This vest is almost exactly what I was hoping/expecting it would be. I made the decision to buy this because it was on sale due to it likely being end of season, and the only sizes they had left were the bigger ones.
I was looking for a wool vest, something likely more durable, with some good build quality that I knew would last. I was leaning towards something that was lined, and preferable, with something other than a synthetic material - many wool vests seem to be lined with polyester, which I think is a terrible idea.
I would've preferred this was a 100% wool exterior shell, but the 80/20 wool nylon will suffice.
I'm about 6'1, 180lbs, slender build, and this fits great! I got a L, and I suspect a M would've fit nicer, and probably would've been preferred, but I have zero complaints about the slightly larger size, as it allows me to throw it on top of a bulky sweater or even a jacket.
The only negative to the L is that when I sit down, the "stiffness" of the material is more firm (like most wool "outerwear"), so the collar can rise up a little if you happen to be slightly reclined since it'll hold its shape. I think that's where a M size might've helped, because it would've been more fitted, less material to present in the way I'm describing now. Obviously, not a deal breaker, you can either unzip first, or just pull the vest down as you sit so it doesn't look like you're sitting inside a firm jacket.
I really appreciate the build quality - I can see this thing lasting a long time. I like that they use a metal YKK zipper, and it can even unzip from the bottom if you need to open it up a little.
I don't believe this is a thicker wool material they've used, but in nearly every place that you can pinch to feel for fabric thickness, they've done a good job of either doubling it up with the filling, or sewn the cotton lining. The only place they didn't double up is the inside pocket on the bottom left.
The pockets are great - wide opening, deep(ish), great for keeping your hands warm, even if you happen to have a pair of gloves on.
I tend to wear this with a wool overshirt which is slightly thicker, and the combo of the two are perfect chilly weather duo.
I'd love for them to do something like this with a hood, so that if you happen to step outside and aren't wearing a beanie or something, you can throw on the hood to stay just a bit warmer. =)
It's been the closest thing I could find to a wool vest I wanted to add to the collection.
It's not perfect, but it's pretty damn close; love the quilted look as well - ticked off a lot of boxes for what I wanted in a garment like this. The wool is maybe a tiny bit scratchy for me, barely, but hey, even cashmere can be a slight bit scratchy as well, so take that with a grain of salt.
Great job! I'd definitely buy again. I'd love it if they offered it in a few other colours as well.
