Shopping from Japan: Mont-Bell Thermawrap Skirt

Mont-Bell Thermawrap skirt

Add the Mont-Bell thermawrap skirt to my list of synthetic exceptions. I love the multi-functional design of this skirt as garment, survival wrap or cushion. Use notes from the Mont-Bell site: "Throw it on over your long underwear after a day of skiing or wear it alone when it is just too cold for a traditional skirt. It also makes a perfect ultra light backcountry pillow." As a bag junky, I'm doubly drawn to the idea of a garment that comes with its own supplemental stuff sack.

Mont-Bell should push the thermawrap concept and release a version of the skirt lined in emergency space blanket mylar.

Surprisingly, this oddball garment is available through the US Mont-Bell site (sizing starts with Medium) though the more experimental colorways (and smaller sizes?) appear to be exclusive to the Japanese market.

Japanese model in classic Outdoor Go Outside Style ensemble

Thermawrap Origami

On the subject of women's outdoor clothing--the most recent Patagonia catalog included some terrific vintage photographs of female rock climbers from the 1970s (under the heading "Women's Lifestyle"). Sadly, the catalog featured clothing for women that showed little in the way of a heritage design influence. Let's hope Patagonia mines the content of historical photographs--and their own clothing archives--for a true "Women's Lifestyle" collection.

Mari Gingery in a plaid shirt not available the Spring 2010 Patagonia catalog

Shopping from Arthur Miller: Work Jackets

by Lesli Larson

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Readers of the online edition of the New York Times might have missed this 1950's era work jacket worn by Liev Shrieber's longshoreman character in the current revival of Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge. The thumbnail image that accompanies the online review occupies a full half-page in the print edition. In this version of the production still, you can study the jacket's collar, cut, fabric (including wear marks), pocketing and buttons. (These details disappear into a generic, blue collar worker's garment on stage). I love the high placement of the slash pockets and loose fit of the sleeves (no cinch at the cuff). Another post could be dedicated to Scarlett Johansson's side buttoning wool skirt.

I'm assuming Schreiber's jacket was custom tailored for the Broadway production based on archival patterns and photographs. But if you're shopping for your own version, here are a few options in heavy duty Sanforized 8 oz fabric from the Ward's catalog:

Montgomery Wards

Economical, modern day option by Ben Davis