I don’t know about you, but when I plan vacations, I tend to turn them into “runcations” – either by locating cool spots to run and/or finding a race to participate in while I’m there. I have found myself able to do this more and more (via work travel and play), and thus I am spending more time in airports than ever before. SInce my trips aren’t generally that long, I don’t pack a full luggage bag – mostly a medium-sized pack or backpack I can use as carry on. As a result, I have to be selective as to what I am packing, and also ensure that the stuff I bring is able to reach its maximum potential, and ideally can be multi-functional as well. If I can use something in a couple different venues on my trips (as airport attire and office attire, or office/casual wear), that really makes things easier and leaves more room for the important things – running shoes and clothes!
Bluffworks specializes in travel clothing – committing to lightweight and breathable options that are also moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant. Some of the items offer multiple pockets for convenience – and also as a security feature too. We tried out a couple of items as I am gearing up for a few travel dates here in the next few months.
On the surface, this is a pretty standard piece of apparel. It’s a grey t-shirt after all. But I can tell you that this is one of the nicer feeling tees out there and it does everything this kind of top should do – look good, be multi-functional, and be long-lasting. This wrinkle-free tee hasn’t yet baconed at the neck or stretched, so it continues to hold it’s basic aesthetic. It also looks great as a standalone piece, as well as something worn under a collared-shirt of sweater. And finally, I have had this for a while and it’s holding up to all the challenges in my life – sweat, wear, kids, running, etc.
This is not your 100% cotton tee that starts feeling funny after the first wash or two – it’s a nicely blended construction that is moisture-wicking and the addition of gold and silver nanoparticles in the fabric is said to withstand odor. It’s a shirt I find myself packing on travel trips as one that I can wear a couple of times through airports and such and not smell like I have. It would also be a great top to toss on between legs at Hood to Coast, CLR, or any one-day relay to keep your vanmates from avoiding you.
I’m not normally a vest guy, but this quilted one could absolutely make me one. It’s not one of those cheap sporty vests, but instead provides a classy fit with a double-snap stand collar and tapered design. Beyond that, just give it one touch and you can tell it is heavy duty. The vest water-repellent and has 100g PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation, making it a perfect option for layering on those cooler PNW days. Even the buttons and zipper are top-notch. There are also a total of 7 pockets – both inside and out – where you can stash any number of things (and hide others, like passports and wallets, when travelling).
Having worn this for a few weeks, I know it’s a perfect option for some extra warmth, without added weight, for those of us who bike to work. It’s even just great for a casual walk (the pockets have stored more than a few diapers and snacks) or as a hip look when out on a date night. If all vests looked and felt like this, I’d go sleeveless all the time!
The Quilted Vest comes in 2 colors – Navy and Olive.
For years, I stocked my closet with the cheapest jeans I could find. I figured that all jeans were essentially the same so it didn’t matter. As I’ve gotten a little bit older, and perhaps a bit more “refined” I have found that a good pair of jeans can last through the years, and can outlast multiple pairs of some cheaper versions that shrink and don’t hold up. The Departure jeans look and feel like denim, but are actually made a blend of cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex. Honestly, you would have no idea the difference if you hadn’t read these specs. They are lightweight as far as jeans go, and absolutely have less wrinkles after wear than probably any of my other pairs.
There are two hidden pockets hidden under the back yoke of the jeans and have zippers on them. These are for the provision of more secure travel features, and though I didn’t find much need for them but I can definitely understand how having some added security during travel, or potentially even out on the town, may prove to be a solid idea.
Hidden pocket!
Overall, I was impressed with the quality of Bluffworks. Their stuff could be seen as a little on the higher side, but I don’t see any indication why these shouldn’t be a solid clothing investment. The prices aren’t astronomical by high quality clothing standards and they seem right in line with those brands – and also include the great features that runners like me appreciate. RECOMMENDED!
Company: Bluffworks (Facebook)
Products:
- Threshold T-Shirt ($45)
- 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, 5% Elastane blend
- Quilted Vest ($155)
- 100% technical, breathable, quick-dry polyester shell
- Treated with a water-repellent finish.
- Departure Jeans ($125)
- 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex
More About Bluffworks:
It’s not about the clothes – it’s what you do in them. Bluffworks was founded to fit into every aspect of your life’s journey – work, travel, play (and everything in between). Our apparel’s comfort, stylish versatility, and durability are designed to go the distance and help you focus on the journey ahead.
Designed to live at the intersection of adventure and life, Bluffworks melds technical performance with office ready looks. Our gear uses quick drying, breathable and wrinkle resistant materials with innovative features to create products that you can wear every day, whether you’re climbing mountains or the corporate ladder. Our comfort, style and durability are built to last, so you can focus on the road ahead.
Thank you to Bluffworks for providing us with sample items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
