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Here’s my personal KÜHL ALLOY men’s 1/4 zip long sleeve review.
In short, it’s an ultra-lightweight long-sleeve shirt designed for outdoors. Thanks to its weight and packability, it’s a shirt you can easily pack with you also on an overseas trip and use it as an all-in-one activewear. It’s suitable for different kind of sports, everything from hiking to kayaking and cycling. It works the best in hot summer weather.
Let’s go more into details now! We’ll talk both about the good and bad.
Table of Contents
KÜHL ALLOY Men’s 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve: Technical Details
The shirt is made of durable 100% Polyester fabric.
It’s a very lightweight fabric with fabric density of 165 GSM. The density is one of the most important characteristics in activewear. For example, we have also reviewed a KÜHL hoodie made of even lighter fabric (140 / 130 GSM). It was the KÜHL ENGINEERED men’s hoodie. 165 GSM is lightweight. It’s as lightweight as a quality t-shirt. Base layers that are designed for fall and winter activities are usually around 220 – 300 GSM.
You may use this shirt also in colder weather, but you’ll definitely need some extra layer. A mid layer fleece, or some other mid layer and a quality outer layer jacket.
The shirt is available in several colors and sizes (S – XXL).
KÜHL ALLOY Men’s 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve Review
Here’s a thing about long sleeve shirts and hot weather activities, like hiking in summer. Take the wrong shirt (too heavy and warm) and you’ll feel extra uncomfortable, choose the right one (designed for summer) — and you’ll love it.
No, long sleeve shirts aren’t all the same.
1. It’s A Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt
Look at the photo above. This shirt is that thin.
You can see that also when looking at the specifications online. 165 GSM means a lightweight and almost see-through material. And you can definitely feel that when you first touch the material and put the shirt on. It does feel super lightweight on you. It’s a very nice feeling, even though, the fabric may feel a bit rough on you at first. Another thing to love about lightweight activewear is that it mostly takes very little space. You can likely put a shirt like this in a pocket of your lightweight rain jacket.
And when a shirt is this thin, you know — it won’t hot. No matter the weather.
Because this shirt is made for summer, it’s designed for it.
2. It’s Designed for Summer
Yes, it’s lightweight and tiny when packed.
But let’s not forget that it’s a shirt with sun protection. Not only it protects you from the sun by covering your body; but it actually offers UPF 15+ sun protection. It protects from the sun rays’ negative effect on the skin. It’s not much, there are shirts also with higher protection, but it’s enough for an average user.
Another thing I, personally, like about the built-in sun protection is that you may not need to apply sunscreen on your arms anymore — it adds to the comfort. For example, I hate dealing with sunscreen when I’m cycling or hiking on dusty gravel roads or forest trails. It’s very nice that you don’t have to do it.
3. It’s a Breathable Long Sleeve
Good breathability is a must in summer activewear.
And this shirt is great at breathability. You feel that.
You actually feel the air on your skin. On a hot summer day, or when you’re pushing your limits, great breathability means that you sweat less, you also feel cooler, and even if you do sweat — the smell doesn’t stay, it goes away much more easily. All thanks to the shirts smart design and high quality fabric.
The shirt looks good on you, and you feel good in it.
4. It’s Versatile
As a lightweight, athletic design shirt, it’s very versatile.
You can wear it for all kind of sports, everything from hiking to kayaking and cycling. As long as the weather isn’t too cold. It feels okay also on cool mornings, thanks to the above-mentioned breathability, which makes it very easy for sweat to evaporate (if sweat doesn’t stay on your body, you feel more warm). It feels okay on cool mornings also because of the thumb loops. It may sound like a small detail, but it does add to the comfort and warmth.
Same way, having the zipper is super nice, when it gets too hot.
Is There Something I Don’t Like About the Long Sleeve?
There are two things I would like to highlight.
First is the length of sleeves. They do feel a tiny bit too short for me, a 186 cm tall person (6 feet and 1 inch). I had the same experience with the KÜHL ENGINEERED hoodie. So, I guess, it could be simply about the size. I should have chosen L size instead of M size shirts. In both cases, I feel it the most when using the thumb loops. Otherwise, the M size feels near perfect on me.
Use their Size Guide to find the right size for you.
Second is the material of the shirt. I’m actually fine with it. But I know that for some it’s necessary to remind about that. This kind of technical activewear, made of 100% polyester, may feel a bit rough on body. Not as silky as you may imagine, when thinking of ultra-light sports clothing. It’s definitely not silky to touch.
About KÜHL
KÜHL is a an independently owned outdoor company from the US.
The company specializes in the manufacture of outdoor activewear.
We believe that we are defined by our actions. As an independently owned company our definition of success is different. Our goal is simple: employ and partner with great people, source responsibly, and provide a higher quality of living for all involved to make the best damn products. We want to give you the opportunity to enjoy the journey rather than focusing on the destination. / kuhl.com
KÜHL has brick-and-mortar stores in the US and Canada.
Their online store offers delivery to Europe as well.
Disclosure: Although the long-sleeve shirt was sponsored by KÜHL, my opinions shared are my own. I, personally, have been testing it out.
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