted by the chicness of the clothing, because what he does is not only has to do with his aesthetic and his feel, but he also has a timeless grammar. After a year or less, we talked about doing something because we shared so many values and ideas. The idea was to combine chic American sportswear with the timeless aesthetic of an Italian house.

Two opposites on the same page.

AS: I haven’t told you this, Jerry, but one of the best comments I got a couple of weeks ago was from an Italian retailer. He said to me, “You know what I adored about the picture and the video I saw? It didn’t feel like it was in Paris or of the time.” And I said, “Well, I never thought about that.”

JL: It’s exactly what we were hoping for — we wanted to land somewhere that was informed by the things we loved of the past, but spoke to something new; a new day, a new decade. Creating something that defines the early ’20s. I feel that’s the best possible comment that we can get. They’re seeing something that they hadn’t seen before.

Henry Ruggeri

Your presentation in March feels like a lifetime ago! How did that go?

AS: Jerry wanted to create something that looked like an art installation. A retrospective on this collection 10 years from now. We created a fantastic environment where there was no sense of time.

JL: That’s exactly what it was. We are trying to establish this new wardrobe for the modern man; the foundation and the principles of it are classic and timelessness. So maintaining that theme throughout all the communication, all the feelings, all the emotions from the setup, again, to the music that was played, to the location that Ali found, it really spoke to all of the different nuances that I believe Alessandro and myself poured into the project.

I feel that the runway and re-see still serves a purpose with a collection like this. To allow people to get really get up close with the fabrics and craftsmanship. Jerry, you’ve never done a runway show, and Alessandro, you just announced an online show for Zegna. But how do you compensate for that lack of physical interaction?

AS: I think the normal shows as we know needed a refresh anyhow. That’s one of the reasons why, when we decided to go with the presentation in Paris, we didn’t think about spending more or less money. We wanted to have the best effect for that collection according to what we wanted to achieve and tell. The place, the collection, the music, the light, the production, all at once conveyed the full idea of what we wanted. It felt timeless.

We decided to do a combination of digital and physical for this season at Zegna. We took the idea that we can’t invite people as a creative and challenging idea for what could be the future. Will we be able to do shows as before? Do we need to do shows before? We don’t know. I think that there’s going to be more formats, perhaps more private. Physical with, say, 300 people. But sensory in a way you can touch the fabric, you can see the material, and you can see the silhouette.

JL: We’re a little different than you guys in having never done a fashion show. Our biggest presentation was what we did together in Paris. And so we’re used to the digital way of presenting. However, as my craft develops and we start to play with knits and tailoring, and our pieces become more complex and beautiful to the touch, there’s the flip side of maybe that’s what we want to do. Perhaps having the human experience that maybe we haven’t had in the past.

We’re used to being digital, but it’s sad that at this moment — as we’re playing in a lot of new categories, that we were able to play within with Zegna and Alessandro — we kind of don’t have a platform to share this physically with the world. But as we’ve always done as a species, we adapt to the times, and we find ways to do what we have to do. I think creativity thrives when it’s limited.

There’s been a lot of talk about streetwear being outmuscled by menswear among young people as a kind of trend, but I don’t think it’s as binary as that. The modern man’s wardrobe is fluid.

JL: That’s what we believe. We believe that there’s not this jump from wearing a hoodie and sweats one day to the perfect tailored suit the next. There’s this in between area that speaks to the transition, but that also speaks to the time that the gentleman is in, in an honest way. Fear of God has always tried to create products that allow our customer to be who they are. We wanted to create something that’s digestible for our customer, that he could see himself in, that’s not intimidating. That when he walks into a room with a suit on, or something tailored, he still looks like himself, and he doesn’t look like he’s made this 10 year jump to being older.

I don’t think it’s as black as white as a tailored suiting world and a streetwear world. I think we’re all very complex individuals who have tons of different needs and desires. We were really just trying to speak to the modern lifestyle, and understanding those needs and desires, and how the consumer moves, and what his day is like, and how we can help him be best prepared for that through his wardrobe.

I’m growing, as I’m maturing in the same way that you are. My taste, needs and desires all develop, and you could say it’s an assumption that the rest of the world is kind of feeling the same way. The research and development that we depend on is asking the question “what’s missing from our closet? How do we want to present ourselves? Today’s a little different than it was yesterday, and what are the solutions that we can create?” I think we all live in the same world, and so we’re connected. And you assume that what you’re feeling is what other people are feeling, whether right or wrong, but that’s usually the safest assumption. So we’ve taken on the responsibility of an industry pacesetter and leader in what we do, and we do feel a responsibility to step up first in these instances, and go with our gut versus watching the market change and being reactive, and we’re going to continue to do that.

This collection won’t be cheap, but it embodies the “buy less but better” mentality.

AS: From day one we thought about life long garments. About pieces that you can mix and match — one collection after the other. Let’s think about a garment that you can easily give to your younger brother, or to your girlfriend. The quality of fabric and construction means it’s built to last. If you open the garments inside, you see the quality.

I’m intrigued how that plays into the studio dynamic. Jerry is very intuitive with no formal training, whereas you studied fashion design, Alessandro. How does it play out?

AS: We didn’t know how each other worked at first, but when we entered the room, I saw a fantastic soul, and the beautiful aesthetic behind the man. Keeping that in mind, all the discussion, bigger or smaller about a centimeter, or pants, or a jacket, whatever, were all part of this common idea to deliver the best possible project.

JL: We’re [Fear of God] are so unorthodox in our process, coming in with two to 300-plus images and vintage references, with what I thought was an all over the place story. Alessandro was quickly able to understand them as well as the emotion that we were trying to get across. We agreed on the question, and we agreed on that perspective, which allowed us to easily work through and work past the different ways of working that we both were accustomed to.

Let’s talk about the collection itself. Those turtle necks are wild and immediately caught my eye! I know it’s like asking to pick a favorite child, but do you have any stand out pieces?

JL: It’s exactly like picking your favorite child because we’re really trying to tell a full story. And so, every word, every child, is necessary. And if you leave one out, the story is not complete. The piece you are speaking about, I love that it’s this rear zip, like a turtleneck, but not, but it’s with shirting fabric. Living in LA and not being able to wear this turtleneck swag, it’s just like, “How do we do this?”

We considered so many different things, wanting this clean look without a lapel and this new turtleneck feel that’s not heavy knit. Every piece, if we speak to the turtleneck, or we speak to anything, is it as effortless and relaxed as it is sophisticated and elegant? That was the filter that we do everything through. On top of that, I just think it’s a solution. It’s a solution that it’s a shirt that didn’t really exist. Maybe for women in a different way, maybe with shoulder pads back in the day, but I felt we needed to propose something new in this area that wasn’t as stuffy as a traditional suit and tie. So it’s a pretty cool piece for you to mention, because it really speaks to all those different elements.

AS: I think we created, I don’t want to say new categories, but new pieces that didn’t exist in the classic menswear wardrobe before. I haven’t seen a sports pant that uses the best fabrics and finishes in the market. To channel this sportswear attitude through a tailoring mindset is interesting. I’m sure that guys will find the collection interesting because we’ll convey not only a new aesthetic, but also a lot of new pieces.

To finish, I wanted to ask about the suit. Jerry, I was learning today about the role of the suit and its relationship with black identity, power, and social politics. I think of stuff like Obama’s tan suit to Kanye and the Rosewood movement to the very idea of Sunday best. So what does this mean to you on a cultural level? The same goes for you, Alessandro.

JL: If you Google Sunday best Chicago, there’s this image that comes up of five young black kids in front of this old car and they’re all in their Sunday best. It’s a portrait that we have hanging up in my mom’s house. And there is something about a Sunday best and getting dressed for church and something about this term of church clothes, which were always considered your best clothes.

There is a lot of nuances that go into the feeling a suit gives you, and the emotion that a suit gives you, and a good feeling suit. And I think a lot of times Americans, and maybe people of color, have different shapes, many times the proportions and silhouettes aren’t best for them.

And that’s one of the things that I also considered during this process is making suits that allow the people who wear them to still feel like themselves, and even a better version of themselves, and not someone else. A lot of times when you put a suit on you begin to feel like someone else instead of the best version of yourself.

And so, yeah, there’s a lot of that deep down emotion that goes into it. And it comes from exactly that, the Sunday best growing up and only being able to wear your church clothes on Sundays. And if you got caught wearing your slacks or your blazer during the week, you would definitely catch a spanking and be in trouble. So there’s a lot of that that culturally we poured into this project.

AS: Yeah. I totally agree. First of all, I googled Sunday best Chicago 1941 [holds up phone to camera]. Amazing! I want to start from one of the sentences Jerry said about looking your best. We did this process and quite often people are forgetting that, but think, Graeme, of the first time you feel fantastic, when you were sensing what is good on you for the first time. It’s not the second time or the third; it’s only the first time because you’re used to it after that.

So when you put something on yourself and it’s so right — not every garment you own is like that — just a few pieces, and you put it on and you say, “Wow.” That emotion, and you fix and block that emotion in your mind, is exactly when we click — your emotions, the piece, this time. So we’re trying to convey — and I think it’s a very important story to build as far as suiting goes since I consider suiting the most iconic piece of the menswear uniform — that it’s very important to be able for each customer to have a proper one. Because if not, you look like somebody else.

Jerry Lorenzo: Yep. Very well said. And I think that was the beauty in us coming together because I have a perspective of some shapes and silhouettes and you have a perspective of shapes and silhouettes, and how do we honor each and all these different body types and still give them the same emotion.

#zegna #Fear of God x Zegna #the Power of Suiting #jerry lorenzo #Alessandro Sartori #mens suits #la streetwear brands #milano italy #milanese tailoring #streetwear blog #fashion blog

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arplis · 5 years ago

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Arplis - News: The Best Men’s Midlayers on the Market Right Now

