“I live in Norcal, and contrary to popular belief it’s chilly 75% of the year. I live in flannel shirts. I have them all: Patagonia, Marmot, Amazon specials with poly fleece inside etc... Are they cute? Not really. More boxy and functional and do the job, which is the point. Then I met PLADRA. I really wrestled with the price tag, even with the first time buyer coupon. What is so special about this particular flannel shirt? A lot, as it turns out. And if you wear flannels all the time like I do, these differences matter.
The differentiators:
As a professional designer, I care about the details. Here’s my assessment:
1. Interesting color ways. You don’t get these combos at REI. Also unlike other sportwear brands, they don’t just assume women will only love: pink, purple, red, teal, and green. They have interesting color ways and combos and did a deeper dive on what women seek: sublime colors are way more interesting as a rule.
2. Super soft, high touch, quality fabric from Portugal. Warm and soft but with texture. Spongey and luxe.
3. The FIT! It’s longer, less ‘bubba:' it hugs the curves but has give. It offers roominess without boxyness. It looks great on the body with CYA action. For context, I’m curvy and medium sized (size 8) and the size L is exactly perfect and I can wear a sweater underneath without looking like Bigfoot. They spent a ton of time on getting the fit right and it shows.
4. That pop up collar and cuff lining innovation! Genius! The coral reef on the cuff in silky ’sleeping bag lining from your Girl Scount days’ is a ‘Wow' factor. I bought two more shirts with the California Bear and a desert mountain scene. NOTE: in design school my professor/mentor said: ’the devil is in the details.’ This is what I’m talking about: innovative details and quirk — a visual surprise. This is what elevates the entire wearing experience. Not trying to nerd out on design here, but just showing respect where it’s due for the effort and systems thinking they put into this.
5. These are my ‘dressy flannels’ I wear them more for around town stuff rather than yard work. Up to you. But you could camp in them. You’d be rocking some mad fashion at said campsite, too.
In Summation: I LOVE this brand. They are small (which is beautiful) but they support the product and before I hit “buy” one of the co founders answered me directly and helped inform my buying decision. If you are on the fence, go for it. Every time I wear one, I look put together, individual, and cool, which is way more than most flannel shirts will offer a woman. In a sea of flannel, you will stand out. Thank you Pladra team, and make sure you save that Black one for me this Fall!”
“Great quality! And the plaid is similar to our Irwin family tartan that my daughters and I each have one now! Thank you for your great customer service”
“I purchased the Primrose Green flannel shirt
a size up for more room and just in case it shrinks in the dryer. I like the softness and
hope the flannel doesn’t pile.”
