The fabric of the Smartwool Long Sleeve Button Up is soft, light and stretchy which gives it the feel of a base layer weight shirt. The fabric is a merino and polyester mix which gives something of a mix of the best qualities of both with good odour resistance after days of wear and quicker drying than a pure merino fabric. This mix also seems to help the shirt keep its shape with extender wear and after washing. Repeated wear and wash cycles have given the fabric some light bobbling in high wear areas but nothing unsightly and the light fabric is looking durable.
Peter Macfarlane’s verdict
Smartwool made a great fitting shirt with an excellent fabric which is just lacking a little in its features for all round hill use.- Light
- Comfortable
- Excellent fabric
- Collar doesn’t stand up
- Small single pocket
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £109.99 Weight: 264g Large Pros: light, comfortable, excellent fabric Cons: collar doesn’t stand up, small single pocket Materials: 56% Merino Wool, 44% Polyester Features: Full length buttoned front, buttoned cuffs, shirt collar, chest pocket Sizes: S-XXL Women’s version: no www.smartwool.co.uk |
The shirt is very pleasant against the skin and has been comfortable on warmer and cooler days on its own or layered. The seams are all flat inside and the front placket sits smoothly with seven buttons from neck to hem. The cuffs are double thickness fabric and sit neatly under other layers with just enough room for a chunky watch to be accessed.
They have a single button with a single button placket and roll above my elbow easily. The collar is well shaped but quite soft and doesn’t stand up on its own which is a pity, it’s one of the best advantages of an outdoor shirt. The fit is a relaxed slim in my regular Large size. I can get a close fitting base layer under the Smartwool but it’s been best on its own as a base layer.
There is one small chest pocket on the Smartwool Long Sleeve Button Up which is isn’t very useful, more capacity would be better but it needs a button as well. A buff or liner gloves crammed in is fine but my sunglasses slip out easily if I bend or scramble. Smartwool made a great fitting shirt with an excellent fabric which is just lacking a little in its features for all round hill use.