A good layering system is like a quesadilla. You have a simple tortilla on the bottom and another on top, but it’s the beans and queso and carne in between that really matter. Compared to outer and base layers, midlayers are the most versatile and varied—and arguably the most important. While a base layer’s main job is to wick sweat from the body, and an outer layer protects you from the elements, midlayers can do both and are also responsible for insulation. Midlayers run the spectrum from thin fleeces to down puffies and, at the more insulated end, can double as outer layers in fair weather or shoulder seasons. They have a huge range of insulation weights, breathability, water and wind resistance (if any), features, and fits (see our How to Choose guide at the end of this piece). What you choose to wear on a given day depends largely on the weather and the activity you plan to do. So, whether you ride the chairlift or ski uphill, perfecting your layering system will save you from freezing, sweating, and having to adjust on the move. That’s why a team of eight gear testers and I set out to find the ultimate filling. For a full year, we put 35 midlayers from 22 top brands through the ringer, covering the range of fleeces to puffies and everything in between. Our conclusion: you can never have just one midlayer. Different conditions and activities call for different layering systems. But with so many options, choosing the right combination can be daunting. To save you the time and effort of experimenting, here are the five must-have categories we settled on, the best uses for each, and the runners-up in each category. Best All-Around Midlayer Best Fleece Midlayer Best Active-Insulation Midlayer Best Hybrid Midlayer Best Puffy Midlayer How We Test (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) Over the course of a year, we tested midlayers up and down the length of the Rocky Mountains, from Canada to Colorado to New Mexico, and in the Pacific Northwest. The testers were athletes, guides, adventure photographers, dog mushers, and weekend warriors. One, Rafal Andronowski, runs the blog The Alpine Start, where he has thoroughly tested and reviewed countless pieces of outdoor gear. As a Vermonter, I have winter in my blood. I grew up alpine and cross-country skiing (out my back door) before discovering ice climbing in my teens, which has consumed me ever since. I’ve covered gear for the past six years, previously as an editor at Rock and Ice, and now for Outside’s biannual Buyer’s Guide. On average, three people tested each layer, although due to limited sample availability, some were used by only one or two. Each tester wore the layers in as many different conditions and for as many different activities as possible, including ice and mixed climbing, rock climbing, highlining, ski touring, resort skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, outdoor photography, trail running, hiking, fly-fishing, camping, traveling, barhopping, and teaching in a classroom with a broken heating system. After a winter of heavy use, the team filled out in-depth review forms for each layer. Combining that feedback with my own findings, I narrowed down the field of 35 items to the ten layers we loved the most, in terms of performance, function, and fit, within specific categories. Best All-Around Midlayer (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) Ortovox Swisswool Zebru ($280) This 9.2-ounce, slim-fitting, full-zip hoodie is the lightest midlayer on this list and deceptively warm for its weight. Its secret sauce is Ortovox’s proprietary Swisswool insulation. Made from a matrix of wool fibers, it acts like synthetic loft with the moisture-wicking and odor-resistant benefits of wool. The outer fabric, made from 100 percent polyamide, allows ample freedom of movement and breathability while still providing moderate wind and water resistance. The Zebru quickly became our go-to for ski touring. On chilly single-digit-temp dawn patrols, it was toasty enough to wear with just a thin base layer on the uphill. It blocked the wind, shed light snow, and kept us comfortably warm without tipping the perspiration threshold. The Zebru was so breathable that even on fair-weather days, when pumping hard uphill, I never broke a sweat. For downhill skiing, harsh conditions, or lower-output activities, the hoodie easily fits under a shell or thicker jacket without bunching or restricting movement, yet it’s stretchy enough to accommodate another midlayer beneath. While not adjustable, the hood seemed to fit our testers perfectly—an elastic edge seals around the face, hugs the head, and moves whichever way you look. It’s comfortable underneath a helmet, and through some sort of sorcery, also fits over a climbing helmet. Not many hoods can do both. My only complaint about the jacket is that the elastic-waist hem tends to ride up when I’m reaching overhead. Although it was designed for ski touring, the Zebru is ideal for any fast-paced winter activity where warmth and breathability are key. This is the layer you put on in the morning, never have to think about, and don’t take off until the day is done—making it well worth the $280 price tag. buy now Runner-Up: Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie ($259) Like the Archaeopteryx fossil the brand’s name is based on, it seems as if the Atom has been around for ages, yet there’s a good reason it continues to be one of our all-time favorite midlayers. Constructed with 60-gram synthetic insulation surrounded by a DWR-treated 20-denier shell with stretchy fleece side panels, it’s a highly versatile layering piece for a range of activities and conditions. (Denier is a measurement of the weight of the fibers—higher numbers are thicker and generally more durable, while lower numbers like these are finer and may be lighter and more breathable.) The athletic-fitting, compressible, and durable hoodie serves equally well as a midlayer for cold-weather and stop-and-go sports or as an outer layer for high-output days under friendly skies. buy now Best Fleece Midlayer (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) Montane Iridium Hybrid Pull-On ($95) The lightweight (9.5 ounces) and super-stretchy Iridium puts a technical twist on the classic quarter-zip fleece, which landed it among our favorites. At first glance, it looks like a typical hard-face fleece—smooth on the outside, fuzzy on the inside—but there’s more hiding beneath, and on, the surface. The Iridium is a hybrid constructed with a midweight fleece (front of the torso, top of the sleeves) for warmth and durability and a thinner fleece over sweatier areas (underarm, sides, back) for better breathability. Moreover, the outside is covered with a ceramic material printed in a herringbone pattern for added abrasion resistance that doesn’t compromise stretch. Our testing team wore this while ice climbing in the frigid Canadian Rockies, ski touring in New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains, and resort skiing at Taos in temperatures that ranged from minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They stayed cozy through all of these activities. One tester wrote, “It surpassed all of my expectations.” I was skeptical about the ceramic print at first, but it does seem to work: after a winter of heavy use, my Iridium shows no signs of wear or pilling, even in high-abrasion zones, like where it tucks into my climbing harness. This was the only fleece pullover in the test, and, at $95, it also happens to be one of the least expensive. The slim fit and generous stretch make it a great layering piece. If you’re seeking a simple do-it-all fleece for any winter activity, whether that’s climbing or skiing mountains, hiking, or hanging at the bar, this is it. buy now Runner-Up: Mammut Aconcagua Light Hooded Jacket ($179) While not as insulating or light (12 ounces) as the Iridium, this simple, full-zip hoodie strikes a good balance between technical and casual. Made from a thin and stretchy Polartec fleece that’s smooth on the outside, waffle-patterned on the inside, it’s a comfy all-rounder for the mountains, town, or travel. Day to day, I use it more than any other layer here—I practically live in it—but for intense outdoor activity, I prefer the Iridium for frigid days of alpine skiing and the Alpha Freak for ice climbing, since those offer more warmth and breathability, respectively. buy now Best Active-Insulation Midlayer (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) Rab Alpha Freak Pull-On ($175) This 15-ounce half-zip hybrid hoodie is as cozy as it is functional. Made with a combo of Polartec Alpha Direct (a lofted synthetic fabric without backing, so the fuzz is exposed on both sides) and Polartec Power Grid (a hard-faced fleece with squares of insulation on the inside), the Alpha Freak holds heat like a habanero yet is highly breathable, efficient at wicking, and quick to dry. It has a long hem to tuck under a harness, long sleeves with thumb loops for unrestricted overhead reaches, and a helmet-compatible hood covered with Pertex Quantum (a lightweight hard-shell fabric) and DWR for wind and water resistance. We tested this piece while ice and mixed climbing throughout Colorado and the Canadian Rockies in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter the forecast, we found ourselves reaching for this layer over and over again. Comfortable next to skin or with a light base layer beneath, it hugs the body and has plenty of stretch, so it doesn’t bind in the armpits or feel constrictive. With a second midlayer or shell on top, I could climb without overheating, then stand at a belay without freezing—all without needing to adjust my layering system. One tester wrote, “This will be my new go-to midlayer for technical excursions.” Our only nitpicks are that the hood is a little too tight to fit over a helmet, and the Pertex Quantum is crinkly and loud under a lid, making communication more difficult. While the Alpha Freak is designed specifically for climbing and moving fast in alpine terrain, it serves equally well for aerobic activities, such as running, cross-country skiing, ski touring, and hiking, or as a layering piece for alpine skiing, walking the dog, or outdoor chores. buy now Runner-Up: Norrøna Lyngen Alpha90 Raw Jacket ($129) The Lyngen Alpha90 is so thin that it looks barely there, but for fast-paced winter sports like cross-country skiing, running, and touring, or lower-octane activities on warmer days, it’s just insulating enough and plenty breathable. The full-zip jacket uses Polartec Alpha Direct (a synthetic meshlike material with clumps of fuzz on both sides) on the chest, back, and shoulders and a grid fleece around the bottom, lower sleeves, and sides, like a skinnier cousin of the Alpha Freak. Our concern here was its durability—the superlight fabric seemed as if it could easily shred if caught on a tree branch or ice tool, though it remained intact through testing. buy now Best Hybrid Midlayer (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) Outdoor Research Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket ($159) The love child of a soft shell and a vest, the Refuge Hybrid has noninsulated sleeves and sides (made from a 75-denier stretch fabric, of which 39 percent is recycled polyester) and OR’s VerticalX insulation (a high-loft, 60-gram, synthetic fill constructed in vertical columns to wick moisture efficiently) over the chest and back (covered by a 20-by-30-denier polyester ripstop—thicker fibers run in one direction of the weave, thinner in the other to provide mechanical stretch). This high-loft, 60-gram, synthetic fill consists of vertical columns, which is designed to trap air but let moisture escape efficiently. We used this layer for hiking, ice climbing, and alpine skiing and were impressed at how well it cuts the wind and keeps the core warm. Like many of our top midlayer picks, the Refuge Hybrid functions as both an outer and a midlayer, depending on conditions. All three pockets (two hand, one chest) are lined with mesh, so you can unzip them for extra ventilation when you need it. The left hand pocket also doubles as a stuffsack and includes a carabiner loop with a plastic clasp so you can clip it to a harness or backpack. The hood is not adjustable, but it’s fitted and sits comfortably beneath a helmet. As for the overall fit, the sleeves are slim, stretchy, and unrestrictive, but as the only detractor, the torso is a little boxier than we’d prefer on a midlayer. Since there’s no insulation in the sleeves and sides, the Refuge Hybrid is best for activities where you’re moving fast and working hard in cold weather, such as climbing, skiing, and running. It would be suitable for hiking or walking on warmer days. buy now Runner-Up: Salomon Haloes Hybrid ($225) The Haloes Hybrid is similar to the Refuge Hybrid in design but with baffled insulation—a mix of 90 percent down, 10 percent feather—only on the chest. We found it to be less versatile than the Refuge for stop-and-go activities since it’s warmer up front yet cooler in the back, but it’s still excellent for winter sports that involve moving at a fast, steady pace. The four-way stretch fabric on the sleeves and back is windproof, and the entire layer has a DWR treatment. buy now Best Puffy Midlayer (Photo: Hayden Carpenter) The North Face Summit L3 Proprius Primaloft Hoodie ($225) The warmest midlayer among our favorites, the Summit L3 is a sleek, lightweight (12.3 ounces), synthetic jacket that belongs in the alpine. Minimalist in design, it has only a single chest pocket and a hood. The jacket features 60-gram Primaloft Gold Active insulation on the inside and a 15-denier nylon ripstop outer with a DWR finish. While this hoodie would be at home in the Himalayas, it served us well for tamer inbounds and backcountry ski days in the Pacific Northwest and northern New Mexico. It leans toward an outer layer for all but the gnarliest of conditions, and we found that it blocks wind and sheds light snow with ease. For heavy, wet snow or rain, though, I’d want a shell on top. Fortunately, the athletic fit makes this hoodie comfortable to layer under a shell or larger jacket when it’s nuking, yet it leaves plenty of room to add one or two layers beneath it as well. The hood fits over a helmet, and when cinched down using the single rear toggle (which is easy to grasp with gloves on), it also fits great without. One tester wrote, “If I could only have one of the layers I tested, this is the one I would keep.” For better or worse, this layer comes in only canary yellow and, as one tester noted, will make you look like a traffic cone. But hey, at least you’ll be visible in the mountains. Overall, this climbing and skiing hoodie is best for moving quickly at altitude or in cold and windy conditions. Although, if you’re seeking something a little more casual-looking for all-around use, you might be better suited with the Kor Strata Alpine. buy now Runner-Up: Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata Alpine Hoodie ($280) This full-zip hoodie is insulated with two types of high-end synthetic loft for targeted warmth and breathability. The outer fabric is a combo of a mechanical stretch nylon ripstop (the stretch comes from the weave, not the material itself) around the waist, on the back, and under the arms. A weather-resistant 15-denier nylon ripstop on the hood, shoulders, and chest provides added protection against falling snow and dripping ice. While we felt its fit and performance didn’t quite match that of the Summit L3, the additional hand pockets and toned-down looks make it a better choice for everyday wear. buy now How to Choose a Midlayer (Photo: Kode Spencer) Insulation Insulation type, weight (thickness), and properties are the first things to consider when choosing a midlayer. Down Down—the clusters of soft, fluffy filaments that keep a bird warm beneath its water- and wind-repelling feathers, rather than the feather themselves—holds loft to trap air and retain heat while still allowing moisture to wick away. It has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible, so it’s easy to pack. But when wet, down collapses and it loses its loft and thus its ability to retain heat (plus, it’s slow to dry), so down is best for cold, dry conditions or underneath a waterproof shell. That said, there are hydrophobic treatments that allow down to resist getting wet so it maintains its insulating properties, but it’s usually not 100 percent effective and, like a DWR, can wear out over time. Not all down is equal. It’s sourced from either geese (higher quality, more expensive) or ducks (less loft, cheaper). Its effectiveness is measured in fill power, or how many cubic inches an ounce of the fluff occupies. That typically ranges from 450 at the lower end (and colder and cheaper) to 900 at the higher end (and warmer and pricier) of the spectrum. Harvesting down comes with a host of ethical concerns over the treatment and slaughter of the animals, but brands like Patagonia (with its Traceable Down Standard) and third-party certifications (from organizations such as Allied Feather & Down and Responsible Down Standard) ensure the insulation in your puffy comes from birds that are treated humanely. If this is a deciding factor for you, check the label before you buy. Synthetic Loft Made from clusters or sheets of intertwined fibers (typically polyester), synthetic insulation comes in many different forms but is designed to replicate the properties of down and maintain them when wet. Compared to down, synthetic loft is much cheaper, hypoallergenic, water resistant, and fast-drying. But it’s not as compressible and has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio, meaning you need more of it to achieve the same level of down insulation. Synthetics are heavier and don’t pack as well but are usually the better choice for wet climates or activities. Wool A timeless textile, wool shines at trapping heat (even when wet) and wicking moisture and is more odor resistant than cotton, down, and synthetics. The only downside: quality sheep fleece, like merino wool, is more spendy than man-made alternatives. The crimped fibers are typically spun into strong yarns, which are then made into knits or weaves. Newer forms of wool insulation, like in the Zebru, place wool fibers in a matrix to create a lofted sheet of insulation that resembles a synthetic in form with the benefits of wool. Polar Fleece Made from polyester, this fuzzy synthetic doesn’t absorb much moisture, retains its insulating properties when wet, and dries fast. It’s durable, lightweight, and stretchy, which makes it a great layering material—plus, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to wool and down. Fleece can pill over time, however, and can be damaged from high temperatures, so it should be air-dried or put in a dryer on a low-heat setting. Compared to down, it’s not as warm for the weight, and it tends to hold body odors more than wool, so it can get stinky after multiple days of use. Hybrids and Body Mapping Hybrids use a mix of materials to maximize their benefits in specific locations. They give you more insulation, weather protection, or durability where you need it most (typically around the core, on the shoulders, and on top of the arms) and more air permeability where you need to vent (like the armpits, sides, and back). Active Insulation There’s no set definition for what qualifies as active insulation, but in general, it means a layer is lightly insulated, wicking, and highly breathable. Active insulation is best for high-aerobic activities when your body is working hard, your core temperature is elevated, and you’re likely to sweat. But it keeps you warm only when you’re moving, hence the name, and you’ll likely become cool if you stop. Breathability A layer’s breathability, or efficiency at moving moisture and excess heat away from the body, is a summation of its materials, weave, thickness, and construction. Fabrics that are wicking and allow more airflow prevent sweat buildup, but as a downside, the wind can blow right through them. Breathability usually comes at the expense of wind and water resistance, and vice versa. High-aerobic activities, such as running and cross-country skiing, necessitate more breathability, whereas it’s not as important for low-aerobic activities, like resort skiing. Ideally, for any level of output, you should feel warm yet below your perspiration threshold. The best midlayers will keep you in this Goldilocks zone for a wide range of temperatures and exertion levels. But much of the time, this also requires ventilation, strategic layering and relayering, or moderating exertion. Outer Fabrics and DWR Treatments A midlayer’s main job is insulation, not protection against the wind or the elements—that’s what a shell is for—but one with some wind and water resistance has more versatility. A piece with a thin shell-like outer and a water-repelling treatment, or strategically located panels, can double as an outer layer in fair weather yet is still breathable and provides enough freedom of movement to comfortably layer under other jackets. Features (Photo: Jeremy Joseph) Hood Midlayers don’t always have hoods, but when they do, they come in two main flavors: hoods that fit over a helmet and those that fit under a helmet. There are a rare few that can do both comfortably (like the Zebru). Unders are typically thinner, formfitting, and less weather resistant than over-the-helmet hoods, but they seal in heat around the neck and face, like a snug balaclava. Overs are usually bulkier and provide better protection from the elements but tend to be draftier—and, if not adjustable with toggles or cinches, often fit poorly without a helmet. Whichever the case, the best hoods are the ones you don’t notice. They move with your head as you look all around instead of sitting stiffly on your shoulders while your head pivots inside. When layering, you need only one or two hoods at the most, otherwise they’ll just bunch up and do little more than collect snow. Since hoods are standard on outer layers, it’s good to wear a combo of hooded and hoodless midlayers. Pockets While midlayers rarely have internal pockets, they usually have a chest pocket, hand pockets, or both, which can sometimes double as vents. Hand pockets are nearly impossible to reach if you’re wearing one or more layers on top, a harness, or a backpack with a hipbelt—so they’re less important. Chest pockets, on the other hand, are quite useful. They’re easy to access when you’re on the move and keep their contents heated, since they sit close to the body. This can prevent a phone battery from dying in the cold or keep your snacks from freezing into bricks. A subtle yet important design feature in vertical chest pockets is an angled opening—one that puts the top of the pocket farther away from the main body zipper. When I’m on the move and wearing multiple layers, I’m constantly adjusting the zips for heat regulation. If a chest pocket is parallel and close to the main zipper, it’s all too easy to grab the wrong pull, especially with gloves on, and accidentally dump its contents. An angled zipper (like in the Zebru and Alpha Freak mentioned here) makes a mix-up less likely. Thumb Holes These allow your thumbs to hook through the sleeve ends to prevent them from riding up and exposing skin between your gloves and midlayer. They also allow you to thread one sleeve through another without the inner bunching up. Some people love them, and some people hate them—it’s personal preference. (If they’re well-designed, those who don’t like thumb holes probably won’t notice them.) It’s worth mentioning, however, that sleeves with this feature tend to run a few inches longer than sleeves without them. Waist Cinch Most midlayers are stretchy and have an athletic fit, so they often don’t need or have an adjustable waist-hem cinch. But some do. These are useful for heat regulation (tighten the waist to trap heat, or keep it looser for better airflow) and to keep snow out when you’re floating through the freshies or postholing. Chest Zippers Full-length zippers make for easier on-the-fly wardrobe changes but add weight and bulk to a layer. Half- and quarter-zips make a layer harder to remove but still allow adjustable ventilation and can be more comfortable tucked inside pants or under a harness. For the best layering technique, I wear a half- or quarter-zip—one that I’ll keep on all day—closest to my body, and if I need a second midlayer, I’ll wear a full-zip on top so I can quickly strip or put it back on as my activity level or the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. Fit and Sizing Midlayers typically have an athletic or slim cut because they need to fit underneath one or more layers, but they shouldn’t be so tight that they inhibit movement or dig uncomfortably into the armpits. This adds a challenge to layering, since each piece in the stack needs to accommodate slightly more bulk than the one beneath it. Also note that North American companies tend to size larger than their European counterparts. A small from The North Face will likely size similarly to a medium from Ortovox, for example.

