Cutter & Buck Preston Reversible Vest SKU: #7569546

Anonymous

from San Francisco

I purchased this vest for an intended trip where I wanted to have zippers facing against me for added security. Overall the quality appears to be pretty good but I rate it mediocre on style for a few niggling reasons. When I get back from the trip I will try to update. I got the medium black/black one. First off, the vest is actually a lot more supple than the photo seems to suggest. I thought it looked a bit stiff, but the microsuede (m/s) is actually pretty pliable. The stitching also appears nicely appointed. I have no idea if this will keep me warm but the layering suggests it should work well as a wind-stopper. The cut is a bit generous (explained later) which I am still not sure about. The pull-stop enclosures running along the base of the vest will help block wind and possibly some professional pick-pockets. That was a nice surprise not evident in the photo. Also, the "blind" vertical vest pocket zipper on the m/s side is hidden nicely by a fitted flap. The only minor gripes are that the mock collar is a bit stiff when zipped all the way up and digs into my neck; plus, I think it would have been a good idea to build some kind of closure on the quilted-side pockets, since the lining is so slippery, stuff is likely to fall out. The flap pockets on the m/s side are probably the only design detail I would have eliminated. It's a bit "grandpa". The so-called "drop back" is not really there...not like a bike jersey, so don't expect a lot of backside coverage. I actually prefer that. I am considering whether or not to tailor the fit a bit more, since the cut is more generic, and when I pinch the back for fit the vest actually looks a bit more snazzy than a run-of-the-mill schlumpy vest. But since I haven't given it the full field test I have planned, the extra roominess might be okay.