NAME: Daniel
AGE: 29
LOCATION: Victoria, British Columbia
OCCUPATION: Wanderer, Writer, Photographer
INSTAGRAM: @path.xo
WHAT GARMENT ARE YOU FIELD TESTING?
The 400 Crew.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE GARMENT?
Minimalist, sleek, black, essential, nice to touch. But... also a bit of strangler. I've gone back and forth a few times trying to figure out if I'm a medium or small in ecologyst gear. This sweater particularly confused me. The body fits perfectly but on the first wear, the neck opening was extremely tight and felt like it was choking me. I actually went to the store to test out a size medium, but it looked like I was swimming in it. It's gotten better with wear and I don't notice the tightness as much now. But I wonder if the grading is wrong with the sweater since I haven't had this issue with sweaters before. It also seems to be too tight on the upper portion of the sweater in general and when I'm wearing it the back seems to pop out a bit (just above the shoulder blades) making it look a bit too small.
DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WORE THIS GARMENT OUTSIDE.
HOW DID IT PERFORM?
Walking on the beach on a cool day in early April. Excellent for warmth. Cosier material than the Standfield wool crew by far and providing much of the same warmth while blocking the wind more effectively. This one is definitely added to my regular rotation.
HOW DOES THIS PRODUCT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Despite the tightness, I feel like it's a solid sweater and it looks great too. That being said, it's mildly uncomfortable and I find myself reaching to tug the collar away from my neck time and time again.
HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU WORN IT?
Multiple times a week, for a few weeks now.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FABRIC?
This sweaters' fabric is excellent to the touch and has nice detail on the inside for warmth. I enjoy the weight of the sweater.
DID YOU FOLLOW THE WASHING/DRYING INSTRUCTIONS WHEN CLEANING THE GARMENT? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU CLEAN IT?
Have not washed it yet.
DID THE GARMENT CHANGE AFTER USE?
Loosened a little bit around the neck (thankfully) but kept good form otherwise.
DID THE GARMENT MEET YOUR NEEDS?
Yes. Provides warmth and comfort while looking good too. I appreciate that the branding is sleek but minimal. It feels like a timeless sweater.
HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THIS PRODUCT?
Pattern grading for the upper portion definitely needs to be tweaked in my opinion - the small feels much too tight in the shoulder and neck area. And I'm a pretty small frame so I can imagine it would be tighter for muscley smaller sized guys. Otherwise, I think it's pretty solid.
TELL US A STORY ABOUT YOU IN THIS GARMENT.
I'm known for wearing black a lot. I had this sweater on along with black jeans and black socks and went to a potluck picnic with a solid black blanket under my arm. I sprawled out on my blanket on a sunny day next to a colourful group wearing bright colours on vibrant blankets. We all thought the exact thing as I joined the circle, and I curled up into a ball so that my head was covered and I was fully camouflaged. We had a good laugh at my dark style. I still love black and always will.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND?
Outdoors, by the beach, riding my bike, with a good crew and tasty food nearby. Potluck picnics.
WHAT'S ONE WAY THAT YOU LEAVE THINGS BETTER?
Thinking of the interests of others before my own. Not just doing random acts of kindness, but by figuring out what people enjoy and aiming to deliver.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US?
I love this field testing idea and would love for it to keep going. It's amazing that you're listening so openly to client feedback.
