TAYLOR STITCH WILTON JACKET: REVIEW

FOREWORD

Buying things has never been easier. With same day delivery getting more and more common, our always-connected phones representing a never closing marketplace and the human need for instant gratification, it is almost effortless to keep buying things that we actually don’t need. In this era of abundance conscious consumption is becoming not just the right choice, but the only choice if we hope to leave our planet to future generations in a better state than we got it.

This is why brands that are built around sustainable manufacturing and responsible business practices have become the paragons of smart consumption. One of such brands is Taylor Stitch.

Initially founded as a shirt brand, Taylor Stitch has grown into a men's lifestyle company specializing in timeless pieces, built from the best materials out there.

I had the pleasure of testing their Wilton jacket, a mid-weight wool jacket ideal for the changing fall and spring weather.

Read on to find out more about this excellent piece.

WHO IT SUITS

• Anyone looking for a jacket with a heritage vibe, but with modern features.

• Those who value comfort will love wearing this jacket.

• If you are practicing sustainability and thoughtful consumption, the Wilton jacket will be right up your alley.

WHO IT DOESN’T

• Those looking for a water-resistant jacket should look elsewhere. This in combination with the snap button closure and no zipper result in the Wilton not protecting you from harsh snow, rain or wind

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

* PRICE: $248

* COMPOSITION:

7-oz. 80% Wool, 20% Polyester, Birdseye wool shell.

7-oz. 100% Brushed Organic Cotton lining.

80 gram 100% recycled polyester fill.

COMFORT

The Wilton jacket is exceptionally comfortable and pleasant to use thanks to a clever combination of different materials that complement each other perfectly. The outer layer is made out of a beautiful birdseye wool shell that feels great and looks even better when you zoom in on its unique pattern. The mid layer ensures great temperature regulation and plenty of warmth thanks to the high-quality, recycled polyester fill. Last but not least, the grey liner is made out of a brushed organic cotton. All together, these layers offer an outstanding experience wearing the Wilton jacket.

Tested from February to April, the jacket offered great protection against the elements whilst looking great in the process.

DESIGN & MATERIAL

The Wilton is a classic fall jacket that I found very easy to both dress up and dress down thanks to its timeless look and thoughtful design. The wave quilt construction not only holds all layers together, but also adds an unquestionable charm.

Antique brass hardware further contributes to an unmistakable heritage vibe, while the zippered hand pockets and chest pocket (all featuring industry-standard YKK zippers) make the Wilton a jacket fit for modern times.

The shell is made of a 7-oz blend of 80% wool and 20%, which strikes an excellent balance between weight and warmth, complemented with a soft liner made from 100% organic cotton. Using synthetic insulation was a smart choice since it offers the best weight-to-warmth ratio and unlike natural down does not lose its properties when wet. Speaking of wet, unsurprisingly, the Wilton does not offer water resistance and will soak up water as expected from a regular wool jacket, so do not expect any miracles here.

All hardware is YKK which added to my peace of mind that the jacket will last a while. For it is often the hardware that fails first (torn snap buttons, broken zippers, etc...) and I don’t expect this to be the case with the Wilton.

Overall, all the materials were painstakingly selected by the Taylor Stitch team to create more than the sum of its parts.

After around 8 weeks of wearing the jacket I noticed some pilling on the sleeves of the jacket and on the lower back (where my backpack apparently was creating some friction), which was easily removed with a blade. Alternatively a pill removing machine would also be useful here. This behaviour of the shell was not surprising, just be prepared for a bit of maintenance of the jacket every once in a while.

WHAT’S HOT

• Stylish and modern.

• Very comfortable and warm.

• Zippered hand warmer pocket and chest pocket add utility to the jacket.

• Sustainably built.

WHAT’S NOT

• The lack of a zipper closure is felt in windy and rainy situations.

• The pilling appearing on the shell in places of friction is expected, yet still somewhat frustrating.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

VERDICT

The Wilton jacket is a pleasure to wear. It offered welcome comfort during winter and early spring and proved to not only be gorgeous, but also quite capable thanks to the zippered hand warmer pockets and the chest pocket.

The materials selected by Taylor Stitch elevated the day-to-day experience wearing the Wilton, quickly making it my go-to piece for those chilly days.

I can recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a super cozy and warm piece with a heritage vibe yet featuring a modern silhouette.