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/the-best-men-s-midlayers-on-the-market-right-now

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topfygad · 5 years ago

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The 16 Best Midlayers of 2019 Reviewed and Compared

You all know about the importance of layering when it comes to dressing for chillier days and when determining what to wear hiking. And you’ve probably all heard about how crucial it is to have proper, non-cotton base layers and solid outer layers when planning your adventuring outfit. But you still may not know the importance of having the best midlayer.

Worn between your base and outer layer, your midlayer has a huge impact on the comfort you feel while doing your favorite outdoor activity, be-it skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing or just hanging out. This said, there is such a large range of midlayer options out there—varying in material, price, durability, breathability, warmth and more—that deciding which one to buy can be pretty tricky.

The truth is, as is the case with most travel gear, it is not possible to name one single midlayer as the “best” midlayer as there are so many different things to consider, depending on the primary activity you have in mind.

Because of all these variables, we made this buying guide to help you sort through a bunch of the most popular mid layers, ultimately helping you decide which item is the best for you and your needs in 2019.

Best Overall Midlayer

1. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody

Remaining true to its high-end standard of producing clothing that is not only well-made and technically on point, but also beautiful, Arc’teryx is easily the first on our list. The Atom LT Hoody is a wonderful piece of clothing and a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile layer that does just the trick for a midlayer.

Synthetically insulated with a 60g/m2 Coreloft filling, the hoody provides perfect warmth for cold days when combined with a shell. It is also solid enough to be a stand-alone layer on mild spring or fall days. The hoody features two zippered hand pockets, comes in many different colors for both women and men, and has the option of coming with a drawstring-hood. As far as weight goes, this clocks in at only 11 ounces and is easily packable, and yet it’s incredibly durable considering its light-weight.

My main criticism is just that the synthetic insulation is slightly less breathable than other newer materials out there. But the high warmth it provides is a reasonable trade-off for the moderately lower breathability.

It fits quite slim so we recommend getting one size larger than normal if you plan on combining it with other layers. The hoody comes with a reasonably hefty price tag but is worth just about every dollar. Overall, Arc’teryx’s Atom LT Hoody (also available in women’s) provides a great mix of mobility, warmth, comfort and style and, based on the extensive research put into this article, is the Best Overall Midlayer for 2019.

Pros Cons

Man-made insulation – warmth even when wet, and quick drying time

Lightweight

Option to have with a drawstring-hood

Not as breathable as newer more synthetic options

Pricey

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

100%Polyester Insulation 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Budget Midlayer

2. Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece

Anyone looking for an inexpensive and classic looking fleece that will give you a decent amount of protection from the elements should definitely check out Columbia’s Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece. It is without a doubt the cheapest midlayer on our list, but still packs a punch, and we easily consider it to be the Best Budget Midlayer of 2019. Soft, comfortable, and perfect to throw on after a day out skiing, snow-boarding or doing any other fun, and cold, outdoor activity!

In terms of technicality and extra features, saying “you get what you pay for” is certainly relevant here. As a low-budget layer, the Steens Mountain Full Zip isn’t packed with extra features like other, more expensive options. That said, for its price, it’s a very solid “no-frills” layer that will do the job of keeping you warm.

I think this layer is best suited as a sweater to wear inside rather than as a go-to layer for outdoors activities. Those of you who are therefore looking for something more technical/guaranteed to keep you warm on a really cold day outdoors should probably consider splurging a bit more cash on one of the other more substantial layers we have coming up. Nevertheless, this is still the best midlayer for not breaking the bank!

Pros Cons

Very soft

Super accessible price point

Good for mild temperatures

Limited warmth

Questionable durability

Cheap fleece is prone to pilling

Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester MTR Filament Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $

SHOP ON COLUMBIASHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Down Jacket

3. Arc’teryx Cerium LT

Arc’teryx’s Cerium LT Hoody is yet another incredibly impressive example of the thorough attention to detail that Arc’teryx gives its products. It is clear that every inch of this 10-ounce down jacket has been thought through, which easily makes it my best midlayer for nearly all circumstances.

Arc’teryx uses nothing but premium materials, including lightweight but durable zippers for both the main zip and the two hand zips. It also features an easily-adjustable StormHood and a combination of insulation types (down and synthetic, depending on location on the jacket). These work with the jacket’s clean-line construction and design, lack of loose threads and well-kept 850-fill-power white goose down stuffing to make this item the best midlayer down jacket.

Amazingly light, remarkably warm and tastefully elegant, this jacket is an impressive piece of construction that will keep you warm on any but the absolute coldest or wettest days. Arc’teryx knows that the downfall of most down jackets is their low ability to withstand moisture, and has responded to that with this gem. Goose-down is used in the areas where insulation is most important (torso and core), while synthetic insulation that stands up better to moisture is used in the areas most likely to collect moisture (underarms, sleeves and along the shoulders).

The whole jacket appears seamless though and overall provides an extremely efficient combination of warmth, water-resistance, packability and elegance. With its price tag at $349 it is perhaps a bit steep to use purely as a midlayer, although relative to other down jackets on the market it is not an obscene price. For anyone seeking a higher-end midlayer that provides versatility for use as a stand-alone down jacket as well as as a very warm midlayer, the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody has you covered. There’s a woman’s version as well!

Pros Cons

Insulated hand warmer pockets

Super warm for its light weight

Functional in light moisture

Waterproof synthetic insulation in areas of down most prone to moisture

Expensive

Doesn’t breathe as well as 100% synthetic layers

Overkill for use purely as a midlayer

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Specs:

Features Details Material

850 Fill White Goose-Down and Synthetic insulation, 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Cold Weather

4. Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket

Patagonia is the ‘go-to’ for many outdoor enthusiasts out there, and with very good reason. They are world-renowned for their high quality, extremely solid gear designed by adventurers for adventurers, and their R-series jackets (of which there are three models, R1, R2 & R3) are no exceptions. But it’s the R2 that has caught my eye, and is the best midlayer for cold weather in my opinion.

