Though it’s high season for the Ugly Christmas Sweater, a category near and dear to my heart, I also take pleasure in a well-made sweater that’s stylish all the time.
The folks at Mountain Khakis sent me their Bridger Sweater (shown above). The company, based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, named this design after the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. I’m sure there’s a metaphor to be unpacked here, something about the majesty of the forest reflected in the sweater’s regal color palette.
The emerald/burnished gold color combo is eye-catching but not too loud. In the colder months, when layering is a must, the Bridger pairs well with other patterns or a bright scarf.
Mountain Khakis emphasizes the “feminine” fit of its women’s line, such as the Bridger’s scoop neck and shapely silhouette. The Bridger is no exception. It’s comfy but not slouchy, and it avoids The Box, the dreaded shape that plagues we wanderlusters with long torsos and no appetite for baring our midriffs. (The box is a plague that’s most definitely a first-world problem, sure).
The sweater’s cotton-wool blend is soft and not scratchy. I’ve had the good fortune to review several Mountain Khakis pieces, including their Flannel and the Lodge Jacket. I’m consistently impressed with the construction and durability of the clothes. The first time I washed the sweater, it looked a little less sprightly than when it was new. This may well be Wanderchic error. I tend to throw things into the wash rather, uh, indiscriminately; on the next wash I’ll try a delicates bag or pillowcase to maintain the sweater’s shape and softness.
So break out the felted reindeer antlers and the bedazzled vests for the holidays. And take a look at the Mountain Khakis site for classic pieces with a fresh twist. You’ll want something cool to wear once the jingle sweaters are packed away.
Photo Credit: Mountain Khakis