Attractive, warm, and, nicely constructed, the Outerknown Blanket Shirt is versatile enough to get you from a beach party to a weekend brunch.
Pro-surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore launched Outerknown in 2015 with the idea of making a true connection between sustainability and style. So far, the company has done a good job of it, with a focus on environmental issues, working conditions, and animal welfare, while garnering a loyal following along the way. Ninety percent of its production uses organic, recycled, or regenerated materials.
The Blanket Shirt is manufactured at Cheng Feng (Jiangsu) Apparel, a Chinese company that has a good labor record and has been reducing its environmental impact. "They've been making clothing since the early 1960s and were the first supplier to join the Fair Labor Association and are fully accredited," Mark Walker, Outerknown's CEO, told me in an email. "They share our values and work hard to ensure that their employees are treated fairly."
The Blanket Shirt is one of Outerknown's best sellers and for good reason. It's made from 100% organic cotton and features buttons made from corozo palm nuts that are "all-natural, renewable and biodegradable," according to Walker. The same level of care goes into the design of the Blanket Shirt, with its thick twill-weave that won't wrinkle, reinforced side seams for strength, and the beautiful assortment of mostly plaids and stripes that the overshirt comes in.
It's warm, comfortable, and roomy enough to be worn as a light jacket. If you're looking for a slimmer fit, consider going down a size, but in my opinion, that defeats the purpose of an overshirt. It's versatile enough to wear hiking or to a weekend brunch.
The Blanket Shirt is costly but is worth the price because of the sustainability that goes into its construction and the exceptional workmanship involved. Outerknown also makes an even heftier version that will get you through the winter.
Pros: Sustainably made, well-constructed, versatile
Cons: A bit pricey