It’s officially cold in Oregon – and we have some great new gear from ARTILECT to meet your needs.
I jumped at the opportunity to test out the Flatiron 185 1/4 Zip. The timing was fantastic as an Oregonian as December and the start of the the colder months is here. I always wear baselayers on these colder running days and just in general to work and everyday wear. I don’t like being cold!
Looks & Fit: Overall, I am really enjoying this underlayer. The style is simplistic and great, it’s a solid fit (seems to be true to size and I like the longer torso length), and the quality is really nice. I am constantly adding merino items to my wardrobe and I’m happy to have found ARTILECT’s piece – this hoodie is a welcome (and oft-worn) addition!
It also fits a little looser on the body then what you would think of in a baselayer. If you are looking for a true compressive and snug fit, you may not find it here unless you size down. I have a long torso, and luckily this shirt wasn’t short on me. It’s always a let down to get a shirt that sits up too high. Toss in some thumb holes, on arms that were long enough for me, and you have an underlayer that us tall guys can actually appreciate!
Specs: This is a straightforward underlayer- no hidden bells and whistles – but ARTILECT has done a nice job with design, comfort, and technology. It’s constructed from merino but is made from Nuyarn technology, which has all of the benefits of merino and takes it an extra step. Merino wool is popular as outdoor gear because it doesn’t go rank (no matter how many days running that you wear the same shirt!), it’s warm even when wet, is quick-drying and breathable – but it’s delicate. Nuyarn processes the wool differently in production to amplify, rather than change, the merino fibers to make it more durable, more breathable, and slightly lighter.
Here’s some more nuanced specifics:
The Flatiron 185 1/4 Zip is as solid and dependable as its namesake rock formation in Boulder. Designed for thermo-versatility to zip up for warmth or down to dump heat, the Nuyarn technology really comes through in its ability to offer the highest warmth and moisture management capabilities with a steadfast durability that can’t be matched, even at heavier weights.
- Superior Bluesign® approved 185GSM Nuyarn merino fabric technology offers extra loft for an
- unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, 5x faster drying, and remarkable long-term durability
- Superfine 18 micron non-mulsed Australian merino Wool for maximum softness and wearability
The biggest, and perhaps only real issue with this top is the price. At $150, its a bit on the higher side. However, it can be used as a baselayer or an outer layer if you desire, so it may be able to get a lot of use. It’s super solid quality and you are getting a lot of bang for your bucks.
ARTILECT
Facebook | Instagram
Products:
-
Flatiron 185 1/4 Zip | $150
More About ARTILECT:
Equal parts art and intelligence, ARTILECT is an apparel studio backed by deep experience of the past, with a laser-focus on the future. We are a team of innovators and rule-breakers in a relentless pursuit of progress to inspire a community of intrepid explorers to discover our world and seek new heights.
ARTILECT is built to last, because making fewer things that last longer is the ultimate sustainability platform. At ARTILECT, our driving purpose is to deliver an unmatched performance experience, as well as create the least amount of impact on the world we love to play in. We believe that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, and through innovation and technology, both can not only coexist, but actually complement each other.
Thank you to ARTILECT for providing us with sample items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.