A colorful, versatile women’s top, ideal for daily wear and for a variety of outdoor and travel activities. 100% organic cotton.
A Shirt and a Jacket
I was looking for a top that would work on the trail, at the beach, in the yard, and everywhere in between. I found it in KAVU’s Saratoga Shirt Jacket.
Made out of soft organic jacquard cotton that’s heavier than a blouse but not flannely, this bold patterned top is cut long like a tunic with a “boyfriend fit” It also has huge kangaroo pockets, a chest pocket with contrast material on the top hem to make it stand out, and a drawstring hood. I’m in love. (In case you don’t know what “jacquard” means, it is a style of fabric in which the design is woven into the fabric.)
My neighbor calls my Saratoga Shirt Jacket my “hippy top”, and I don’t think she’s far off. It’s colorful, casual, and bears a warm design composed of all types of shapes: diamonds, triangles, circles, and more. It reminds me a bit of an embroidered denim pullover top my mother got me in Guatemala when I was a kid. The fit and style also remind me of an oversized hoody from Mexico I wore all through college. I wonder where else in the world these shapes and patterns have been used.
Comfort and Lightweight Coverage
The Saratoga is a great fit for me and for my lifestyle. I’m tall and I’m big, so I like longer tops. I also appreciate the full-zip because I live in a temperature climate and need to adjust garments constantly when I’m active to control my body temperature. I love that the hood has drawstrings. Even thought I am more likely to wear a hat, I like having the option of pulling the hood tight when I’m underestimated how cold it can get when I’m down by the water.
Despite its “boyfriend fit,” the Saratoga top is designed for women. The split curve hem is both flattering and allows freedman of movement. The back yoke aids in fitting, preventing the top from being too baggy to have any shape. I really like the buttoned cuffs on the sleeves that make the top more substantial and give me the option of rolling up my sleeves (and having them stay rolled) when I need to. (KAVU makes a similar top in men’s sizes, the Seaboard Hoodie.)
Packable, Durable
The Saratoga Shirt Jacket is durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty. I’m am not very careful with it: stuffing it into bags, tying it around my waist, and letting it get quite wet and covered in sand when I’m at the beach. So far no rips, no burst seams. I just toss it in the wash, then hang to dry.
Details
Available in the dark pattern I tested and in a lighter fabric with the same pattern in sizes XXS – XXL. The length of the top varies from 29.25” in smallest size to 32.25” in largest size. I found the top to run a size small, so I went up a size to find a nice loose fit. (See our review of KAVU’s Zippy Wallet.)
Bottom Line
I love my Saratoga Shirt Jacket because it is so versatile and comfortable. I wear it as a coverup, under a vest, an with all types of base layers. It’s a fun and cozy top for all my outdoor activities.
Manufacturer’s Site: www.kavu.com
Check out sale on KAVU tops at Moosejaw.
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