Mountain Hardwear Pandra Long Sleeve Henley: The Every Day Shirt

Mountain Hardwear's Pandra Long Sleeve Henley is my new favorite shirt. It fits well, it's flattering, and it performs well as an active wear top or casual tee.

From the minute I first pulled it on, I loved the ultra-thin material. It hangs nicely (and never clings to my body), it's soft against my skin, and it's got plenty of give so I can really move around in it. The Pandra Long Sleeve Henley is made out of Dri-Release fabric, a blend of 88% polyester and 12% wool that's designed to wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly.

I've worn the top on many power walks in 40-60 degree temps and was satisfied with the wicking properties. It also dries very quickly, making it ideal for casual wear and travel when I want the option of exercising without having to come home and change clothes. It terms of stink, the Pandra Henley is an improvement over cotton but not as effective as a 100% merino wool top at odor resistance. I notice that the shirt smells after a couple of uses, whereas I've worn pure merino tops for days on end without washing. Still, I keep reaching for this top most days because it's so comfortable and attractive.

"Style" is not really a word I use often to describe casual wear made my outdoor apparel companies, but the Pandra Long Sleeve Henley might have to be an exception. I love the tiny, pearly buttons, which give the top a refined, feminine look. I was totally surprised to find that I also like the horizontal stitchery across the chest. I normally want my shirts as simple as possible, but this style feature gives the top some fun energy and it actually minimizes the appearance of my chest!!

Of course, the Pandra Long Sleeve Henley has flat-locked seams throughout, so it's chafe-free. I think it fits true to size. I tested a size L, and was happy to find it long enough through the torso and sleeves (and I'm almost 6' tall). There's a discreet slit at each wrist for my thumbs if I want to retract my hands on cold days.

Available in women's sizes XS-XL, in black, blue, and purple. I normally always prefer black, but love the steel blue shade of the blue top I tested. Mountain Hardwear also makes a Pandra Mockneck long sleeve top out of the same material.

Bottom Line: A silky-soft, versatile shirt that's perfect with jeans or yoga pants.--E.D. (Nov '10)

BUY ONLINE: $65, Free shipping at Moosejaw.

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainhardwear.com

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