I’m not really a suit and tie kind of guy, but I still like to look sharp. Not only that, but I like my clothes to be versatile, to adapt to how I’m feeling on any given day, kind of like a really good pair of jeans, clothing that can be as casual or as dressy as I want it to be. The Flatiron Jacket from Hornytoad definitely falls into this category.
Weighing in at a scant 1 lb. 9 oz., this jacket really stands up. It is made from a fabric the folks at Hornytoad are calling “Tweedy”, a combination of organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, which is blended together and then coated with a water repellent finish. I’ve had mine out in the classic Seattle rain (read drizzle) on more than a few occasions and it has performed like a champ. The jacket is also warm, not ski jacket warm, but warm enough to wear around town all through the fall. With the proper layering and a good scarf you should be able to wear this jacket in temps that dip down into the forties.
The jacket is obviously more casual than a sport coat but immensely more versatile. I’ve worn mine for everything from walking our dog to going to the opera and it has been able to fit perfectly in either context. The flannel lining in the main compartment adds a layer of warmth and comfort that I find appealing. The buttons are large enough to easily use, but not so large that they look odd and the fleece lined hand warmer pockets are a welcomed addition compared to the pockets on a traditional sport coat.
All in all, I’ve been really pleased with this jacket. I wear it whenever I can. Did I mention that it is machine washable (Fantastic!) and that their sizing chart was spot on? My only complaint is that it is a little puffy, especially in the sleeves. Washing it helped and I expect that the remaining puffiness will diminish with time or with multiple wears, which in my case shouldn’t take long at all.
The good
- stylish
- warm
- water repellent
- versatile
The bad
- a little puffy at first especially in the sleeves
Would I recommend it: Absolutely!
Available from Hornytoad for $160.00
Boring stuff:
- all images via Hornytoad
- Hornytoad provided me with a free review sample. This had no bearing on opinions expressed.