This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Details
- Price $625 at outlier.nyc
- Material Italodrill (65% polyester, 35% cotton)
- Fabric Weight 250 gsm
- Weight 38.45 oz / 1090 g (Size M)
- Made in Manhattan
Overview
I've been wearing Outlier for many years now yet they never fail to surprise me with their creativity and willingness to push out stuff that other brands might be afraid to.
This is thanks to their ingenious idea to release products as part of an “experiment”— a label they give limited-run products that test market sentiment. Limited runs cost more to make due to lower quantity which makes it risky for both Outlier and the customer. But this has allowed them to continuously innovate which has propelled them to the design and materials powerhouse they are now.
Italodrill Hardhooded is experiment number #476. Many successful experiments have become some of my favorite pieces and I look forward to seeing if this can make it.
Style
The Italodrill Hardhooded keeps things minimalist with a single color option: a deep, versatile black that leans industrial. As someone who started wearing only black a few years ago, almost always offering a black option is why I love Outlier.
Outlier's branding used to be purist, or non-existent, but since the influence of visionary designer Willie Norris, branding—like the black woven “Black Lightning” label that sits on the chest pocket—has become more commonly observed. While I am still a purist who prefers having no labels, I've warmed up to the design of this label. It's one of the few that elevates the piece, rather than just stamping on a name.
The jacket is clean with pristine fabric punctuated by premium Italian Cobra Zero snaps. It feels overbuilt yet understated. My favorite detail is probably the lining along the snaps. This always feels like such an Outlier-esque touch.
The hood, similar to the ones on your favorite sweatshirt, is attached to a clean work shirt. To others, it looks like you are wearing a hoodie under a work shirt, essentially making it faux layering. Call me an honest traditionalist, but I am never one for portraying a look without actually wearing the pieces that constitute it.
I am undecided if I like it. While the attached-on hood throws in rugged utility against the sophisticated jacket, it can sometimes make you look pretty haggard.
At 6 feet (182 cm) and about 187 lbs (85 kg), I went for my usual size of large. Outlier has always been consistent with sizing and large was perfect. The cut is short though, that if you wear a large t-shirt, it'll stick out from the bottom. This doesn't look bad when unbuttoned, but if you choose to button up and your t-shirt isn't well-fitted, it'll stick out from the bottom, ruining the clean lines that the jacket was designed to give.
The sleeves come with snaps that, when opened, let you fold it up to give a casual look. The garment feels versatile, with options to dress it up or down with the sleeve rolling or unbuttoning the front.
This used to be an ad.
But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.
I wondered if I could wear it without the hood by flipping the hood inward and unfortunately, it creates a huge lump around your shoulder that neither looks presentable nor feels comfortable. I think Outlier missed a huge opportunity to make the hood detachable.
Material
The Italodrill Hardhooded is a trifecta of technical fabric innovations:
Italodrill Exterior
This 250gsm polycotton twill, woven in Italy, combines the durability of polyester (65%) with the breathability of cotton (35%). The fabric is reminiscent of elevated workwear, offering a unique drape thanks to its Italian craftsmanship. Twill weaves like this are known for their durability and subtle texture, which balances ruggedness with refinement, making them both versatile and long-lasting.
Alpha60 Core
This setup combines Polartec Alpha 60 insulation with a 170gsm top capped, 17.5 micron nylon-core merino lining. Developed for the U.S. Special Forces, the Alpha 60 on the inside is an advanced midweight insulation noted for its extreme breathability and non-migrating properties. This allows it to pair effectively with open-face fabrics like the Italodrill. Its structure, which incorporates a spacer mesh, ensures warmth without overheating—a critical feature for high-activity or transitional weather. This fabric's standout feature is its ability to maintain insulation while allowing air circulation, making it adaptable to a range of conditions.
Hard/co Merino Hood
A blend of 68% cotton and 32% merino wool (19 microns), this heavyweight fabric (460gsm) which I've had great experiences, with on the Outlier Hard/co Merino Hoodie, provides a soft, high-performance interior. The high-density knit exterior adds structure, helping the hood maintain its shape, while the merino terry loops inside regulate body temperature and resist odors. Knit in Australia, the material balances toughness with comfort, supporting extended wear without compromising breathability.
Each of these fabrics is designed to work harmoniously, offering durability, thermoregulation, and comfort. The outer layer provides resistance against the elements, while the inner merino and Alpha 60 combo excel at maintaining a dry and warm microclimate around the body.
Usage
This hoodie excels as a transitional piece—perfect for fall commutes or layering under a shell during winter. The insulation keeps you warm without overheating during light activity, and the breathability is leagues ahead of synthetic-heavy competitors.
I have been cycling between the Outlier Hard/co Merino Hoodie and the Twoway version since the beginning of the cooler season. These hoodies were as comfortable as my most broken-in sweatshirts.
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
But switching to the Italodrill Hardhooded, I could instantly feel the difference between the 17.5-micron and the Hard/co's merino blend of 68% cotton, and 32% 19-micron merino wool. Besides the lower micron count, the texture of the Italodrill Hardhooded is much smoother and softer, similar to Outlier's legendary merino t-shirts.
The merino-lined pocket openings are positioned to the sides to look seamless. This is a somewhat awkwardly-positioned opening to put your hands in from, but I think this is a fair compromise to maintain the clean aesthetic. They are spacious, warm, and feel comfortable around the hand.
The durable twill shell shrugs off abrasions from backpacks or rough surfaces. It's versatile but it’s not for everyone. First of all, it weighs ~1090g, which might as well be a ton for ultralight enthusiasts.
It feels warm but thin. It felt comfortable as a single layer down to about 46 °F (8 °C), and bearable up to about 41 °F (5 °C), but this depends heavily on your tolerance for cold. The warmth felt similar to a heavyweight hoodie like the Outlier Hard/co Merino Twoway Hoodie.
The hood is a comfortable size that sits around my head nicely. The Hard/co material keeps my head and neck warm.
I've loved all my experiences with the Cobrax Zero Snaps because of how they look, but the hood throws a curveball here—the hood adds thickness to the top of the jacket that buttoning the top isn't an option and the top button seems like it is for show.
Having an extra button isn't an issue but what's an issue is how the top two snaps get pulled apart easily when lifting the hood over your head or when a backpack strap pulls on your shoulders.
Aesthetically, the hood is what makes it unique, but it also means that you can't wear a hoodie under it. This restricts it as a mid-layer, although that was what it was designed for. On the flip side, it might be a great outer for those who like the look of a hoodie without the bulk.
Conclusion
This hoodie is a Swiss Army knife for mid-layers, balancing warmth, breathability, and durability, and looks to have everything that proves Outlier's knack for fusing utilitarian function with elevated design. It’s a candidate to shelter me for office commutes and unexpected after-work adventures.
This piece isn’t for minimalists or ultralight devotees, and the hood-on-jacket design isn’t exactly classic. Will this make it to the main collection? I’d lean towards a “no” due to the price point, but it feels like a gladiator in the ring—occasional runs might still provoke wild cheers from its devoted crowd. Black lightning, baby!
Additional Images
Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.
Tagged hard/co hoodie italodrill jacket merino wool outlier polartec review