Kit review: Labo Mono Puffer-Puffer Jacket
Reviewed by Steph
Sometimes it’s nice to stand out, and this jacket will definitely help with that. As well as the bold golden yellow patterned side, this cunningly designed reversible jacket from Labo Mono also has a more muted royal blue option for the times you’d rather blend in.
Like most down jackets, it’s not waterproof (instead described as drizzle resistant), but it has some nice details to it - recycled materials, a curved and elasticated hem, arm articulation to allow for a range of movement, and 6 pockets (meaning they’re accessible which ever way round you wear the jacket).
It packs down nice and small (definitely something I look for as I’m constantly stuffing it in the bottom of my bag, ready to pull out when I stop for lunch or on a windy ridge) and has a decent fill power, meaning it’s reasonably warm. For me, I didn’t find it as warm as one of my other jackets, but for me it was perfect for the slightly less chilly days.
I would also say that I’ve never had as many compliments from random strangers as when wearing this jacket - both in the city and the countryside, I rarely wear it without someone saying how great they think it is. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste though, so as well as the two options that have a fairly jazzy side, there is a third jacket which is a more muted burnt orange/forest green combination.
One of the biggest perks for me is around the cut - it’s been generously cut around the hips, meaning it’s not overly snug there (something I’ve struggled with before), and the elasticated hem means that it’ll fit a range of sizes well. I have a 45 inch bust, 41 inch waist and 51 inch hip and am wearing the 2XL, so I’d say the size chart is maybe a little optimistic. With just a base layer underneath there’s a little more room, but I’m not sure it’d stretch to the 54.7 inch hips on the size chart.
The great news is that it goes up to a 3XL, which I’d say is probably a UK 22-24 (depending on your shape), so it’s a good option for those looking for a down jacket above a size 20.
RRP £160
