Engearment

Kate Agathon

Sometimes I like to break up the monotony of wearing the usual black pants when I go nordic skiing and wear something fun and feminine. Thankfully, the Smartwool Smartloft Skirt  is the perfect winter skirt for cardio activities.

I was initially self-conscious about wearing such a short skirt (front length 14.5”, backlength is 16.5”), but if the length were any longer, it would be too restrictive for nordic skiing or snowshoeing.

Constructed from recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and recycled wool, this responsibly made skirt is definitely designed for winter outdoor recreating.

The skirt’s recycled wool insulation keeps my buns toasty and the DWR finish offers protection from the elements.

Described as a regular fit, I found the Smartwool Smartloft Skirt as somewhat fitted. Thankfully, the stretchy knit panels and waist allowed for maximum flexibility.

The side panels feature drop in pockets on each side, so keys and chapstick are easily accessible.

I was a little concerned about the mid-rise waist being too tight and causing some chafing. It hasn’t happened yet, but I do take precautions in taking allergy medication ahead of time and also applying some body glide around my waist.

Also, I tend to fluctuate between a size small and a size medium. I wavered between which size to get. The small felt a little too snug, but the medium was almost too loose and I wanted something that I was confident would stay in place. So, I ended up with the size small.

Throughout the day, I found the skirt comfortable, it moved with me, and it didn’t hinder my activities at all. Although I would have liked it to be an inch or so longer (especially when sitting down), I did have adequate coverage.

I get cold easily, so I only wore this on warmer days when the temperature was above 20 degrees. Paired with some thicker thermal wool baselayer leggings, the skirt sufficed. Also, I appreciated how it brought a bit of style for meeting up in the lodge for apres ski.

My fiance quickly remarked on how much he liked the skirt on me and how it showed off my legging-clad legs. Any item I can wear that gets his attention is definitely a keeper!

Designed for outdoor recreation, the Smartwool Smartloft Skirt is functional and super cute. Wear it on bluebird winter days when you want to level up your style game.

The Smartwool Smartloft Skirt is available in four colors (Black, Eggplant, Storm Gray, and Arctic Green) and five sizes (XS to XL).

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.