prAna Bolero Vest Review
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The temps have finally fallen in Colorado after an unseasonably warm fall. I’m excited for cool mornings and evenings because it is officially vest season! Yes, vest season I say. When the temps are not quite cold enough for a full jacket but not warm enough to go sans outer layer, vests are the perfect solution. Fortunately, I have had prAna’s new Bolero Vest in black to try out.
The shell of the Bolero is made of 100% microfiber polyester with a DWR finish, making it water resistant to the elements. The photo above does not do the vest justice as the shell fabric does not look wrinkly when on. I love the super cozy micro thermal fleece lining; the combination of the nylon shell and fleece lining make the vest a lot warmer than your traditional fleece vest. There are two zippered hand pockets that also feature a soft lining, making for a plush spot to warm your hands. There is a third zippered pocket located on the inside at the left chest which easily fits a smart phone or iPod.
What I like most about the Bolero vest is the fit and extra accents that prAna has added to make my black vest stand out. First off, the vest has an attached hood that features the same soft fleece lining, which adds a little more warmth to the piece and protection if the weather does turn sour. There are decorative silver rivets located near each zipper that add a bit of style. While my favorite style feature is the Ombre stitching (I actually had to look this term up!). Needless to say, there are 7 separate thread colors sewn horizontal to one another along the waist of the vest and under each arm hole and across the back to the other arm hole. The thread colors add just enough pop to the black vest to make it a little more unique and dressy enough to wear out on the town, at least here in Colorado.
The vest hits at my mid hip, as designed, which I really like and don’t always see in vests. As the trend of low rise pants continues, I always like a lit more coverage when I am bending or doing active things so that I don’t show off any of my goods, if you know what I mean. prAna describes the Bolero as semi-fitted and I couldn’t agree more. The vest is not at all boxy, rather it curves in with your curves. I am right in between a small and medium per their size guide; I ordered a small and have plenty of room to put a base and mid layer underneath with breathing room to allow me to move around. However, if you plan on putting more layers underneath, such as a bulky sweater, size up if you are in the middle like me.
The Bolero Vest retails for $100 and I feel that this is a pretty fair price for a well made vest that can double as an active or casual piece for the shoulder season. For more information on the Bolero Vest and other prAna products, please visit www.prAna.com.
This last photo is just for fun. Suki, one our dog testers, had to put the Bolero vest on:)
