Reviewed by Kay Levesque
Tested:
- Short Sleeve Explorer Shirt in Flora Azul, size large
- Gloves in Flora Sol, size large
Short Sleeve Explorer Shirt in Flora Azul
With the Explorer line of tops (Short Sleeved, Long Sleeved, and Short Sleeved Cropped), Shredly continues to innovate in the crossover space of athletic and leisure wear. I tried the Explorer shirt in the short-sleeve version and found it easily fell into both categories in a stylish yet functional way. This lightweight, quick-drying shirt plays really well on the trail whether you’re traveling by foot or bike. I wore it for both road riding and mountain biking and loved it in both scenarios, and I imagine I would love it equally well for hiking. No need to change out of this piece when you’re done with the sweaty fun. You will look good in it for social hour too.
Although not fitted in the traditional road bike jersey way, the Explorer shirt doesn’t flip-flop around when you’re riding. The fabric is quite soft, which translates to a quiet ride. With a tiny bit of stretch, the shirt follows your movements and feels like it’s actually not even there. You really don’t notice it! In trying to understand why the shirt fits so comfortably, I noticed in Shredly’s description that the sleeves are a dolman design. AI—please tell me what that means. “A dolman sleeve (also called a batwing sleeve) is a style of sleeve cut as one piece with the main bodice.” Aha, no weird seams translate to comfort and ease of movement.
Another factor that makes this shirt so comfortable is the lightweight fabric that dries quickly, even in humid conditions. I wore it riding the damp trails of Michigan’s north woods and the shirt was dry by the time I loaded my bike on the car. So, yes, I did keep the shirt on for the post-ride festivities. The Flora Azul color choice is fabulous, flowery, and flirty. Love love. It also doesn’t show dirt, so yes, please.
The Explorer shirt is also available in Dottie, featuring pale blue dots on a raspberry background. Super cute. Shredly also sells a cropped version in Flora Sol, Ink, and Heidi and a long-sleeved version in Midnight Denim. All styles in all sizes, as is Shredly’s way, so you have seven sizes to choose from ranging from XS to 3X.
Although you won’t find road bike jersey pockets in the back, you will find a zippered pocket along the lower backside that is actually reasonably sized to hold even a small container of sunscreen. The collar protects your neck from the sun’s damage and is also stiff enough to maintain its shape. A breast pocket gives the shirt a polished look, as does the small sleeve cuff. The long sleeve version has two snaps at the cuff, a snap front closure, and a fancy way to pop up the collar with a snap tab.
I found this shirt well made and flattering yet durable and functional. I plan to take it to Albania on a bike trip this fall. I can tell I’ll be able to wash it out in the sink in the evening and wear it the next day. And the next. And the next.
Features
- Feather-weight stretch woven fabric that blends tech performance with and lifestyle
- Dolman sleeve design
- Button closure for a casual look
- Zippered stash pocket at lower back side seam
- HPS to hem 26” on size M
Click here to purchase the Short Sleeve Explorer Shirt
Gloves in Flora Sol
Combine this top with Shredly’s gloves in another flower power pattern for full-on flower immersion.
I tested the Flora Sol gloves in large, and I think I found a glove that lets me use my phone without taking them off! It really works! The fabric is breathable and quick-drying. The fit is spot on. The message is real: adventure in style.
Available in six sizes, from XXS to XL, and a heap of colors. Go wild!
Features
- Four-way stretch, lightweight mesh on the back of the hand
- Stretch knit cuff to easily pull gloves on/off
- Laser cut ventilation on entire palm for breathability
- Silicone printed graphics on the fingers for extra grip
- Cloth thumb panel = built-in tissue for the issues that need wiping
Click here to purchase the Gloves in Flora Sol
Thanks again, Shredly, for your commitment to empowering women to adventure in style and leading in a way that allows others to follow. We sure appreciate it.