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Details
- Price $395 at outlier.nyc
- Material 68% cotton, 32% 19-micron merino wool
- Fabric Weight 460 gsm
- Made in Australia
Overview
Outlier is a pioneer in high-performance clothing that blends technical materials with modern, minimalist aesthetics. Known for their meticulous attention to fabric science and construction, they’ve built a cult following among techwear enthusiasts and urban explorers, myself included.
I reviewed the Outlier Hard/co Merino Hoodie four years ago and it is still my favorite hoodie to date. The hoodie, to me, is a disguise as much as it is comfort. When I pull one on, I feel like the protagonists in thrillers that lurk in the shadows like ghosts. Unseen but always aware.
When I travel, it’s my constant companion that melts me into the background, dodging unwanted attention. The hoodie becomes a shield; the perfect blend of anonymity and presence. It’s not just about hiding—it’s about feeling grounded.
I feel a comfort in Outlier's hoodie; the soft fabric against my skin as steady as my heartbeat. It’s my uniform that keeps me at ease in uneasy foreign moments.
This version of the hoodie brings some interesting updates and will it surpass its predecessor? I'll find out.
Style
The Hard/co Merino Twoway Hoodie leans into simplicity while maintaining a polished aesthetic. Available in black and anthracite, with the latter looking close to a bluish-gray. As someone who only wears black and has built a blog around it, you get no prizes for guessing which I got.
It’s almost free of external branding, adhering to Outlier’s understated design philosophy. There is, however, a brand tag on the hand pockets on the wearer's right. This style of branding is pretty recent, under the influence of the design leadership of Willie Norris.
As a purist, I'm still fond of Outlier pieces with absolutely no external branding, but if there was to be branding, the design of this tag doesn't shout the brand name, thus looking elevated and premium.
The zippers on this version are noticeably shinier and might put off those who aren't into the bling. I personally prefer the blackened zippers on the original Hard/co hoodie, but these do add that Outlier edgy aesthetic to an otherwise normal-looking hoodie.
The two-way zipper allows for flexible styling—you can unzip from the bottom for added ventilation or a more relaxed silhouette. While I love the ability to regulate temperature, the bottom-unzipped style is perhaps too advanced of a styling technique for me.
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I've found Outlier outerwear pretty consistent in size so I got the size large, my usual size, without much thought. Sure enough, the size was on point for my 6-foot, 189 lbs frame.
The hoodie's fit is more or less standard, but a tinge shorter, giving it a somewhat boxy look. You can't tell unless you scrutinize it.
Material
The Hard/co Merino fabric is a moderately heavy terry knit at 460 gsm with a 68% cotton and 32% merino wool composition.
The 68% cotton provides durability and structure, ensuring the hoodie holds its shape and withstands daily wear. The 32% merino wool adds softness, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable and fresh for extended use. This blend combines strength and performance, making the hoodie versatile for travel, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear.
The real star is the merino terry loops interior that offers natural thermoregulation, moisture-wicking, and odor resistance, making it wearable for extended periods.
The #5 two-way Excella zipper by YKK is a premium product designed with precision and durability in mind. The “#5” zipper is considered a medium-sized zipper, typically used for garments, bags, and accessories. The number itself corresponds to the width of the zipper chain, specifically the width of the zipper’s teeth in millimeters—so a #5 zipper has a 5mm chain width.
Manufactured in Japan, it features meticulously polished metal elements for smooth operation and high-end aesthetic appeal. The two-way functionality allows for convenient opening from either end, enhancing usability in various applications or simply being a fashion statement.
The material, knitted in Australia, incorporates Good Earth Cotton from regenerative agriculture practices starting October 2024, underscoring Outlier’s commitment to sustainability.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
Usage
There is a thoughtful combination of ruggedness and comfort. It feels as durable as a Carhartt jacket, yet as cozy as a teddy bear's hug. I literally wear this all day; to the gym, while I work, and to sleep.
The handwarmer pockets are an expected, but no less thoughtful addition, but they fall a little short—literally. My larger hands feel like they’re squeezing into an economy seat when they should have business class. A touch more room would make them perfect, offering comfort without compromising style.
The zipper is exposed metal and if you are a hugger, someone shorter might get a shock from the cold touch of the gleaming zipper. The zippers are of good quality but aren't buttery smooth when in operation. Unzipping it completely isn't a one-handed operation as you will face resistance caused by the folds of the fabric.
While I don't unzip from the bottom for stylistic reasons, doing so does relax the fit a little and I find myself doing it when I'm feeling a little stuffy.
The hoodie is, of course, not water-resistant. Even though most of Outlier's lines have some form of water resistance, I did not expect the hoodie to have any.
The care label recommends washing the hoodie in cold water and drying it flat to avoid shrinkage, while also cautioning that the zipper might warp if exposed to heat during washing or drying. Since my washing machine is preset to cold, I simply toss it into a laundry net and include it in my regular laundry cycle. Most of my wardrobe is black, so separating colors hasn’t been necessary, and I haven’t noticed any dye bleeding during washes.
As for drying flat, I haven’t bothered since I lack the setup for it. Despite this, I’ve observed no noticeable shrinkage. If there has been any, it’s subtle enough that it hasn’t impacted the fit or comfort.
Apart from the zipper, this looks to be more or less the same hoodie as the original Outlier Hard/co Merino Hoodie and if so, I stand by the durability. The color didn't fade despite countless washes.
The only wear I could tell came from the cuffs and hems which looks a little less structured and more awry than when I first got it. I can see this happening already on the Twoway version, but it seems negligible and doesn't make the hoodie look any less sharp.
Conclusion
The Outlier Hard/co Merino Twoway Hoodie is an excellent choice for those seeking a hoodie that transcends the everyday. Its mix of technical performance and elevated design make it a standout piece, albeit one with a price that reflects its craftsmanship and quality.
Whether you’re layering it under a shell or wearing it solo, it’s a piece that feels as good as it looks.
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