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Outerknown has built its reputation on sustainability, but what pulled me in was the promise of clothing that feels reliable day after day. Founded by Kelly Slater, the brand makes a point of using organic and regenerative materials, corozo nut buttons, and environmentally responsible practices. That mission matters, but my real interest was in how the clothes would perform in real life once I started wearing them.
I spend a lot of time outdoors as a reset to my work in the music studio. Hiking around Mount Hood or the Oregon Coast or even just long walks around my town give me a break from the screen and help me come back sharper. After those resets, I want clothing that feels comfortable enough to keep on but still looks intentional when I settle back into work.
Over the past few months I’ve been testing three of Outerknown’s key pieces: the Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee, the Blanket Shirt, and the BBQ Shirt. Each one showed me something different about the brand, and one piece in particular became my favorite for the season (I know, the headline of the article spoils the tension on which piece exactly, but I couldn’t not hype it up).
The Blanket Shirt
The Blanket Shirt is the product that made me understand Outerknown’s reputation through and through.
It is made from lofted organic cotton twill, with corozo nut buttons and a heavier weight than a typical button-up. The construction gives it durability, but the comfort is what makes it stand out.
This summer, the Blanket Shirt became my go-to. I wore it on cooler mornings outside when I was on baby duty with my daughter and kept it on through the day without needing to change, except during the couple of smaller heatwaves we’ve had here in Oregon. It layered easily when the temperature dropped and was never uncomfortable indoors. The combination of softness and structure gave it the versatility that I look for in clothing I want to keep long-term.
Back at my desk, it became the piece I grabbed all the time. It was loose and easy enough to throw on and off for calls (it’s a casual vibe and I didn’t always want to be wearing it during more important business Zoom calls) but more importantly, I barely thought about it while working. It simply felt right. That ease of wear is what made it my favorite from Outerknown’s lineup. Out of everything I tested, the Blanket Shirt is the one I plan to keep buying in different colors and patterns. It set the standard for what I now expect from the brand.
Learn More About The Blanket Shirt
The BBQ Shirt
The BBQ Shirt is clearly designed as a seasonal piece, maybe even riding the wave of the White Lotus Aesthetic.
Made from regenerative organic cotton, it has a camp collar, single chest pocket, and comes in bold prints. It is lightweight and breathable, which makes sense for summer wear.
I wore it outdoors on hot days and it fit the role pretty damn good. It was comfortable in the heat, easy to move in, and had enough personality to stand out in casual settings. The prints gave it a fun feel, and I enjoyed wearing it, and it definitely turned into a conversation starter at a couple of backyard hangs (mostly around the fact that it had a big White Lotus vibe).
That being said, the fabric felt thinner than the Blanket Shirt (but that’s the point, I guess) or even other button-ups I own. At ninety-eight dollars retail, I expected more durability. If you can snag it for the sale price though (like the 50% off sale going on right now, at the time of writing this article), then it’s a solid grab for a season or two of sporting.
In the end, the BBQ Shirt felt like an occasional option rather than a true staple, but sometimes that’s all you need in a piece. And I don’t mean this in a “disposble and fast-fashion” type of way either, it worked for what it was designed for, but it is not the kind of piece I personally would build a wardrobe around. Do I blame the Blanket Shirt just a bit for setting the bar so high for this clothing line review? Welp, probably… but that doesn’t need to be bad thing.
Check Out The BBQ Shirt
Sojourn Tee
Sojourn Tee is one of their most straightforward piece. Made from 100 percent organic cotton with a chest pocket and a clean crew neck design, it is built to be a reliable everyday staple. The fabric feels soft right out of the box, and the fit has an ease to it that makes it something you can throw on without thinking.
I wore this shirt regularly through the summer for casual days outside and while working at home. It was breathable in the heat, and the organic cotton gave it a more natural feel compared to standard tees. It pairs well with shorts or jeans, and it quickly became one of those grab-and-go options I leaned on more than expected.
The only consideration is that it feels lighter than the heavier-duty pieces like the Blanket Shirt. It is not designed to be a multi-year workhorse in the same way, but rather a comfortable staple for day-to-day use. For me, it served its purpose well and fit into the rotation as a shirt I could depend on for simple, no-fuss wear throughout the season.
Brand Themes Across the Line
Every piece I tested had the same sustainable backbone.
Organic or regenerative cotton was a constant, and corozo nut buttons tied the collection together. That consistency matters. It proves that sustainability is not just a marketing slogan for Outerknown but something that runs through the design.
The difference came in execution. The Blanket Shirt showed the brand at its best: comfort, durability, and versatility that made it easy to wear across different contexts which was really amazing to see!
For me, the takeaway was that Outerknown’s strengths shine brightest in their core pieces. When I came back from a day outside and reached for something to wear while settling in at the desk, the Blanket Shirt was always the right choice. It delivered comfort without compromise. That single piece convinced me to keep exploring the brand’s catalog.
Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee
The Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee has turned into one of my go-to studio shirts. It fits loose enough that I can move around when I’m tweaking synths or leaning over the desk, but still feels clean and put together.
The cotton is soft and breathable, which makes a big difference on long days when the room heats up from all the gear. I like that it holds up after washes without stretching out or losing shape, so I don’t have to think twice about grabbing it during the week. It’s comfortable, reliable, and exactly the kind of shirt I want in heavy rotation when I’m working on music.
Check It Out Here
Looking Ahead: The Studio Shirt
After wearing these three pieces through the summer, I already know the next thing I want to try: the Studio Shirt.
I did not get to test it this time, but based on what I have seen from the Blanket Shirt, I expect it to carry the same attention to detail and comfort. The description points to a modernized poplin cut, garment dyeing for character, and regenerative cotton construction. Everything about it suggests it could be the balance piece between casual and slightly dressier wear.
The experience I had with the Blanket Shirt made me a believer in the brand, enough that the Studio Shirt is now at the top of my list. If it delivers the same blend of comfort and reliability, it will easily fit into my rotation. Trying one item that set a new bar made me interested in building out more of a collection, and the Studio Shirt feels like the logical next step.
Overall Verdict
Outerknown’s summer lineup gave me a clear sense of what the brand does best. The Industrial Tee worked as a dependable daily piece, lightweight and easy to wear through warm days. The BBQ Shirt added some fun into the mix with breathable fabrics and bold prints, though it felt more like a seasonal choice than a year-round staple.
The standout for me was the Blanket Shirt. It became the item I reached for most often, whether I was outside in the morning or working at my desk later in the day. The balance of comfort, structure, and durability made it the one piece that truly defined my experience with Outerknown this summer.
After living in these pieces for months, I already know I’ll be picking up more Blanket Shirts and I’m curious to try the Studio Shirt next. The brand showed me enough to trust their core items, and for anyone looking to start with Outerknown, the Blanket Shirt is the clearest example of why this company has built such a loyal following.
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