birddogs, a company we love for their lined shorts and khaki pants, just had their biggest product launch in years: lined quarter-zips.
Like everyone else, we were initially confused by the announcement. Is a lined q-zip something people need? Who even asked for this? We ordered several to get to the bottom of things.
Straight out of the package, the quarter-zip is shockingly soft. It’s plush and stretchy all at once. The fabric is really unique. My old half-zips from Vuori and Patagonia felt stiff and grainy in comparison (and I typically love Vuori’s fabric).
The best thing about the birddogs q-zip, though, is the fit. The quarter-zip fits better because it stretches, so it’s able to “snap” back into place, instead of hanging loose like other outerwear.
The fit was way smoother and less boxy than other outerwear I own. I tested it in a variety of settings and it didn’t scrunch up or ‘muffin top’, no matter how I moved.
And what’s the deal with the liner? To be honest, I don’t know. But it feels good to wear, doesn’t get sweaty, and stretches the same as the rest of the q-zip.
As for value, the birddogs q-zip comes in at $125. That’s smack in the middle of Patagonia ($139) and Vuori ($118), but with a much better fit than either, so the choice is clear. There are only 4 colors, and hopefully as more people realize this q-zip is the real deal birddogs will come out with more variations.
Until then, hurry to see what they’ve got. I’ve got faith in their product, but not their ability to keep it in stock.
