Versatile long-length vest.
Style + Function
I’ve been wearing Skhoop’s stylish and functional Brita-Lena Vest for many of my active winter pursuits, and it’s been ideal as a mid layer and on its own.
Right out of the bag I noticed that the vest has a very high collar, and when I wore it for the first time I was happy to find that it looks elegant and does an incredible job of protecting my neck from cold and wind. I don’t have to scrunch my head down for coverage because it’s a seriously tall collar. I chose the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest over a hooded style because it’s more versatile and sleeker than wearing a hooded vest. I often wear hooded base layer tops under the vest, then also use the hood of my outer-layer jacket. Sometimes I prefer wearing the collar up and wearing a hat instead of a hood.
I love the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest’s smart design. It’s long length (a bit shorter than some of Skhoop’s long vests because this vest is designed for action), thin construction, and body-hugging fit combine to provide amazing coverage for my key cold spots (lower back and tummy). I’m tall and have an oddly long torso, so I really need this coverage on days when arctic breezes sneak under my active-style jackets that are just a wee bit too short.
Adding this insulation vest, with its stretchy side panels that allow me to have a nice close fit and still have freedom of movement, is a much better option for me than wearing a puffy-style vest or even a mid-layer jacket that could be too bulky, especially around my armpits and shoulders.
Versatile + Breathable
I’ve been wearing the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest on nightly power walks with my neighbor. The temperatures have been between 32F and 50F, so I adjust my apparel almost every night to suit the conditions. On cold nights, I start off with a merino base layer, add the vest, then add a lightweight insulation jacket. The stretch panels do a good job of breathing so I don’t immediately overheat. As I warm up I usually shed the jacket. On warmer nights I just wear the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest over a long-sleeved merino top, and it’s ideal for the start of the walk in lower temps. Once the temps are above 45 F, I often end up removing the vest as we pick up speed. I tend to run very hot when I move, even if I’m just ambling, so I prefer wearing vests rather than jackets to get the insulation and warmth in a more compact and targeted way.
Another way I sometime wear the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest is under a huge hoodie. I have a couple of warm alpaca pullovers that are lightweight and warm. Sometimes I like to pull on the vest over a short-sleeved shirt, add the vest, then wear a cozy sweater on top. Most often, for daily wear, I just throw on the vest over whatever I’m wearing, then add a rain shell or a warmer, insulation-style jacket. The long length gives me such incredible coverage. I just love it. I’m not a fan of winter, but the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest makes me want to drive out to the mountains and frolic in the snow!
Durable by Design
The Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest is made out of a DWR-coated polyester that gives the jacket some water-resistant qualities. Skhoop claims it also repels dirt. I seem to attract all sorts of stains and moisture, so I appreciate having a shell designed to protect me and keep itself clean. The vest is very durable and well-made, with a flower grid design imprinted on the soft, silky lining.
I like the nice large, deep, zippered front pockets. They have durable chunky YKK zippers with stretchy nylon pulls. Because the vest is so form-fitting, I don’t put much into the pockets: just a wallet in one and my asthma inhaler in the other. The front of the jacket also feature a chunky YKK zipper; this one is a double zipper that allows me to unzip from top or bottom. I love having that level of control over my temperature.
I often wearing the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest when I go fishing at night. On the pier the air can feel so much colder than what the thermometer shows. The other night it was supposed to be 45 F, but it was freezing. After an hour my toes were so cold in my shoes (I foolishly wore very thin socks!), but the rest of me actually felt exactly the right temperature. I wore the vest over a long-sleeved merino top and under a lined Gore-Tex rain shell. Having that extra coverage over my tummy and bum made all the difference.
My Swedish grandmother was an expert seamstress and made a lot of my clothes when I was a child and until I was an adult. I think she would admire the workmanship that went into the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest.
Bottom Line
I am so happy with the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest because it’s very well-made, it’s durable and holds up well to my abuse, it has a flattering shape and style, it performs well in so many different activities and temperatures, and it’s so thin that I can wear it over and under all my tops and jackets. I love this vest so much. I feel like for the first time in my vest life I have been heard. Skhoop, you get me!
Details
Skhoop is a Swedish brand that has an online US store. They make top-quality women’s apparel and outerwear, and are committed to sustainability. Their products have received an OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification.
Other little things I enjoy about the Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest: thoughtful details like the nylon loop under the inside collar for hanging up the vest, a zipper garage at the top of the collar, a reflective flower on the back of the vest (I walk at night and need visibility wherever I can get it), and its positive messages stitched onto the labels inside the jacket. Life is tough, so I appreciate positivity and sentiment wherever I can get it: “created with a warm heart & curious mind.” Sounds lovely to me.
Available in sizes XS-XXL. I found a perfect fit in my usual size, XL. The Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest comes in several rich colors, including Maple, Inca Gold, Denim Blue, Olive, and Black. I opted for Black because I’m a city gal, but I wish I had more in other colors! Available on Skhoop’s website, links below.
Manufacturer: skhoop.us
Main image and first two mages in article from Skhoop website