The most noticeable difference between the R2 Fleece jacket and its peers is its lack of a hood – anyone looking specifically for a hooded midlayer should stop right now and jump to other products on the list! The R2 model combines two of Patagonia’s fleece types – their warmest on the chest/core area and a lighter style under the arms and along the sides. This has created a well-balanced sense of warmth while preventing you from totally overheating if using this jacket for cardio-intense activities. It’s available in women’s too.

While more expensive than other items on our list, the R2 fleece is still very reasonable compared to other Patagonia products and well priced considering its high quality and breathability. Of course, as with all fleeces, its ability to stand up to strong wind is not the best. Nor is it warm enough to also be used as an outer layer on milder days, as is the case with others on our list.

It is, however, described by many as the “ultimate athletic fleece” due to its straight-forward design, warmth, and breathability that is extremely well-suited for people on the move. For those among you who agree that fleece is the best type of midlayer, and are happy to use a midlayer without a hood, Patagonia’s R2 Fleece jacket is a solid contender.

Pros Cons

Two zippered hand pockets

Zippered chest pocket

Polygiene odor control

Good balance of warmth and breathability

Durable

Significantly cheaper than Patagonia’s other synthetic jackets

Limited water resistance

Doesn’t hold up well to strong wind

No hood

Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester and Spandex

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer for Backpacking

5. Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

While the differences between Patagonia’s R2 Fleece Jacket described above and the R1 might seem slight, they do result in significantly different products. Perhaps most importantly, we should note that while the R2 jacket features Patagonia’s warmest fleece, the R1 (available in women’s) uses a lighter version that makes it much more of a classic midlayer than a jacket.

Lighter and more of a snug, slim-fit than the R2, the R1 is a layer that you would likely put on before a day of adventuring and not need to take off at any point. Its recycled and recyclable polyester makes it a layer with wonderful wicking-abilities, breathability, and warmth. This furthermore makes it versatile enough to be used both as a lightweight insulator or as a thermal base layer.

The clean-cut fit is true to its description as “athletic”, meaning no added bulk but, instead, a good design that hugs your body when you’re still and stretches when you’re moving for country skiing, climbing, hiking or more! The R1 stands up very well for cardio-intense activities where you want a product that provides warmth combined with extreme breathability. Finally, its use of “permanent odor control” material is another reason to make this your go-to product for high-intensity adventuring, making it the best midlayer for backpacking!

Pros Cons

Fair trade certified sewn

Polygiene odor control material

Left chest pocket with zipper

Lightweight

Highly compressible for packing

Exceptional breathability

Pockets don’t have zippers

No thumb holes

Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Specs:

Features Details Material

93% Polyester, 7% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer Jacket

6. Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

Although the Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket is perhaps less compact and “techy” than other mid layers featured on this list, I still love it! This fleece comes in women’s and a men’s models, both of which have a hood, deep side pockets, a snap-chest pocket, and come in various colors. All of these offer ultimate style and comfort for those looking for the best midlayer on the market!

Despite my inclination to suggest it more for casual wear than for high-tech needs, it is extremely warm and stands up well to the elements. This weather resistance is courtesy of the wind and water resistant polyester shell along with a scuba-style hood. What’s more, this midlayer is true to size, stylish, soft, warm without being too bulky and flexible enough to allow for more layers both under and over it if needed. I feel confident saying that the Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket merits the title of best midlayer jacket.

My only wish is that it packed down a little smaller to make it more portable. In the long run, however, the long list of benefits far outweighs this little gripe.

Cotopaxi became known in the outdoor gear world for its unique Del Día packs that were always “crafted with purpose and passion.” Lucky for midlayer shoppers out there, Cotopaxi has since branched out into clothing design. These designs have resulted in this wonderful Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket, which has clearly been made with equal purpose and passion.

Pros Cons

Contrasting colored zipper pocket

Women’s and men’s models available

Wind and water-resistant polyester shell

True to size

Unique color options

Doesn’t pack as small as other similar priced fleeces on the market

Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Ultrasoft PrimaLoft Shearling Fleece

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Skiing

7. Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket

Cotopaxi’s motto “Gear for good” is an admirable one that translates into all aspects of its business. They pride themselves on good design, good supply, good deeds, good guarantee, and are involved in numerous projects promoting social good around the world. Its Pacaya Insulated Jacket is no exception to this overall goodness and is certainly my best midlayer for skiing trips!

It’s clear from the moment you put on the Pacaya that it has been designed with movement in mind. Its Polartec Power Stretch underarm panels allow for excellent arm mobility and no part of the jacket feels constricting. The whole thing also weighs only 13 ounces so you hardly even notice that you’re wearing it! Although this jacket doesn’t have a hood, it has a wonderful high collar that protects your neck from the elements and allows it to easily fit under a ski-shell.

For weather resistance, this midlayer features a 20D nylon shell treated with a DWR finish for standing up well to light moisture. It can’t, however, withstand much rain and definitely needs to be combined with a waterproof shell if there’s any chance of actual precipitation. This said, it is extremely breathable and a good layer to sweat in without discomfort.

Its interior zippered chest pocket provides a great place to hide your valuables while out on the slopes. The zippered hand pockets furthermore guarantee essential warmth for your extremities. On the Cotopaxi website, this jacket is described as “doing a little bit of everything” and this really is the case. With a men’s and a women’s version, both of which are a shell and insulating layer in one, the Pacaya is without a doubt the best midlayer for Skiing!

Pros Cons

Polartec Power Stretch underarm panels

“Do good” product

DWR finish for water-resistance

Extremely breathable

Good number of pockets

Can’t withstand extreme rain

Lacks hood

Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

20D Nylon w/ DWR Finish

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Hiking

8. North Face Ventrix Hoodie

The North Face Ventrix Hoodie was designed with climbers in mind, and many of its characteristics directly reflect this. It has a reasonably durable outer layer which is coated with DWR and is made to withstand light wear-and-tear. The hoodie is furthermore protected with extra material in areas that tend to wear out the fastest when climbing, like the forearms.

It features high-tech perforations in key areas that are designed to respond to your movements by expanding/releasing heat when you move and contracting/retaining heat when still. I know you’re probably thinking that it seems far-fetched, but it works the breathability/warmth combination in this piece is impressive! Of course, these characteristics also make it a great choice for other activities, and the Ventrix Hoodie is the go-to layer for many mountain biking enthusiasts, skiers and cold-weather hikers, as well as climbers.

The Ventrix Hoodie is comparable to a down jacket, except that it does much better when faced with precipitation thanks to its synthetic insulation. What down has over synthetic jackets, however, is of course, its packability and the Ventrix Hoodie is no exception. It can actually stuff into its hand warmer pocket down to the size of a football! If your main priority is to find a midlayer that packs small, a down layer definitely takes the cake over a synthetic layer like the Ventrix Hoodie any day. There’s a reason that Ventrix earned the 2017 Editors’ Choice award from Backpacker Magazine with its considerably accessible price point, versatility in variable weather conditions, and super impressive overall comfort to make it the best midlayer for hiking!

Pros Cons

Designed for climbing and other high-intensity activities

Concealed chest and hand pockets

Unique perforations in key areas to help both retain and release heat when needed

Good price for the quality

Can work as a standalone jacket as well as a midlayer

Pills & shows wear after relatively little use

Hood fits loose unless you’re wearing a climbing helmet

North Face Ventrix Hoodie Specs:

Features Details Material

Nylon, Polyester, Elastane, Synthetic Insulation

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON NORTH FACESHOP ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer Fleece

9. Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece

Since 1938, Columbia has gained a solid reputation for having reasonably high quality gear at accessible prices, as well as for having great customer service. Its Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece is a classic article of clothing that works really well as far as budget-midlayers go. Its contrasting colors, available for both men and women make it more of a flashy choice than some of the other options here. So if you’re looking for a bit of pizzazz in your best midlayer, this is a great option for you!

It runs pretty roomy and can easily fit two or more layers underneath it. Functionally, it works wonderfully as a standalone outer layer for a day of adventuring, or as a midlayer when used with a solid outer shell. While somewhat basic of a layer in comparison with some of the more expensive midlayers we’ve talked about, it is clear that Columbia paid attention to both the important things. The fleece is very warm, soft and cozy—and it has very attractive small details such as a subtle and useful zippered chest pocket, along with awesome contrasting color highlights on the hems and seams.

It’s very much a “wear anywhere” fleece and allows you to effortlessly switch between hiking on a trail, to having a snow-ball fight, to drinking craft beers in your local brewery! Note, however, that it’s noticeably bulkier than other more athletic cut midlayers. But all around, this is a clear choice for the best midlayer fleece on the market!

Pros Cons

Zippered chest pocket

Buttons instead of zipper

Women’s and men’s option

Good price

Roomy enough to fit other layers underneath

Bulkier than some other more expensive fleeces

Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP WOMEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Women

10. The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer

This slim-fit midlayer from The North Face is ultra-breathable, relatively light and perfect for the outdoor-adventure-loving woman. It features a design that is unlike any other midlayer we’ve seen on the market, making it eye-catching and elegant as well as technically sufficient for serious backcountry travel.

A two-thirds length zipper is rare to find in mid-layers but works well on this somewhat tight-fitting piece both to increase ventilation and ease the process of taking it on and off. Its athletic cut and high-quality polyester work in tandem for a lightweight, non-bulky, and easily packable midlayer. but surprisingly, this lightweight design does not compromise warmth, which is perfect for the best midlayer!

I’m also very pleased that the Respirator has a hood (that’s slim enough to fit under a ski-helmet), perfectly placed thumbholes, and a uniquely placed front pocket – which the whole jacket can pack in to. While we appreciate the unique cut its front provides, with the diagonal lines and two-thirds zip, some might find it a bit strange. For some, this cut may result in a more boxy-look than a flattering one, depending on body type. This said, as far as mid-range priced midlayers go, this is definitely the best midlayer for women that we’ve looked at, and is an awesome choice for any woman seeking a layer that is designed specifically for females.

Pros Cons

Two-thirds front zip

Pack-friendly chest pocket

Unique cut

Ultra-breathable

Stretch grid-fleece body for faster cool-down

Stretch double weave in spots that tend to be weak for improved durability

Fits somewhat small

The two-thirds front zip could be annoying depending on what you’re using it for

Not water-resistant

The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester Shell Fleece Lined

Hood Yes Thumbholes Yes Gender Women Price $$

SHOP ON NORTH FACE

Best Midlayer for Summer

11. Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket

Odlo’s Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket is a suitable midlayer to consider if you are seeking a lightweight boost to what is already a pretty warm set-up. It works well on a relatively warm day, or when combined with another thinner midlayer for cooler days. Which together make it the best midlayer for summer days.

It is not well-suited, however, as a standalone outer layer. This article of clothing definitely loves company, which is as you’d expect from a midlayer. As with all of Odlo’s products, the Alagna Midlayer is Fair-Wear certified (guaranteeing that it is made by people working under fair labor conditions). It also bears the “Confidence in Textiles” label from Oeko-Tex, promising that its materials are non-carcinogenic, don’t contain formaldehyde, are free of allergy-causing dyes, and feature a skin-friendly pH value.

The midlayer also has good moisture management for sweating and considerable wicking properties for light dampness. However, it is not DWR coated and doesn’t stand up too well to actual precipitation or wind. With its athletic cut and extremely light weight, it is a good option for everyday layering – and rightfully merits the title of best midlayer for summer; however, its thinness makes us admit that we don’t recommend relying on this one as your most reliable go-to midlayer for each and every occasion. It’s available in women’s too.

