Okay, let’s talk about my journey with Outlier clothing. It’s been a bit of an experiment, really.
How It Started
I first heard about Outlier, probably like a lot of folks, browsing around online forums, maybe Reddit or something. People were talking about these clothes made from weird, technical fabrics. Sounded interesting, maybe a bit nerdy. The big thing everyone mentioned was the price. Definitely not cheap.
So, I went and checked out their stuff online. Looked clean, simple designs. But yeah, those prices made me pause. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to drop that kind of cash on pants or a shirt that looked pretty plain, even if the materials were supposed to be special.
Taking the First Step
I kinda stewed on it for a while. Read some reviews, watched some videos. People seemed really passionate about the brand, especially for things like travel or just wanting clothes that lasted longer and needed less fuss. I figured, okay, I’ll give it a shot. Gotta see for myself, right?
I decided to start with something basic, something people recommended a lot. I think it was the Slim Dungarees. Seemed like their most popular thing. So, I pulled the trigger and ordered a pair. Felt like a bit of a gamble.
First Impressions and Wearing Them In
The package arrived pretty quickly. Nothing fancy, just the pants. I tried them on. The fit was alright, maybe a little different from my usual jeans or chinos. The fabric felt strange at first. Kinda stiff, but also stretchy? Hard to describe. Definitely not cotton.
I started wearing them just like any other pants. To the office (when I used to go), out for groceries, weekend stuff. Here’s what I noticed pretty fast:
- They shed water: Light rain or spills just beaded up and rolled off. That was cool.
- Didn’t get dirty easily: I could wear them way longer than other pants without them looking grubby.
- Comfort: They got more comfortable after a few wears and washes. The stretch was nice.
- Temperature: They seemed okay in different weather, not too hot, not too cold, but maybe not extreme temperatures.
Long Term Use and More Stuff
I’ve had those first pants for a good while now. They’ve held up really well. Minimal fading, no holes, shape is still good. The initial cost felt high, but seeing how long they’re lasting makes it feel a bit more reasonable.
Because the pants worked out, I got curious and tried a few other things over time. Got one of their merino t-shirts. Wow, that was different. Super soft, didn’t stink even after a few wears (seriously). Great for travel or just being lazy about laundry. Also tried a button-up shirt, same deal – weird fabric feel at first, but performed really well, especially with wrinkles and staying fresh.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Overall, my experience has been pretty positive. It wasn’t love at first sight, mostly because of the initial feel of the fabrics and the price. But I grew to appreciate the stuff.
Is it for everyone? Probably not. If you want super soft natural fibers right away, or if you balk at the price, it might not be your thing. But if you like clothes that are simple looking, last a long time, need less washing, handle different conditions well, and are great for travel or a minimal wardrobe, then yeah, it’s worth checking out.
I started skeptical, dipped my toe in, wore the stuff consistently, and found I actually really like having a few Outlier pieces in my rotation. They just kind of… work. No fuss. And that’s pretty valuable to me these days.
