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Here’s my personal KÜHL ENGINEERED men’s hoodie review.
It’s not your usual bulky hoodie but a lightweight long-sleeve with a hood. Designed for summer weather and outdoors, it’s a long-sleeve shirt with sun protection. It’s a shirt you would wear when hiking in the woods, going on long walks on a hot and sunny day, and when cycling or kayaking — it works for all of this. And since it’s summer right now here in Europe, the timing for the review seemed just perfect.
So let’s go more into details now!
Table of Contents
KÜHL ENGINEERED Men’s Hoody: Technical Details
The shirt is made of 100% lightweight Polyester fabric.
When you talk about fabric and activewear, it’s important to look at the fabric density. It’s usually measured in GSM. The base of this shirt is made of 140 GSM fabric, with 130 GSM mesh. 140 GSM is lightweight. Very lightweight. Some Merino wool t-shirts are “heavier”. Similar design base layers and hoodies designed for colder weather outdoor activities are around 220 – 300 GSM. In winter you will also want to have a mid-layer and quality jacket (outer layer).
The shirt is available in several colors and sizes (S – XXXL).
KÜHL ENGINEERED Men’s Hoody Review
When you hear “hoodie”, you don’t usually think of hot summer days.
You think of cool mornings or evenings. You think of spring or autumn. However, this is not your regular hoodie. First and foremost, it’s a sun protection shirt. It’s a long-sleeve shirt for summer walks, rides, boat rides. It’s a shirt for hiking in summer.
1. It’s An Extra Lightweight Hoodie
You see it when you look at the technical details.
The fabric density of 130-140 GSM means ultra-light.
You feel it when you first touch the hoodie. It’s an ultra-lightweight hoodie. And you really feel it when you go out — hiking, or cycling, or running. You feel, how light it feels on your body. Even though, the fabric may feel a bit rough on you at first. Another thing to love about the shirt — it takes very little space. Extremely little space. So it’s never a problem to pack a long-sleeve like this with you. And when the shirt is this lightweight, you immediately know — it won’t be too hot wearing it.
Because this shirt is made for summer, it’s designed for it.
2. It’s Designed for Summer
Last time I wore it, it was extra hot outside.
I was going on a 2-day cycling trip, and this shirt was the only shirt I used for cycling. It was super hot outside, I spent hours under direct sun, yet I was feeling totally comfortable. First, because the shirt is this lightweight. Second, because it’s extremely good at breathability — you feel the air on your skin. Last but not least, because it offers sun protection (in some parts UPF 20+, in other – UPF 30+).
Speaking of the latter, since you don’t need to apply sunscreen on your arms, you also simply feel more comfortable. I don’t know about you, but I, personally, hate dealing with sunscreen when, for example, I’m cycling on dusty gravel roads or forest trails. It’s just so much easier when you don’t have to do it — in this case, you don’t have to deal with it.
Because this shirt is designed for summer.
3. It Doesn’t Smell
This shirt is great at breathability.
You actually feel the air on your skin. That means you sweat less, and even if you do — the smell doesn’t stay, it goes away. That’s the thing about quality activewear; it has a smart design. In this case, there are strategically placed breathable, open-knit, panels that allows the shirt to be both durable and breathable, while not sacrificing the looks.
The shirt looks good on you, and you feel good in it.
4. It’s a Hoodie With Thumb Loops
What I want to say is that it’s a very practical hoodie.
Thumb loops make it fit better on you. It assures that the sleeves won’t go up. While it may not be important when walking or hiking, during a tiring bicycle ride it’s a super nice comfort to have. It’s also a nice feature to have if the day isn’t as sunny and hot, or if the weather has changed unexpectedly, because having sleeves in place does make you feel warmer. And speaking of the heat retention, this is also where having a hood plays an important role. If it gets colder — just put the hood on; it’s ultra-lightweight too, but, anyway, it does give you some warmth.
Last but not least, the already-mentioned size. It’s lightweight and extra small when packed, making it a great choice for minimalist travelers. You can easily take a shirt like this with you everywhere. You can pack it in a carry on.
Is There Something I Don’t Like About the Hoodie?
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). Maybe I should have chosen L instead of M size hoodie. I feel it the most when using the thumb loops. Otherwise, the M size hoodie feels near perfect on me. Use their Size Guide to find the right size for you.
Second is the material. 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. Even though you may imagine something else, when thinking of ultra-light clothing. It’s definitely not silky.
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 hoodie was sponsored by KÜHL, my opinions shared are my own. I, personally, have been testing it out.
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