Pros Cons

Provides great freedom of movement due to the jersey stretch

High wicking properties

Zippered hand pockets

Lightweight

Perfect garment for spring and summer outings

Not very warm

Doesn’t stand up well to extreme cold

Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

89% Polyester 11% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women and Men Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLOSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Casual Midlayer

12. Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket

For those of you who haven’t heard of Kari Traa, it is the fastest-growing sports brand in Europe, started by the Norwegian champion freestyle skier of the same name. Kari’s goal with her clothing company was to create sports clothes “for girls, by girls” and she has managed to do just that, with huge success. Her Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket is a wonderful example of the cute, funky style she brings to her designs, as well as the ability her team has to combine usefulness with unique fashion.

This is certainly a wonderful layer designed to provide cozy comfort and warmth when worn underneath a ski jacket on a chilly day. But its usefulness doesn’t stop there as it also has a serious potential to turn heads after skiing when you’re enjoying your post-run drinks.

Although it doesn’t have a hood (likely because it was designed to be worn along with a hooded ski-jacket), it still has some very useful features. This fleece boasts a high collar with a chin guard, and has three generous sized zip-pockets: two for the hands and one for the chest. While it doesn’t hold up well to either rain or strong wind, it does work extremely well when combined with a good shell. It fits true to size, has funky sleeve cuffs, comes in several great color combinations and is definitely the best midlayer for any active to casual day plan.

Pros Cons

Zipper garage

Chest pocket

Bright, stylish colors

Neither wind-proof or water repellent

Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women Price $

SHOP ON REISHOP ON AMAZON

Most Stylish Midlayer

13. Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan

Arc’teryx’s Covert Cardigan is unlike any of the other midlayers we’ve talked about. It doesn’t look anything like what we would imagine when thinking of a midlayer, but instead looks like a woolen cardigan made for a man watching a horserace! Despite its clean lines and laid-back, causal style, the Covert Cardigan is also sneakily techy. All this, therefore, works together to earn the title of Most Stylish Midlayer.

Arc’teryx claims that it was engineered to provide the “versatility, warmth and comfort of a technical fleece, with the elegant look of wool” and they certainly managed to do just this. There is a reason that three of our top-thirteen midlayers are from Arc’teryx: they make such awesome gear and this cardigan is no exception.

While of course not well-suited for minimalist hiking, climbing adventures, high-intensity activities or extreme cold/wind, this piece certainly fits the bill for those looking for a jacket for mild-weather hiking, getting around town, commuting or car-camping. The Alpenex Heathered 100% polyester does an incredible job of appearing like wool, but being much more lightweight, breathable, and better able to regulate temperature than real wool. It has neither a hood nor thumbholes, but if used for what it is intended (less technical/intense adventures), you likely won’t be missing these features and instead will appreciate its clean look, zip-close pockets and stylish fit.

Pros Cons

Wool-sweater styling

Laminated-zip sleeve pocket and laminated-zip hand pockets

Stylish

More stylish than technical

No hanger loop

Pretty thin

Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Specs:

Features Details Material

Alpenex Heathered 100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$

SHOP ON ARC’TERYXSHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Hoody

14. Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody

If you’re the type who, no matter the weather or activity, always likes to have a hoody somewhere in your layering system, then the Runbold is the one for you. Mammut has a long history of quality products that hold up to just about anything, and this item is no exception!

The waffle structure hoody works wonders to keep you warm when needed and cool when not. This is thanks to its lightweight build and excellent quick-drying properties that are continually working to wick moisture away from you. This will help keep the chill away when working hard in the cold by wicking that sweat and excess moisture away from your body. When you’re out in warmer days, however, the light construction won’t roast you. The result? A very versatile hoody that can be taken just about anywhere for anything!

I’m also particularly fond of the hidden pocket inside the front kangaroo pouch. It’s the perfect place to store valuables or anything you don’t want slipping out when you’re out completing your activity of choice. The hoody furthermore includes UPF 50+ protection for those extra sunny days.

Please note that this hoody has a very athletic cut, which is excellent for intense adventuring or activities, but it does lead to a snugger fit than you may be accustomed to. If you’re on the fence about sizing, I recommend you go up one just to be on the safe side.

Sizing aside, this is definitely the best midlayer hoody out there, in my opinion. It’s light, athletic, and the perfect addition to any layering system!

Pros Cons

UPF 50+ protection

Hidden internal pocket

Moisture wicking

Zipper + hoody combo for temperature regulation

Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

92% Polyester 8% Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Active Midlayer

15. Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top

Odlo once again makes the best midlayer list with their Orsino half-zip. Light but comfy fleece combined with excellent wicking properties and a guaranteed ‘Fair Wear Foundation’ construction, and you have an ideal active midlayer.

The lightweight fleece used here is flexible to keep you on the move, but dense enough to keep you nice and warm when the temperatures start to drop. But if you’re working so hard that heat starts to build up, then easily dump some warmth with the half-zip design.

Now I do wish that this came with a hood to seal the deal for colder weather use. But as we’re missing that, and this is a more lightweight construction than other items on our list, I have to recommend it as a standalone three-season active option. But, as with any midlayer, they’re designed for layering! So, when those colder temperatures roll in, put this item under a solid outer shell, and you’ll be good to go!

For those of you always on the move, adventuring, or exercising, this can undoubtedly be your new go-to midlayer! Light, warm, stretchy, and stylish to boot, the Orsino is a natural choice as the best midlayer for active use.

Pros Cons

Light yet warm

‘Fair Wear Foundation’ construction

Good stretch for adventuring

Excellent moisture management

No hood

Only one color option

Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLO

Best Environmentally Friendly Midlayer

16. Picture Organic Undy Alpha Jacket

When you’re on the move, need excellent moisture wicking, want your skin to breath, and prefer to limit your environmental footprint – then the Undy Alpha is made especially for you!

This garment is designed and constructed with the environment in mind, utilizing organic, environmentally friendly, and often recycled materials. However, don’t let that trick you into thinking that this can’t hold its own against other items on the list!

The Undy Alpha’s construction and durability are absolutely top-notch! Excellent moisture wicking and breathability are the name of the game, making this midlayer your best friend for high intensity activities. Skiing, hiking or climbing, it’ll have your back – especially with its PFC-free water resistance.

While its insulation powers are limited, the Undy Alpha does embody some impressive wind resistance to keep that chill at bay! The temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and wind resistance therefore all work together to bring together a solid performance oriented midlayer, that’s environmentally friendly to boot! Certainly one of the best midlayers on the market for you green minded adventurers out there!

Pros Cons

Organically and environmentally produced

Green Plus certified

PFC-free water repellent treatment

Excellent body temperature regulation

Picture Organic Undy Alpha Specs:

Features Details Material

94% Nylon 6: Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Buying Guide

So, you’ve read through our recommendations, but I know you’re still thinking of one big question. Just how do I pick the right midlayer for me? The answer to this question rests solely one what you need out of the midlayer.

Are you looking for a super lightweight layer that is easy to pack with little added weight to your bag? Are you adventuring into the super cold and need something that will keep you warm no matter how low the temperatures go? Is your main priority to look stylish once your adventuring comes to an end?

Depending on your needs, here’s what you need to look out for:

Material

The majority of the midlayers we’ve written about here are either fleece or down. The main things to consider when making the decision regarding your midlayer’s material are packability and water-resistance. Real down packs super small and offers incredible warmth, but doesn’t stand up well at all when faced with moisture or precipitation. Fleece, while usually bulkier and harder to pack than down, can have a relatively good level of water-resistance/wicking, especially when boosted by a DWR treatment.

Breathability/Warmth

As is the case with any adventure gear, there is always a fine balance between breathability and warmth. In a very simplified sense, the more breathable an article of clothing is, the less ability it will have to keep you warm. And then, of course, the opposite also tends to be true: the warmer an article is, the less breathable it will be. Luckily, gear technology is always evolving and many companies out there have found ways to create materials that can adapt well to both conditions, managing to keep you warm when still but also allowing you to breathe while sweating.

Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, your midlayer may need to be extra warm

All this said, when reading the review of a product, keep in mind whether you personally prioritize breathability (probably the case if you plan on doing cardio-intense activities in your midlayer) or warmth (likely the case if you foresee using your midlayer in cold conditions), and look out for which one the product is better at providing, because it is usually tipped towards one side of the warmth-breathability scale.

If you’re curious on how to probably balance your warmth and breathability for an entire layering system, check out our guide to layering hiking clothes!

Price

This one probably goes without saying, since any of us looking to buy a new product will almost certainly be keeping their bank account in mind. That said, do remember that when buying gear, it is almost always worth spending at least a little bit more than the absolute minimum.

While spending over $100 on a midlayer may seem excessive, all of the brands we have reviewed here are very well reputed for quality and most have life-time guarantees should something go wrong with your item.

Obviously, we are all buying within our means, but don’t automatically disregard anything that has more than a “$” rating, even if you are traveling on a shoestring! We’re strong believers in buying gear for life. The way we see it, whatever gear you buy should last ten years or more. So, when you break down a $200 purchase, that’s only $20 per year—or less!

Weight

To be honest, all of the products reviewed here are impressively light, especially when you think about the gear that was available 10 to 25 years ago! Depending on your needs, though, those extra ounces can add up—and it’s certainly worth keeping the weight of your product in mind if your main priority is to travel light.

Of course, weight usually needs to be balanced against warmth in the same way that breathability does, so, once again, keep in mind when you’re browsing products whether you want to prioritize weight or warmth when making your purchase.

There you go, folks! We’ve covered the very best midlayers from down to fleece, hooded to collared and practical to fancy so you can find the very best midlayer for your adventures!

So pick out your midlayer, gear up and go adventure!

11 Best Rain Jackets (Rated and Reviewed)

The 13 Best Travel Shirts for Both Men and Women

What to Wear Hiking: How to Choose the Best Hiking Clothes

Our Favorite Travel Clothes of the Season

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doctortdesigns · 6 years ago

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I’m probably the last person to get around to blogging this (I mean, really, people have already sewn some of these items!), but I thought I’d throw out my opinions on the new Jalie patterns. Spoiler alert: I love them!

Most sewists probably don’t have much use for the Tessa – Jalie’s latest skating dress pattern. I might be off my mark here… but I find it terribly old fashioned. The style just screams 1980s to me. The beading on the purple sample saves it a bit, but… meh. The skirt shape isn’t what I typically go for, but, it might be a nice starting point to modify to something a little more interesting; it is certainly a better starting point than the circle skirts that my go-to Kwik Sew patterns (now OOP) came with. To be honest, I’ve drafted my own skirt patterns that I use for pretty much everything at this point, but I do like to see how more traditional skating skirts are drafted – the fit and shape do so much for the look of a costume that would otherwise be a basic leotard. Also, naming it the “Tessa” – I see what you did there Jalie!

The Joëlle in contrast feels super modern. I LOVE the red and black version they’ve sewn for the sample – so sleek! The front zipper is an interesting idea, and hasn’t been used much in skating costumes since the 80s either. I’m pretty sure it went out of fashion because having a zip rubbing your chest isn’t the most fun, but the technical fabrics we have now are much less bulky than the 1980s knits that were used. I also love the open back variant on this pattern. Bonus points for a seam on the lower back – so much easier for fitting!

The Diane seems like a pretty standard swimsuit style and meshes well with the others in Jalie’s line. Looks like it includes info for adding bust pads (see the line drawings), which is a nice feature. I do rather like this style, and I’ve not owned a swimsuit in years. Might be worth considering. Plus, if I add a skirt, it’s magically a simple but cute skating costume.

The Clara leggings look super practical. I LOVE the high waist on these, as well as the length options and waistband options. Simple, functional, and clean lines. They get a yay vote from me!

I’m intrigued by the Julia undergarment patterns. I’ve not yet made my own underwear, but I like the sporty look of these, the different rise options, and I like that tank top – could be great for summer PJs or just a lightweight tank. I’m not sure how practical that bra top would be for me, but I do think it’s cute, and depending on how easy it is to add structure to it, it might be worth considering.

It’s probably weird to be so excited by the Gérald men’s underwear/swim pattern, but I’m excited! There really aren’t any men’s patterns like this on the market, and having form fitting undergarments is important for a lot of athletic endeavors. Also: interesting to see that Jalie didn’t airbrush over this model’s tattoo – it’s an uncommon move in the home sewing pattern sphere, but I have to applaud them for going with it.

