Reviewed by Kay Levesque
Tested => Wild Rye Danner 3/4 Zip Fleece Jacket, Size Medium, Color Midnight
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing. This statement couldn’t be more true up here in the Pacific Northwest where the leaves are bringing their magic to the skyscape and the temperatures won’t let you forget that summer has ended! I’ve been spending time snuggled up in the Wild Rye Danner 3/4 Zip Fleece Jacket–a jacket full of style and flush with features.
Basic Anatomy
The jacket is a pullover with a 3/4-length front zip that functions well and features a backing zipper tape to prevent snagging. I’m like a child and always seem to jam up my zippers, but that isn’t really possible with the Danner Jacket, due to the stout zipper tape — it just doesn’t get caught up in the zipper action. Additionally, the top of the zipper features a cover, ensuring that the cold metal never comes into contact with the skin. Cold zippers are not snug. Fully zipped up, the jacket brings your neck some snuggle love, too.
In front, the jacket features two roomy nylon pockets, blended with a bit of spandex for added stretch.
These front pockets actually utilize two different zippers: one for inserting objects and the other for stuffing your hands in for warmth. I didn’t discover the hand pocket zippers until after wearing the jacket for several days. If nothing else, perhaps this review will enlighten you regarding a slightly secret feature.
The pockets contrast with the color of the jacket for a color-block, retro look. Zipper pulls make all the zippers easy to grab with gloved fingers. There is one color-block pocket in the back, accessible from the side, and large enough for a snack, a bit of sunscreen, lip balm, or a cell phone. Cell phones have grown in recent years, and not every phone will fit back there, but you can always stow your phone in one of the front pockets. Better yet, leave it behind and take a minute to disconnect and reconnect.
Established in 2016, Wild Rye has figured out a few things, such as the necessity of adding thumb loops to ensure sleeve length aligns properly. The thumb loops work great, and that area by the thumb and up the forearm is reinforced with nylon to reduce wear and tear. Good thinking. Speaking of good thinking,
Wild Rye added two loops, one inside and one on the outside of the jacket, so that you can easily use hooks. Again, I’m a child and never put my clothes away. Just give me hooks for everything. It’s so much easier than hangers.
The Look
The Danner 3/4 Zip Fleece Jacket is cropped but not ridiculously so. I have a long torso, and some crop tops expose more tummy than I am willing to share with the outside world. Plus, brrr! I don’t want the fall breeze sneaking in. If you do feel a chill, the jacket comes with a hem cord that you can use to cinch up the bottom perimeter. That ability to customize the fit with a drawcord works well with the boxy cut — it’s almost like having two looks in one. You can opt for boxy and cropped styles or fitted and cinched styles.
I foresee this jacket as a great choice after a chilly bike ride or ski when I need to warm up, but I still want to hang around and enjoy apres time with friends. The jacket comes in three color choices (saffron, midnight, and grape), but please note, as per the Wild Rye description, the jacket runs large. I usually like a size large, but I ordered a medium, and it’s roomy but fits as intended. Just right.
Bottom Line
Wild Rye aspires to inspire women to get outside, and in bad weather, you need solid layers like this jacket. Don’t let bad weather prevent you from playing outside. Get out there! Women-led and women-powered, Wild Rye is based in Sun Valley, Idaho, where I hear the weather can sometimes be a bit cantankerous.