Outback Trading Good as Gold Vest - Hooded (For Women)

I really like this vest. It's so comfy with a cute design. Great buy!

First off, Outback Trading is a rugged outdoors-person line of clothing for work, not work like office work, but work like ranching, splitting wood and the like. So this isn't a flavor of the week fashion vest; rugged means durable and I am sure this vest is going to last decades. The material and construction is great quality. Being a fan of fall tweeds, I got the brown plaid; the gold thread really is very subtle and classy and makes this vest suitable for city living as well. Looks great over a thin sweater, scarf & jeans. There is a thin nylon/polyester lining and the holy grail for women who don't always lug a satchel around, TWO interior pockets. With zippers! The hood is shaped to fit snugly and not be blowing off in the wind. The biggest drawback as many reviewers have mentioned is that the cut is boxy. The princess seams exist but they weren't cut for curves. I am a size 6, 34C/D and I optimistically got the small. While I can get it zipped up, it has a very squashed bust/sports bra effect and then gaps at the armpits above the bust; whatever I am wearing underneath has to be a thin layer. It's not really possible to put anything moderately sized in the interior pockets and zip it up. It either can't zip above midline or it leaves a very unflattering bumpy silhouette. The flared hipline accommodates my hips but the lack of curved princess lines means that the shape is straight from the shoulders/armpits to the hips. I don't expect rugged work clothes to be shape-conscious but this is a woman's vest, I expect it to fit my shape. It's winter though so all silhouettes are some degree of boxy. I could live with the boxy waist if only the bust wasn't so squished. Also wish this had the buttoned vents in the back similar to the black but it is still functional without them. Final observation is the exterior pockets are rather shallow so anything is in danger of falling out. If I could put my cell, keys and wallet inside the interior pockets AND zip up, it wouldn't matter so much. I'm exchanging up a size so I'm crossing my fingers that it works out because I really do love the fabric, the interior pockets, hood, and well, the vest-ness.

Immediately returned this vest. Looked good in the Sierra catalog but reality proved unacceptable fabric and too short, regardless of size.

Excellent quality and beautiful style vest. Classy plaid fabric is top notch and cut to fit a feminine form. It may be a tad tight across the chest if you zip it up all the way, which I could do if I want, but typically wouldn't zip it past 1/2 way. I can't believe I only paid [$] for it as it is easily worth $50.

I love this vest for layering - it is stylish and comfy. The quality is very good. It was more than I had hoped for!!