I’m also super excited by the Frédéric hoodie for men. It’s nice to see a non-unisex hoodie, and I love the zip front and cool slant pockets. The color blocking options are also a great way to showcase the style lines.

I feel like the Mimosa is the perfect t-shirt I’ve been looking for but never knew I needed. It’s not too tight, but not sloppy loose either. The curved hem is cute, and I bet it would look great layered under a moto jacket. I wasn’t really into the ruffly sleeves, but the yellow version is growing on me the more I look at it. Though, to be fair, I’d probably just make the basic version (perhaps a few with the pocket) in lots of basic colors (and stripes, of course) so that I could wear it with everything. Really, I haven’t even bought the pattern yet, but I feel like I could plan a whole capsule wardrobe around this pattern.

The Adèle top is pretty cute! I feel like I might be able to pass on this one for myself – years of experience have taught me that I really don’t do well with this sort of mini-cap-sleeve-ruffle-length sleeve like they have going on here, but I think the pattern looks great on the models in the photo.

The Rose is another pattern I think looks great, but that I can probably pass on for myself. I’m pretty sure I’ve got similar patterns in the stash, so I really don’t need this one, but, it does look like a great top for layering, especially in summer. Though, now, the more I look at it, the more I think it just might be that perfect top for layering under a navy blazer…. Hmmmmmm…..

I like the Bobbie t-shirt pattern, but it is very similar to a Burda top I’ve made. Another case of I like it, but I don’t need it.

The Mélanie looks like a great robe pattern. I’m especially taken with the styling of the central image. The ties being connected to the side seams is also a super practical feature, and the neckband has an interesting design. I like it.

I’m pretty sure I’ve got some Simplicity and Burda patterns that are pretty similar, though perhaps not drafted to be a simple pull-on skirt like this one. It’s cute, but I feel like I could modify a pre-existing pattern or use one of my stash patterns to get a similar look.

The Éliane looks like a really practical and actually pretty cute scrub top. The pockets seem super practical, and the fitted waist makes it a little more stylish than typical scrubs. I don’t need this, but I’m going to applaud Jalie for what they’ve come up with on this pattern – it looks great!

Really, Jalie deserves its own post, but because my blogging time is limited at the moment, I’m going to roll McCall’s announcement of the Summer Marfy patterns into the same post. Interestingly, it seams that they really are going after this “Big 1” role with zeal, since they’ve exponentially expanded their Marfy offerings in comparison to what they’ve had listed on the site previously.

I’m not going to go through all of the patterns, since I haven’t followed Marfy close enough to discern what is “new,” but I have been looking at them long enough to know that many of the patterns have been available from the line for quite some time. Anyway, all I’m going to say is, if I were going to a royal wedding (which I’m not), Marfy is where I would turn:

F3472

F3846

F3803

Similarly, if I wanted to dress like I was having a royal wedding (which I’m not), I’d also go Marfy:

FS894

FS626

FS703

And, finally, just because I thought they were pretty:

F3859

FS671

FS863

And that’s it! I’ve gone from one extreme to the other: Jalie’s super sporty goodness to Marfy’s bridal couture. With Jalie the only way I can really express my excitement for these new patterns is thusly:

I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying a fair number of the new Jalie patterns – I’m really excited about a lot of the patterns they’ve come up with in this release. As for Marfy, well, I’m still at a look, don’t touch phase of that relationship. I’m still pretty sure that if I had a *really* fancy event to go to, I’d turn to Marfy in a heartbeat. But I can more easily justify spending ~$10 US on a Jalie t-shirt pattern that I’d make multiple times and wear to death than I can spending $35 on a Marfy pattern that isn’t exactly conducive to my daily lifestyle. Anyway, what do you all think? Are the the sporty Jalie patterns your jam? Or is Marfy’s refined look more your aesthetic? Or are they both too extreme and you prefer other pattern brands all together? Feel free to discuss in the comments!

New Jalie Patterns and Marfy #sewing #patterns #Jalie #Marfy #shutupandtakemymoney I'm probably the last person to get around to blogging this (I mean, really, people have…

#Jalie #Marfy #pattern #sewing

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thiswillbereportedtomanagement · 7 years ago

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The Highsnobiety Crowns are an annual awards series celebrating the very best in streetwear and street culture over the past 12 months. All shortlists are chosen by the in-house editorial staff at Highsnobiety, with the final result left up to you, the reader. Every voter will be automatically entered to win one of two prizes. This year’s grand prize is a $1,500 gift card with two runner-up gift cards valued at $500 each, courtesy of luxury shopping destination LUISAVIAROMA. Stay tuned for the final results on December 21 and see who won last year here. As you can imagine, we get a lot of emails from new labels wanting to get featured on Highsnobiety. Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement: our inboxes are flooded with lookbooks and press releases from upcoming brands and designers. So at the beginning of 2015, we decided to give all these newcomers a place of their own. We launched Under the Radar with the aim of shouting out the best new brands to hit us up each month, and the series quickly became one of our most successful recurring features. Under the Radar has shown us that there’s a mind-blowing amount of talented new brands and designers out there, and even better, the feature is truly global. We’ve highlighted brands from as far away as Brazil, South Africa, Poland, Indonesia, and South Korea, alongside countless collections from all the usual fashion hubs. So, with that in mind, we’re giving Under the Radar its very own category in this year’s Highsnobiety Crowns awards for the second year in a row. What’s more, we’re teaming up with Capsule to give the winners the opportunity to show their collections to countless buyers and press at Paris and New York’s fashion weeks. Here’s 10 brands that made it into the shortlist for this year. Vote on them, and feel the warm sense of satisfaction when they become massive next year. 1KCORP is a New York City-based brand from a designer who goes by the name One Thousand Deaths (1k = 1,000, corp as in corpse, go figure). Their latest drop featured military-inspired graphics on hoodies, T-shirts, long-sleeve camo print tees, hats, socks and balaclavas. One of our favorite aspects of 1KCORP is their stellar range of bottomwear. The cut and details of the pant-leg blend military combat aesthetics with the codes of NYC street style to give a cozy but impactful silhouette. Tying 1KCORP’s look together is the Cobra belt which features a quick-release metal fastening, duo-tone stitching and, in line with one of the year’s biggest trends, an elongated strap. We’re also digging the execution of 1KCORP’s website which make shopping for garms feel like a character selection screen from an old-school video game. One of the more memorable lookbooks to come through this year, shirting label Cobra S.C. comes from designers Safa Taghizadeh and Christopher Reynolds (that’s the “S” and the “C”). What Cobra seems to realize, with refreshing acuity, is that good menswear is a process of refining the classics. With premium materials and expert cuts, Cobra S.C. hones in on the qualities that give the humble shirt its timeless appeal, instead of relying on graphics and superfluous details. One of our favorite pieces from Cobra S.C.’s SS18 collection is the leopard print shirt (one of the most canonically underrated menswear items of all time), styled out with finesse in their lookbook above. Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, Domestik is now making waves in the streetwear scene internationally. Following a series of covetable collaborations, including a standout graphic drop with Australian brand Bow3ry, Domestik has traversed the globe and is now stocked in GOAT high fashion retailer Dover Street Market. Indonesia isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think of fire threads, but maybe it should be. Domestik draws inspiration from its hyper-tropical climate and even a few ’80s Indonesian pornos to create visuals that are truly unique – a hard feat that can’t be overlooked in today’s oversaturated graphic market. Jacob Kane is a British designer from Northern England. A welcomed antidote to a slightly crowded London fashion scene, every collection from Jacob Kane’s Manchester studio has been refreshing, immaculately conceived into a lookbook, and of course, totally wearable too. The label’s debut collection, titled “Unite or Perish,” shows an amalgamation of the designer’s interests” including photography, the rise of political tensions from Brexit, Northern art exhibitions, and old issues of ’90s counter-cultural tome, The Face. Shot in and around a garage with vintage cars, the collection included logo T-shirts, hoodies, patchwork denim jeans with an oversized ring-pull zipper, and as a standout item, a one-of-a-kind parka jacket that fuses grey and technical khaki, mid-blue denim, metal ring pulls, and a detachable faux-fur hood. Also, a big shoutout to the very long-sleeve, oversized oxford shirt which, when styled with Kane’s more street options, is as steezy as you can get. From Seoul/New York comes new smokewear brand Sundae School. Their objective is two-fold, firstly to bring visibility to an underrepresented Asian-American counterculture and secondly, to create some really dope clothes to smoke weed in. Their first collection, titled “Genesis” set a precedent for their innovative design instincts that blends some high fashion concepts — such as a denim jacket with transparent plastic coating — with functional stoner-details such as hats with double-stitched spliff holders at the side. For their second collection, “When Tigers Used to Smoke” (an old Korean saying that translates to “a very long time ago”) Sundae School channeled the nostalgia of pre-war Seoul by referencing the traditional Korean garb of Hanbok. Their contemporary spin on the traditional garment was conceived in pinstripe denim which they modified with covert pockets and straps to carry spliffs, lighters and the rest. From Turkish designer Zeynep Guntas, the Milan-based eponymous label is the perfect exercise in restraint, liberation and a shit load of the year’s most hyped color: orange. Based on Zeynep’s experiences in Turkey during the 2016 attacks in Istanbul, Guntas‘s FW17 collection, titled “Subdue Your Mind,” framed a dystopian revolution with cross-stitched denim trousers, black leather jackets, elongated sleeves and silver jumpsuits. The natural, soft materials are cut to futuristic, defiant shapes that established Guntas as one of the most exciting labels to emerge out of Italy all year. Also, let’s not forget that covering the entirety of your models’ face with a floating lotus is a surefire way to make a lookbook really pop. Double Rainbouu comes from two former Ksubi creatives Toby Jones and Mikey Nolan. The Australian unisex label broke through the fashion ether when it caught the attention of Justin Bieber, who was seen sporting their shamelessly colorful Hawaiian shirts while on holiday. We like the idea of a head-to-toe “windy blue palm tree” look on both shirt and shorts in a royal blue/white colorway, but the shirt could realistically be worn as a standalone summer statement flex too. Not just loud Hawaiian prints, Double Rainbouu also produced a range of surprisingly monotone front-and-back screen-printed graphic tees. Fresh out of Los Angeles, GFT‘s “Sinsanity” collection was one of the strongest U.S. streetwear debuts we’ve seen in some time. The graphic references included Lucy Liu’s character from Kill Bill Vol.1, some trippy canines, and an eye-catching “EXORCISE” logo with abstract prints on the back. Their latest collection features a recurring chain motif, which adds instant impact to the streetwear staples of shorts and black track pants. Across the board, we think that zips haven’t been utilized in an interesting way for some time, but GFT have made them a valid talking point again with a graphic “skeleton crew” hoodie that sees the zipper run all the way up the hood and down the back of the garment. Precocious London designer (and former model for A-COLD-WALL*) Eastwood Danso begun his eponymous label last year at just 18 years old. The debut collection, titled “Being and Time.” featured cozy track pants with alternating color sidestripes in blue/red, brown/black, and cream/black, an imperfect circle motif, side bags, and a brown leather jacket with straps for days. The visual execution of Eastwood Danso’s brand is one of the most memorable we’ve seen this year. The video lookbook for his first collection is thematically on point: a bit ominous and a perfect simulation of how to style the clothes. Danso was born and raised in Germany, so it makes sense that he would tap Berlin brand OBS to design a small capsule of laser-engraved leather side bags, navy trench coats, socks, and a silver ring with a melted surface. Finally, from Scandinavia via China comes A.A. Spectrum, a high-spec cross-cultural collaboration which reminds us that there is no stronger winter flex than a long, quilted, down-filled outerwear in popping primary colors. A.A. Spectrum mixes practical materials with Sherpa fleece to create a collection that’s as cozy as it is functional. Not just oversized outerwear, we’re also particularly drawn to the collection’s quilted down sweater. It’s worth noting that all coats produced by A.A. Spectrum are RDS (that’s Responsible Down Standard) which ensures that all the down is ethically-sourced from production down to the harvesting process. The Highsnobiety Crowns are an annual awards series celebrating the very best in streetwear and street culture over the past 12 months. See all of this year’s nominees here.

