As soon as I saw this one in a showroom preview months ago it was pretty much nailed on I was going to be parting open the wallet to secure one. It was released, the wallet was fetched, the jacket is here, and man it's a belter!
COLOUR// yep, it's orange, but it's more of a muted autumnal burnt orange than a full on bright tangerine when you have it in the flesh. It works, and for those that aren't so keen on a bright colour it's an option. Bob in store and take a look.
Now, it's not listed as waterproof or water-resistant, but as it's seam-sealed I kinda expect it's at least water-resistant. The polyester shell has a shiny backing to it, reminiscent of old school water-resistant gear so hopefully it is. Again, I can't see why you'd go to the trouble to seam-seal if it wasn't. I'll tell you after I've visited my friend who lives under a waterfall.
The material is nice and light, has a nice peached outer handle, giving it a soft feel. I was a little worried it might feel heavy or too warm on, not at all, they've got this one just right.
DETAILS// the back yoke is an open meshed lined flap, so will let some heat escape. There are also holes in the armpits to let out some heat and moisture also.
It is Green Label so carries the now de rigueur tone on tone patch label on the right sleeve. I'm not a massive fan of branding like that, but it goes well here with the tone used. Blending in really nicely.
There are 2 pocket flaps around the mid-riff fastened with poppers, both opening into an internal kangaroo pocket. The sleeves have an elasticated cuff on them, yep, something like an adjustable velcro fastener would have been good, but the cuffs are actually decent in fairness.
The jacket hem and the hood have a drawcord to pull, and the front has a quarter zip fastening.
SIZING// well, we're into Deansgate territory here, but nowhere near Storm Poncho. These are very large sized indeed. Given there is no side zip the design is meant to be looser, just check LG wearing a variety of smocks of late, this is designed with a boxy fit due to the slightly longer length.
With Winter coming, as much as this heatwave is ace we know the dark days are on the march back to us, the sizing of this will allow for a decent roll-neck jumper underneath and get you through a large chunk of the colder days.
On to length, it's not bad actually, yeah it's definitely longer than a standard short jacket but it's actually really tidy on and not too mad long.
Any downsides, well nothing really. There are the usual personal preferences that would have been nice, but then likely added cost to the piece. They'd be quibbles and nothing to put you off this piece.
FESTIVAL// I do have to say, this is the Festival jacket PG should consider making. Get a light waterproof material for that top layer, do something with the cuffs to make them adjustable and maybe add a size adjusting toggle on the rear of the hood and you're into perfection territory. Maybe even a sleeve pocket for stashing tickets, etc.
SUMMARY// aye man, it's a cracker of a jacket. For me personally, one of the best pieces in a while from Mr. Salter and his merry band of designers. Colour and style are spot on, the implementation of the idea absolutely hits the mark.
9/10
Peace&Love&Mercy, theSub