Kate Agathon

The Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Crew Sweater is the softest sweater that I have worn in recent memory.

I was first drawn to it because of its casual weekend look. The color blocked drop shoulder sleeves give off serious 1990s-long-sleeve-tee-underneath-a-short-sleeve-tee retro vibes. And I was definitely here for it! It just looked fun.

Secondly, the Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Crew Sweater is one of the few sweaters available this season that isn’t cropped.

While the cropped trend has appeared on everything from puffy jackets to fleece pullovers, I wasn’t on board for the look. I’m not some 20-year-old. I’m well into middle age and the cropped look just looks silly on me. I wanted something that provided some serious coverage for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

Look and Fit

Although I have worn Smartwool baselayers and socks for several years, astonishingly, this is the first time that I’ve worn one of their sweaters.

The regular fit knit sweater features a rolled edge collar and sleeve opening. I liked how the color blocking breaks up the visual monotony and gives it a casual look. The tulip hem and slightly longer back with contrasting colors was also a nice touch and reminded me of a baseball shirt.

The ridiculously soft merino wool blend has an almost chenille-like softness. I couldn’t believe how wonderful it felt!

Constructed of recycled polyester, merino wool and nylon, the sweater offers just the right amount of weight for days when it’s too cold to wear a long sleeve tee shirt solo.

Ideal for bluebird winter days with intense sun, the Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Sweater adds a boost of warmth without the bulk of a sweatshirt. I can see this becoming a shoulder season staple when spring arrives.

Size Down

Depending on what article of clothing you’re wearing, Smartwool does have some inconsistency. For example, I wear a size small in baselayers and socks, a size medium in the Smartloft vest, and in this sweater, I found myself wearing a size extra small.

With the Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Sweater, I recommend going a size down from what your normal size is.

Best for lazy days doing errands and grabbing coffee, the Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Crew is available in four colors (Black, Almond Heather, Lead Heather, Twilight Blue Donegal) and five sizes (XS to XL).

If you are looking for a comfy sweater with appropriate coverage, I definitely recommend the Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Crew.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.