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-under-the-radar-2017/

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olivereliott · 7 years ago

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Road tested: Gear from Biltwell, REV’IT! and Stylmartin

If I ask riders why they don’t wear All The Gear All The Time, most cite one (or all) of these reasons: style, comfort and price. Motorcycles are becoming less of a lifestyle choice, and more of a lifestyle accessory. A lot of riders simply want ‘casual’ gear that looks good, feels good, and doesn’t break the bank—while still being reasonably protective and functional.

So for this review, I’ve picked out three items that tick those boxes: a technical hoody, a retro full-face helmet, and a pair of everyday riding boots.

REV’IT! Stealth hoody I’m not really a hoody guy, but when new jacket time rolled around, I wanted something low key and protective. Something I could wear with anything, on any bike, all day long. The specs of the REV’IT! Stealth hoody promised a denim finish, waterproofing and slim armor. And it was available in black, so I added it to my cart. (Yes, I paid for it with my own money.)

As the name implies, the Stealth is supremely understated. A cross between a bomber jacket and a hoody, the aesthetic is more akin to technical apparel than motorcycle gear. The chassis itself is multi-layer affair featuring a polycotton stretch denim outer, REV’IT!s proprietary Hydratex® waterproof membrane, and their abrasion-resistant PWR Shield fabric stitched into key impact zones.

That denim shell looks absolutely killer out the box, and feels amazing too—both to the touch, and when it’s on. (The manufacturer suggests tossing it in the wash before wearing it, to rinse out any leftover dye, and the second I did I got a taste of how it’s going to fade over time.) It’s trimmed with a heavy-duty ribbed fabric at the cuffs and bottom edge. While the Velcro on my gloves did occasionally stick to the ribbing, the fabric is tough enough to avoid fraying.

A chunky zipper up front gets you in and out, with a neat leather pull-tab for gloved operation. There’s a storm flap behind the zip too, and drawstrings for the hood (for if you actually use it). The rest of the layout is basic: hand warmer pockets, with snaps to keep them closed while riding, a small zipper stash pocket just inside on the right breast, and a larger document pouch inside on the left. There are reflective strips on the backs of the elbows, but they’re oh-so-subtle. Even the branding is tasteful—a blacked-out REV’IT! logo on a rubber patch, placed on a slightly larger Velcro square on the sleeve. Bizarrely, the patch is actually stitched to the Velcro—so I unstitched it to be able to run my own patches.

Thanks to the denim’s stretch properties (and relatively low weight), the Stealth’s the most comfortable motorcycle jacket I’ve ever worn. According to REV’IT!’s size chart I’m on the cusp of XL and XXL—but years of craft beer and bacon roll appreciation have left me with a bit of tubby belly, so I sized up. The fit is spot on, and although I would have preferred the XL’s shorter sleeves, the built-in flex means I have room to breathe, without the jacket feeling baggy or bunching up.

It also makes for excellent freedom of movement while riding—aided by REV’IT!’s remarkably slim and lightweight SEESMART™ armor. It’s pretty exceptional stuff—virtually undetectable, yet CE Level 1 approved. The hoody ships with elbow and shoulder protectors, but you’ll need to pony up a bit extra if you want to kit it out with a back protector. Like fellow EXIFer Matt Neundorf, I’d rather see manufacturers include back armor as standard—and I’ll happily pay a little more. But since that’s not the case here, I ordered a SEESOFT™ protector and popped it in. Or rather, massaged it in with much fiddling and cursing; it’s a tight fit in the jacket’s back pocket, which also means that it won’t accept anything other than the recommended item. It’s obviously also not as featherweight as the SEESMART™ stuff—so it’s more noticeable when fitted—but it’s still pretty flexible, and hasn’t bugged me yet.

A few extra details add to the hoody’s overall comfort while riding. For starters, the actual hood is kept from flapping at speed via a press-stud on the back. I did find that my backpack had a tendency to push up against and disengage it, but even then I didn’t notice anything unruly behind my head while riding. Out back, there’s a short connecting zipper inside that you can hook up to some of REV’IT!’s trousers (or a special belt that they make). But there’s also a feature I wish all jackets would have: a small elastic loop with a press-stud, which can anchor the hoody to any belt or belt loop. No one likes a jacket that rides up at the back, so this little consideration is one of my favorite touches.

As for weather, I’ll be keeping the Stealth on hand for at least three seasons. Despite the moisture-wicking mesh liner, it can get a little toasty on hotter days, but for spring and fall—and winter with an extra layer—it’s spot on. Unfortunately I haven’t been stuck in a downpour with it yet, but it’s shrugged off light rain without fuss, so I’m pretty confident it’ll fare well. And if it does come down, it even has nifty little drainage holes built into the hood and front pockets.

Honestly, if I could change one thing it would be to ditch the hood in favour of a ribbed collar. (REV’IT! do have a jacket in that style, but it’s not available in black and it’s not waterproof.) At around US$250 for the Stealth hoody (plus a little more for a back protector) it’s pretty good value though, so I can’t complain. In fact, if we dished out stars around here, I’d give it five. [Buy]

Biltwell Inc. Lane Splitter helmet The retro helmet market is pretty crowded these days, but Biltwell Inc. have been doing it for longer than most. Their gear always looks great, with an authentic, no-frills vibe. In the case of their latest offering—the Lane Splitter—that approach is both a strength and weakness. I’ll tell you why, right after I bore you with the basics.

The hot rod-inspired Lane Splitter is Biltwell’s second foray into visor-equipped helmets (after the Gringo S). Let’s be honest—it looks a lot like the iconic Simpson Bandit, but it’s pretty badass in its own right, so I’ll give it a thumbs up. More notably, the Lane Splitter’s ABS outer and EPS inner shell earn it both DOT and ECE approval—something we haven’t seen on Biltwell helmets before.

I ordered my Lane Splitter in Metallic Bronze, and decided to go all-in with an extra mirrored gold visor (it ships with a clear visor). As I’ve come to expect from Biltwell, the finish is sublime—the metallic bronze pops like crazy in sunlight, and I was instantly chuffed with my selection. The brushed lycra liner is pretty plush too, with a classy hand-stitched diamond pattern inside. It’s removable, and Biltwell have even included pockets in the ear recesses for comms system speakers. There’s also a padded chin curtain—something you don’t often see on retro helmets. A standard D-ring strap system keeps it on your head, with a snapper for stowing excess strap.

My melon measures in at 62cm, which makes me an XL in Biltwell’s world. The Lane Splitter fits me true to size, sitting snug without squashing my face. I have noticed one or two stiff spots in the liner, but they’re not hurting me, and I expect they’ll break in a little more over time. I can cram sunglasses in there if I want to, but it is a bit of a squeeze. The chin section caught me by surprise too; it’s a bit shorter than it looks in photos, and if I don’t pull the helmet down just right, my (admittedly large) nose does occasionally touch the tip of it.

As for that no-frills vibe, Biltwell have taken a bold, old school approach to many of the Lane Splitter’s features. It has vents on the chin—and exit vents on the sides and back—that work really well… except you can’t close them. (It’s winter in Cape Town right now, and I’ll be covering my face for this weekend’s riding.) It’s also pretty noisy at speed, and with no Pinlock insert to prevent fogging, I find myself cracking open the visor at traffic lights.

You can see these as negatives, or you can see them as compromises. I choose the latter—the Lane Splitter is intentionally retro, and that means if you buy one, you’ll need to live with some of its quirks. Call me a hipster if it makes you feel better, but I don’t think Biltwell are targeting BMW R1200 RT or Yamaha R1 owners here. Their target market is guys on choppers, bobbers and hooligan Sportsters.

The visor is an area where I think Biltwell could improve the Lane Splitter. On the up side, the eye port is massive, and visibility through the injection-molded visor itself is perfect, with no distortion. And aside from looking totally off-the-wall, the mirrored gold tint hits that sweet spot between dark enough and total eclipse.

On the down side, I find the visor’s locking mechanism fiddly. It’s basically a brass peg on the helmet that corresponds to a hole in the visor, with a small tab to lift it. Sometimes it’ll snap into place with an audible click, but sometimes I won’t feel it engage—and other times it won’t lock, no matter how hard I try. It’s also locked too well before, and I couldn’t open the visor until I stopped and used both hands to fettle it. The whole setup also sits too far to the left, making it hard to reach quickly.

Like most helmets, the visor moves up and down in increments, albeit pretty vaguely. Once it’s up though, it stays there. And once it’s down, it keeps out wind and water. My only other gripe is that I noticed a little rubbing on the paint just above the brow, where the visor seems to be connecting on the way down.

Swapping visors is straightforward, but a bit of a chore. It involves unscrewing an actual screw on each side, removing a small disc and plate, lining it all up with the new visor and then screwing it back together (a coin works too). Biltwell suggest adding some Loctite each time—I didn’t, and found that after a couple of weeks the screws needed some tightening. Again, it’s a compromise; there’s no denying how cool the hinges look, and it’s not something you’re likely to do often. You can also ditch the visor altogether and run goggles, if that’s your thing (and you don’t mind the exposed mounting plates).

I have to hand it to Biltwell though. For around $250 they’ve built a retro full-face with a visor, plus those all-important DOT and ECE stickers. And it looks so good, I find myself reaching for it time and time again. [Buy]

Stylmartin Red Rock boots Each season seems to bring with it an avalanche of new gear, but there are some standbys that have sold for years on end. Icon’s Elsinore boots are one example, and Stylmartin’s Red Rocks another. I’ve had my Red Rocks for just over two years now; in that time I’ve used them around town, toured in them and taken them on multiple press launches. I’ve put them through some light flat tracking, flown in them, done the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in them, and even used them as casual wear.

With full-grain leather uppers, the ankle-high Red Rocks are styled like everyday work boots. They’re waterproof too, and even have gussets alongside the tongue to keep muck out. The leather itself is pretty cool—it discolors easily wherever it’s rubbed or scuffed, so the boots look better the longer you abuse them. And if you’re fashion conscious, the boots ship with two sets of laces (brown and red).

There’s a Vibram anti-slip sole underneath, which means you can get them resoled at any self-respecting cobbler. (Mine still look pretty fresh, even after two years of regular use.) Even though my Red Rocks have broken in nicely over time, they’re still pretty stiff. So I generally won’t spend an entire day walking in them—but they work well on the bike, and don’t tire my feet out.

As for protective features, they’re devoid of hard toe and heel cups, and Malleolar protectors—so I’d place them a step up from a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers on the safety front. And at $200, they’re a cheaper option too. [Buy]

0 notes

topfygad · 5 years ago

Text

The 16 Best Midlayers of 2019 Reviewed and Compared

Best Overall Midlayer

1. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody

Pros Cons

Man-made insulation – warmth even when wet, and quick drying time

Lightweight

Option to have with a drawstring-hood

Not as breathable as newer more synthetic options

Pricey

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

100%Polyester Insulation 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Budget Midlayer

2. Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece

Pros Cons

Very soft

Super accessible price point

Good for mild temperatures

Limited warmth

Questionable durability

Cheap fleece is prone to pilling

Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester MTR Filament Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $

SHOP ON COLUMBIASHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Down Jacket

3. Arc’teryx Cerium LT

Pros Cons

Insulated hand warmer pockets

Super warm for its light weight

Functional in light moisture

Waterproof synthetic insulation in areas of down most prone to moisture

Expensive

Doesn’t breathe as well as 100% synthetic layers

Overkill for use purely as a midlayer

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Specs:

Features Details Material

850 Fill White Goose-Down and Synthetic insulation, 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Cold Weather

4. Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Two zippered hand pockets

Zippered chest pocket

Polygiene odor control

Good balance of warmth and breathability

Durable

Significantly cheaper than Patagonia’s other synthetic jackets

Limited water resistance

Doesn’t hold up well to strong wind

No hood

Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester and Spandex

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer for Backpacking

5. Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Fair trade certified sewn

Polygiene odor control material

Left chest pocket with zipper

Lightweight

Highly compressible for packing

Exceptional breathability

Pockets don’t have zippers

No thumb holes

Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Specs:

Features Details Material

93% Polyester, 7% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer Jacket

6. Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

My only wish is that it packed down a little smaller to make it more portable. In the long run, however, the long list of benefits far outweighs this little gripe.

