All-Season Marled Crew

I had been eyeing OC sweaters for some time. I adore sweaters but I had to psych myself up to the expenditure. After purchasing some cashmere sweaters at a very affordable price but not being satisfied with the pilling and care instructions…I figured one sweater that I could really live in would be better than 2.5 that I hated caring for (and therefore did not wear). I am also drawn to the environmental aspect of OCs process. Make sweaters on demand and using more environmentally friendly materials.

I was also concerned about the fit. Unisex sizing is typically very difficult but after emailing I landed on a size small. It’s perfect! I love raglan sleeves, and the feel of the fabric is somehow both cozy and soft but also nicely knitted…tight and smooth in a delightful way. I had read several reviews saying that sometimes it felt like they were wearing nothing. I was super skeptical of this claim…but then it happens to me! I was out in the woods…doing camping things. And I ended up just feeling perfectly comfortable in a way that was honestly new for me! I camped and cooked. Lived and ate in this sweater. The odor profile remains stunningly minimal. The shape holding up. The pilling has been also extremely minimal.

I’m going to be getting rid of (donating) most of my sweater drawer. Life is too short for a bunch of items that seem great at first but don’t last well for a season. This sweater is for anyone who loves sweaters but who doesn’t want the sweater to be difficult to maintain. This sweater was my only warm layer when I went camping and it felt risky taking only one warm layer but it performed admirably. This sweater would also be amazing for frequent travelers or anyone looking to simplify their wardrobe.

Size Ordered: M | Typical Size: M | Fit: Perfect
Height: 5’2 | Weight: 140 lb | Bust: 36"

I love my sweater! It's beautiful and I think it's super fun that it's truly one-of-a-kind. I must admit--I was skeptical about wearing a legit sweater in hot weather. It got up to 85 degrees on two of my seven days. But I don't know why I was assuming the sweater would be too hot. I wear merino dresses year-round. So why not a merino (and khullu) sweater? Am a believer now! I was surprised by two things: 1) that the sweater could temperature regulate so well even in heat, and 2) that washing it with jeans wouldn't ruin it. That trick worked and after just one wash, there was noticeably less pilling. I generally like to keep covered. If I wear a shorter skirt, I wear a more conservative top. If I wear a lower-cut top, I generally cover my legs. It's just my preference. So staying cool in the summer can be a challenge in multiple ways. But it's nice to know that I can reach for my sweater and still be comfortable. I'll be singing OC's praises to all I know in the natural fibers communities I'm in online as well as my friends and family. :)

Size Ordered: S | Typical Size: S | Fit: Perfect
Height: 5’10 | Weight: 140 lb | Bust: 35.5"

The color of this sweater is outstanding! A great blue that can be neutral like your favorite pair of jeans . The grey trim grounds it and ties the whole thing together. I went for an oversize fit . And this marled sweater seems to run larger than the solid all season crew. For science, I am about 5'9" 175# and this is a size large. I wear a lot of leggings and joggers so the fit is awesome and will be a great way to "dress up" instead of wearing big tees and sweatshirts. I'm good with it over a dress as well...easy, comfortable, basic.

Soft! I don't know how but by some magic, this marled all season sweater is softer than the solid color all season crew. Almost on par with the winter cardigan. To be honest, I'm bummed the weather is getting warmer because I want to wear this ALL THE TIME. Familiar with hygge? This sweater is it! 70⁰ sitting in AC will be comfortable....I'm wearing it now. 70⁰ and walking the doggie in it is admittedly a bit warm for me. In cooler temps, there is plenty of room (even in a regular fit) to layer under. Also, the fit is trim enough to layer a vest or jacket over it. Did that earlier in the week.

The softness does leave a bit of the expected pilling. When I washed the sweater with denim after 4 days wearing it (as recommended on the Oliver Charles website, easy to look it up!), a fair amount of large pills came off. Do I still have pilling? Sure, some; I expected that. And it has slowed down considerably! I've traveled with an all season Oliver Charles crew neck as my only warm layer and that makes packing light so much easier! This sweater will be a travel staple. I truly like to pack light. I love how this sweater doesn't hold odor so repeat wearing is easy peasy! And if it needs a wash, I threw it in the washer and just hung it to dry overnight. In the dry Colorado air, it dried in a couple hours...for real!!

Finally (I'll stop after this, honest!), I have been doing my best to support companies with values I align with. For clothing that means slow fashion, sustainable practices, reduced waste, pieces that fit into a capsule wardrobe, superior quality. Oliver Charles checks all the boxes. And they are so kind, fun, and engaged with customers! Check out the New Yak Times if you haven't yet!

Size Ordered: L | Typical Size: M | Fit: Perfect
Height: 5’9 | Weight: 175 lb | Bust: 38"

I’ve worn this sweater every day for a week, and I kept it on all day - I don’t like to pick clothes the first time, I really don’t like changing in the middle of the day. I’ve seen clients, had doctor appointments, relaxed, cooked, sat by a fire, exercised, walked, gardened a LOT in temperatures ranging from mid 30s to low 70s. This sweater is a workhorse! And wearing it day after day - it’s shocking that it doesn’t smell! The marled look gives it unique coloring that I love. Since moving toward more natural fibers, having something that isn’t a solid color is a treat! If you watched my unboxing video, you’ll know I was surprised by the color. It’s a bit darker than expected, but surprised is just surprised - I love the color! And I love that it’s the only one that looks just like this.

It did pill, of course, which should not deter anyone, because wool often pills at the beginning. But, it can be cleaned off once and never worry about it again. Oliver Charles recommends washing it after day 4 with a pair of zipped jeans, and that sort of a magic trick. I don’t know why it works. It does relax more than my solid all season, my winter yak, or my summer scoop. So, size down, and give it some days to relax, especially if you are on the border of two sizes or if you like a more fitted look. Unfortunately, most Minnesotans can’t take wearing a long sleeve wool sweater in the 70s (and I’m one of them), so I will likely trade this out for my summer scoop until fall, or for a cool evening - but if you are on the fence about this one - pull the trigger. You won’t regret it.

Size Ordered: S | Typical Size: M | Fit: Ran Large
Height: 5’5 | Weight: 150 lb | Bust: 38"

Beautiful and a perfect fit. Will go with everything I wear, jeans, slacks, skirts.

Size Ordered: L | Typical Size: L | Fit: Perfect

This sweater is beautifully made. I haven’t worn it because it’s been 90 plus degrees with very warm nights and mornings. I cannot wait to wear it when it’s cooler. The feel is wonderful, soft to the touch. No seams or scratchy areas. Very high quality. I’ll be enjoying it for many years to come. Also looking forward to packing it when traveling. Truly a wardrobe staple.

Size Ordered: M | Typical Size: M | Fit: Perfect
Height: 5’7 | Weight: 150 lb | Bust: 39"

Beautiful, love the colors, great relaxed fit. I wear it with Jean shorts right now bc it’s the beginning of summer but in the cooler months I’ll wear it with black jeans. It’s a little scratchy but I’m hoping that’ll get better with more washes. I love that I can wear this for a week straight without it getting unwearable gross

Size Ordered: L | Typical Size: L | Fit: Ran Slightly Large