Exploring Spain In My All-Season Yak Wool Sweater

Testing the durability of my sweater along the Mediterranean Sea in Costa Brava.

Functional And Durable: Surviving Different Weather Conditions With My Sweater

Introducing the 3rd blog in my 3-part blog series about putting the Oliver Charles All-Season Quarter Zip to the test from Georgia to  Spain, and the journey along the way.

For this blog, I explore I’ll be testing my All-Season Quarter Zip in an entirely new environment as I explore Costa Brava, Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea.

• 7 Day Sweater Challenge
• My Travel Essentials
• Exploring The Coast Of Costa Brava

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Spain is one of the world’s most visited destinations. With an intricate history, colorful culture, and world-class cuisine, it is easy to see why this country attracts millions of tourists every year. In addition to these notable attributes, Spain has an ideal location on the Mediterranean Sea.

The warmth of the summer brings outdoor festivals, local markets, and bright beaches with turquoise water. Coastal towns come alive this time of year as people fill the streets to explore, to shop, or to simply enjoy a refreshing beverage on an outdoor terrace.

I have landed in Barcelona, and it is time for me to complete my third and final test of my All-Season Quarter Zip.

In my first blog, I explored the durability and use of my sweater in a 7 Day Sweater Challenge during hot summer days in Georgia.

This time, I’ll test the sweater’s packability in a capsule wardrobe as well as its practical use on a plane. After landing in Spain, I journey north of Barcelona to the beautiful area of Costa Brava.

Exploring An Artisan Market

If you ever have the opportunity to travel to Europe, regardless of where you go, please visit a local market. Europeans just do markets better, plain and simple. At a traditional farmer’s market, you will find producers selling food products that are locally grown, affordable, and delicious.

In summer, there are also artisan markets where you can purchase locally-crafted goods. La Santa Market in Costa Brava is one of the prettiest markets I’ve explored and is home to artisan goods, live music, and an array of global cuisine.

On the day we visited La Santa Market, a cool night followed a warm day, so I opted for a preppy, feminine outfit including an Oxford shirt dress and my Oliver Charles All-Season Quarter Zip tied around my shoulders.

In addition to enjoying this classy and timeless look, I enjoy the warmth that my sweater provides to my shoulders and back. It feels like wearing a light blanket but looks way more intentional. Yet another benefit of yak wool.

A Light And Breezy Look

A fun aspect of traveling to coastal destinations is dressing the part. The Emerald Blue color works so well with the Mediterranean Sea vibes.

Throughout my time with my sweater, I have to say that my favorite color combination is to pair it with white bottoms.In my first post, I paired the sweater with a white denim skirt and a pink tank top. In Spain, I also pair it with a pair of white wide-leg capri pants. This look is airy, refreshing, and fun.

Walking Along The Mediterranean Coast

One of the best ways to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea is to simply go to the beach. Whether you sunbathe, walk along the sand, or dine at one of the many beachside restaurants, a beautiful and serene experience awaits you. In Costa Brava, the Camí de Ronda is absolutely one of the best coastal experiences.

This paved pathway follows the coastline in the province of Girona and offers beautiful vistas of sea, coves, and rock formations.

This pathway is an easy walk, so I opt to explore it before dinner. I wear light denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and my Oliver Charles All-Season Quarter Zip. The temperature is very comfortable in the 70s with rolling, coastal breezes.

The sweater moves easily as I walk and does not feel tight or restrictive. It also works well to regulate my temperature during both active portions of the walk and as I pause to enjoy the view.

Tapas And Sangria

For those unfamiliar with Spanish culture, dinner is considered early if it lands before 9 p.m. A midday siesta sounds pretty nice if you must wait until the sun sets before restaurants open! A trip to Spain must include indulging in the tapas cuisine.

Tapas are small plates of regional recipes that are typically shared. Pan con tomate, patatas bravas, croquettes, and albondigas are famous tapas, just to name a few.

Spanish sangria is also a delight to experience, even if the locals consider it touristy. For one of my dinners at a local tapas restaurant, I wear my Oliver Charles All-Season Quarter Zip as I toast to a rewarding trip abroad.

One of my favorite aspects of Spanish culture is the appreciation of dinner being an event on its own and something not to be rushed. Given this custom, our meal doesn’t end until after 11 p.m. On the chilly walk home, I’m quite comfortable in my sweater and happy with my choice to leave the bulky jacket in America.

A High Quality Wool Sweater For Every Season

In this blog series, I have tested the Oliver Charles All-Season Quarter Zip in numerous environments. From hot, 95-degree days in Georgia to cool, 70-degree nights in Spain, and the journey in between, I have worn this sweater to evaluate its function, quality, and durability.

In all, I have only found one environment where this sweater does not work: outside in direct sunlight in greater than 90-degree weather. Despite this, it remains a very versatile piece. Even in Georgia summers, I found multiple uses for it to regulate my temperature and to protect against the elements and against bug bites.

Where this sweater really shines is in moderate-climate environments. It has been an excellent accessory on my trip abroad for its use in a capsule wardrobe, to meet my practical needs, and to look very stylish. In addition to the benefits to the consumer, the legacy of Oliver Charles has their benefits to the earth.

In an industry that is generally very negative to the environment, it is a triumph to find high-quality, beautiful items that are made responsibly. By investing in a piece from this brand, you do good for both yourself and the environment. From a clothing brand, could we even ask for more?

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.