Pros Cons

Contrasting colored zipper pocket

Women’s and men’s models available

Wind and water-resistant polyester shell

True to size

Unique color options

Doesn’t pack as small as other similar priced fleeces on the market

Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Ultrasoft PrimaLoft Shearling Fleece

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Skiing

7. Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket

Pros Cons

Polartec Power Stretch underarm panels

“Do good” product

DWR finish for water-resistance

Extremely breathable

Good number of pockets

Can’t withstand extreme rain

Lacks hood

Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

20D Nylon w/ DWR Finish

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Hiking

8. North Face Ventrix Hoodie

Pros Cons

Designed for climbing and other high-intensity activities

Concealed chest and hand pockets

Unique perforations in key areas to help both retain and release heat when needed

Good price for the quality

Can work as a standalone jacket as well as a midlayer

Pills & shows wear after relatively little use

Hood fits loose unless you’re wearing a climbing helmet

North Face Ventrix Hoodie Specs:

Features Details Material

Nylon, Polyester, Elastane, Synthetic Insulation

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON NORTH FACESHOP ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer Fleece

9. Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece

Pros Cons

Zippered chest pocket

Buttons instead of zipper

Women’s and men’s option

Good price

Roomy enough to fit other layers underneath

Bulkier than some other more expensive fleeces

Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP WOMEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Women

10. The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer

Pros Cons

Two-thirds front zip

Pack-friendly chest pocket

Unique cut

Ultra-breathable

Stretch grid-fleece body for faster cool-down

Stretch double weave in spots that tend to be weak for improved durability

Fits somewhat small

The two-thirds front zip could be annoying depending on what you’re using it for

Not water-resistant

The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester Shell Fleece Lined

Hood Yes Thumbholes Yes Gender Women Price $$

SHOP ON NORTH FACE

Best Midlayer for Summer

11. Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket

Pros Cons

Provides great freedom of movement due to the jersey stretch

High wicking properties

Zippered hand pockets

Lightweight

Perfect garment for spring and summer outings

Not very warm

Doesn’t stand up well to extreme cold

Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

89% Polyester 11% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women and Men Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLOSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Casual Midlayer

12. Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Zipper garage

Chest pocket

Bright, stylish colors

Neither wind-proof or water repellent

Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women Price $

SHOP ON REISHOP ON AMAZON

Most Stylish Midlayer

13. Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan

Pros Cons

Wool-sweater styling

Laminated-zip sleeve pocket and laminated-zip hand pockets

Stylish

More stylish than technical

No hanger loop

Pretty thin

Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Specs:

Features Details Material

Alpenex Heathered 100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$

SHOP ON ARC’TERYXSHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Hoody

14. Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody

Sizing aside, this is definitely the best midlayer hoody out there, in my opinion. It’s light, athletic, and the perfect addition to any layering system!

Pros Cons

UPF 50+ protection

Hidden internal pocket

Moisture wicking

Zipper + hoody combo for temperature regulation

Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

92% Polyester 8% Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Active Midlayer

15. Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top

Pros Cons

Light yet warm

‘Fair Wear Foundation’ construction

Good stretch for adventuring

Excellent moisture management

No hood

Only one color option

Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLO

Best Environmentally Friendly Midlayer

16. Picture Organic Undy Alpha Jacket

When you’re on the move, need excellent moisture wicking, want your skin to breath, and prefer to limit your environmental footprint – then the Undy Alpha is made especially for you!

Pros Cons

Organically and environmentally produced

Green Plus certified

PFC-free water repellent treatment

Excellent body temperature regulation

Picture Organic Undy Alpha Specs:

Features Details Material

94% Nylon 6: Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Buying Guide

Depending on your needs, here’s what you need to look out for:

Material

Breathability/Warmth

Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, your midlayer may need to be extra warm

If you’re curious on how to probably balance your warmth and breathability for an entire layering system, check out our guide to layering hiking clothes!

Price

Weight

There you go, folks! We’ve covered the very best midlayers from down to fleece, hooded to collared and practical to fancy so you can find the very best midlayer for your adventures!

So pick out your midlayer, gear up and go adventure!

11 Best Rain Jackets (Rated and Reviewed)

The 13 Best Travel Shirts for Both Men and Women

What to Wear Hiking: How to Choose the Best Hiking Clothes

Our Favorite Travel Clothes of the Season

Want to travel more?

We can help you manifest your dreams of traveling the world. Sign up for FREE to get started.

source http://cheaprtravels.com/the-16-best-midlayers-of-2019-reviewed-and-compared/

0 notes

topfygad · 5 years ago

Text

The 16 Best Midlayers of 2019 Reviewed and Compared

Best Overall Midlayer

1. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody

Pros Cons

Man-made insulation – warmth even when wet, and quick drying time

Lightweight

Option to have with a drawstring-hood

Not as breathable as newer more synthetic options

Pricey

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

100%Polyester Insulation 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Budget Midlayer

2. Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece

Pros Cons

Very soft

Super accessible price point

Good for mild temperatures

Limited warmth

Questionable durability

Cheap fleece is prone to pilling

Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester MTR Filament Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $

SHOP ON COLUMBIASHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Down Jacket

3. Arc’teryx Cerium LT

Pros Cons

Insulated hand warmer pockets

Super warm for its light weight

Functional in light moisture

Waterproof synthetic insulation in areas of down most prone to moisture

Expensive

Doesn’t breathe as well as 100% synthetic layers

Overkill for use purely as a midlayer

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Specs:

Features Details Material

850 Fill White Goose-Down and Synthetic insulation, 100% Nylon Shell

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$$

SHOP MEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP WOMEN’S ON ARC’TERYXSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Cold Weather

4. Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Two zippered hand pockets

Zippered chest pocket

Polygiene odor control

Good balance of warmth and breathability

Durable

Significantly cheaper than Patagonia’s other synthetic jackets

Limited water resistance

Doesn’t hold up well to strong wind

No hood

Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester and Spandex

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer for Backpacking

5. Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Fair trade certified sewn

Polygiene odor control material

Left chest pocket with zipper

Lightweight

Highly compressible for packing

Exceptional breathability

Pockets don’t have zippers

No thumb holes

Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Specs:

Features Details Material

93% Polyester, 7% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON PATAGONIASHOP WOMEN’S ON PATAGONIA

Best Midlayer Jacket

6. Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

My only wish is that it packed down a little smaller to make it more portable. In the long run, however, the long list of benefits far outweighs this little gripe.

Pros Cons

Contrasting colored zipper pocket

Women’s and men’s models available

Wind and water-resistant polyester shell

True to size

Unique color options

Doesn’t pack as small as other similar priced fleeces on the market

Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

Ultrasoft PrimaLoft Shearling Fleece

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Midlayer for Skiing

7. Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket

Pros Cons

Polartec Power Stretch underarm panels

“Do good” product

DWR finish for water-resistance

Extremely breathable

Good number of pockets

Can’t withstand extreme rain

Lacks hood

Cotopaxi Pacaya Insulated Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

20D Nylon w/ DWR Finish

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP WOMEN’S ON COTOPAXISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Hiking

8. North Face Ventrix Hoodie

Pros Cons

Designed for climbing and other high-intensity activities

Concealed chest and hand pockets

Unique perforations in key areas to help both retain and release heat when needed

Good price for the quality

Can work as a standalone jacket as well as a midlayer

Pills & shows wear after relatively little use

Hood fits loose unless you’re wearing a climbing helmet

North Face Ventrix Hoodie Specs:

Features Details Material

Nylon, Polyester, Elastane, Synthetic Insulation

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON NORTH FACESHOP ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer Fleece

9. Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece

Pros Cons

Zippered chest pocket

Buttons instead of zipper

Women’s and men’s option

Good price

Roomy enough to fit other layers underneath

Bulkier than some other more expensive fleeces

Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Fleece Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester Fleece

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP WOMEN’S ON COLUMBIASHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Midlayer for Women

10. The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer

Pros Cons

Two-thirds front zip

Pack-friendly chest pocket

Unique cut

Ultra-breathable

Stretch grid-fleece body for faster cool-down

Stretch double weave in spots that tend to be weak for improved durability

Fits somewhat small

The two-thirds front zip could be annoying depending on what you’re using it for

Not water-resistant

The North Face Women’s Respirator ¾ Zip Mid Layer Specs:

Features Details Material

Polyester Shell Fleece Lined

Hood Yes Thumbholes Yes Gender Women Price $$

SHOP ON NORTH FACE

Best Midlayer for Summer

11. Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket

Pros Cons

Provides great freedom of movement due to the jersey stretch

High wicking properties

Zippered hand pockets

Lightweight

Perfect garment for spring and summer outings

Not very warm

Doesn’t stand up well to extreme cold

Odlo Alagna Midlayer Full-Zip Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

89% Polyester 11% Elastane

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women and Men Price $

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLOSHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REI

Best Casual Midlayer

12. Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket

Pros Cons

Zipper garage

Chest pocket

Bright, stylish colors

Neither wind-proof or water repellent

Kari Traa Rothe Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Women Price $

SHOP ON REISHOP ON AMAZON

Most Stylish Midlayer

13. Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan

Pros Cons

Wool-sweater styling

Laminated-zip sleeve pocket and laminated-zip hand pockets

Stylish

More stylish than technical

No hanger loop

Pretty thin

Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Specs:

Features Details Material

Alpenex Heathered 100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$

SHOP ON ARC’TERYXSHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Hoody

14. Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody

Sizing aside, this is definitely the best midlayer hoody out there, in my opinion. It’s light, athletic, and the perfect addition to any layering system!

Pros Cons

UPF 50+ protection

Hidden internal pocket

Moisture wicking

Zipper + hoody combo for temperature regulation

Mammut Runbold Midlayer Hoody Specs:

Features Details Material

92% Polyester 8% Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON REISHOP WOMEN’S ON REISHOP MEN’S ON AMAZONSHOP WOMEN’S ON AMAZON

Best Active Midlayer

15. Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top

Pros Cons

Light yet warm

‘Fair Wear Foundation’ construction

Good stretch for adventuring

Excellent moisture management

No hood

Only one color option

Odlo Half-Zip Orsino Top Specs:

Features Details Material

100% Polyester

Hood No Thumbholes No Gender Men and Women Price $$

SHOP MEN’S ON ODLOSHOP WOMEN’S ON ODLO

Best Environmentally Friendly Midlayer

16. Picture Organic Undy Alpha Jacket

When you’re on the move, need excellent moisture wicking, want your skin to breath, and prefer to limit your environmental footprint – then the Undy Alpha is made especially for you!

Pros Cons

Organically and environmentally produced

Green Plus certified

PFC-free water repellent treatment

Excellent body temperature regulation

Picture Organic Undy Alpha Specs:

Features Details Material

94% Nylon 6: Spandex

Hood Yes Thumbholes No Gender Men Price $$$

SHOP ON REI

Best Midlayer Buying Guide

Depending on your needs, here’s what you need to look out for:

Material

Breathability/Warmth

Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, your midlayer may need to be extra warm

If you’re curious on how to probably balance your warmth and breathability for an entire layering system, check out our guide to layering hiking clothes!

Price

Weight

There you go, folks! We’ve covered the very best midlayers from down to fleece, hooded to collared and practical to fancy so you can find the very best midlayer for your adventures!

So pick out your midlayer, gear up and go adventure!

11 Best Rain Jackets (Rated and Reviewed)

The 13 Best Travel Shirts for Both Men and Women

What to Wear Hiking: How to Choose the Best Hiking Clothes

Our Favorite Travel Clothes of the Season

Want to travel more?

We can help you manifest your dreams of traveling the world. Sign up for FREE to get started.

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2M42IEd via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Cheapr Travels

0 notes