Keep Cool & Look Good in Duluth Trading Co. Summer Gear

Duluth Trading Company Cap

Duluth Trading Company Breezer Driving Cap

Duluth Trading Company (DTC) is pretty incredible when you think about it. A quick look at its website or actual paper catalogue shows just how extensive its current inventory really is. Bundled loosely into the realm of workwear, DTC has everything from genuine workwear, to toys and games, to that really cool Birchwood Audubon Bird Call you used to have as a kid (or was that just me?). Today, however, we get up close and personal with some great gear that is designed to help keep you cool and dry on the hottest of days and looking good no matter what the temperature.

Starting at the top, we have the Breezer Driving Cap. This classic newsboy driver makes me wish I had a convertible. It’s jaunty shape rides low on the head and its tightly curved bill frames the face nicely. It is made from a breezy blend of 51% linen, 46% cotton and 3% rayon which is light and airy to wear. The natural linen color, though a bit of a dirt magnet, is great at defending the cranium against the searing rays of the sun and it is sure to develop a patina over time that will be unique the the wearer. It should be noted that this hat runs a little small – I wear a 7 ⅝ (XL) and this XL/2XL sized hat fits quite snugly. $22.50

Armachillo Cooling Shirt

Armachillo Cooling Shirt

We have two shirts to check out today with the first being the new Armachillo Short Sleeve Cooling Shirt. This is easily the lightest shirt I’ve ever worn. It is cut from 2.5-ounce 100% nylon fabric that is designed to quickly wick moisture to help keep you cool and dry. It also features DTC’s Made-in-the-Jade fabric technology which makes the shirt always feel cool to the touch. As with many DTC clothing items, the Armachillo Short Sleeve Cooling Shirt is loaded with handy pockets: one with a hidden pencil sleeve and one with a phone sleeve and both are secured with hook and loop closures. Available in four colors – $54.50 (up to XXL), $59.50 for big/tall sizes.

Wicking Polo

Dry on the Fly Wicking Polo

The Dry on the Fly Wicking Polo does exactly what the name implies. By blending 85% polyester with 15% cotton, DTC has created a handsome polo shirt that is soft like cotton but dries quickly thanks to the polyester. This blend also happens to be very good at resisting stains and wrinkles so it is easy to look your best. Since this is a DTC shirt, it has a number of innovative features. In addition to the high-tech fabric that doesn’t look high-tech, the shirt features an anti-odor treatment to fight the funk, seam-free armpit panels and side vents for freedom of movement. Good to know: This shirt is true to size and is a standard length (not a Longtail) $44.50 (up to XXL), $49.50 for big/tall sizes.

duluth-boxer2

Armachillo Cooling Short Boxer Brief

For the nether region, DTC has what they call the Armachillo Cooling Short Boxer Brief. For me, this is THE preferred length for boxer briefs. DTC, of course, makes these boxer briefs in three lengths, plus a brief, and there’s even regular boxer short for those who prefer a looser fit down there. Like the Cooling Shirt mentioned above, this underwear features a jade-embedded fabric that is always cool to the touch. The blend of 91% nylon and 9% Spandex pulls moisture away from the skin and it is treated to resist odors, too. The combination of short length and snug fit makes for just enough coverage and a nice, supportive fit. Available in 6 colors. $27.50 (up to XXL), $32.50 for big/tall sizes.

DuluthFlex Dry on the Fly Nylon Shorts

DuluthFlex Dry on the Fly Nylon Shorts

And now for my surprise favorite of the bunch: the Duluthflex Dry on the Fly Nylon Shorts (pictured in the first three photos). These flyweight nylon canvas shorts are just a joy to wear. The tricot-lined waistband is puppy-soft against the skin and the fabric has a bit of stretch to it. In addition to the four pockets exactly where you’d expect them to be, DTC was nice enough to include a zip-top pocket on the right leg to securely hold a phone. This single feature means the difference between a nice pair of shorts and a pair of shorts that will be lived in for the duration of the summer. On me (6’ 2” tall 230lbs), the 7” shorts (size L) hit about three inches above the knee. Available in two colors, 7” & 9” inseams. $64.50 (up to XXL/46”), $69.50 for big/tall sizes (up to 50”).

Duluth Trading Company makes great clothes for folks of all shapes and sizes. The quality is top notch, and the plethora of innovative features make you wonder why other clothing companies are only willing to strive for nothing more than the status quo. As should be expected, these items were provided at no cost for editorial consideration.

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