Ailin Japanese Samurai Jacket : A Fashion Function Fusion

Anyone can make lemonade out of lemons, but only a fancy few can fashion functional, sporty apparel out of eco-friendly fabrics.

With its offset front zipper and billowy extra large hood, Ailin's Japanese Samurai Jacket has super street style. I love the loose fit - too often "fashion" means tiny and tight. This baggy jacket looks best zipped up, hood up or hood folded open across my shoulders. I don't have a belt as cool as the one in this photo, but if I did I'd be wearing this jacket belted.

I live in the rainy Northwest, so I spend a lot of time in raincoats, but I've never had a jacket like the Samurai. It's so nice to be able to slip on a waterproof jacket that's lined, especially when I'm wearing a short-sleeve shirt, and that has the performance features of an outdoor garment. The jacket has an adjustable hem, with pull toggles, as well as a large zippered pocket on the back of the jacket. Very cool. The breathable material is treated to repel water and the wide flap under the zipper keeps my torso dry.

I love the length and taper of the sleeves, which are also lined, as well as the wide-tab closures that allow me to cinch together the ends of the sleeves when the weather gets brisk. I'm almost six feet tall, so finding women's jackets with long enough sleeves can be a problem. Ailin uses down cycled Velcro in the sleeve closures. Nice.

When I first received the the Japanese Samurai Jacket I sort of wished that it was dark gray (to match my lingering winter mood and my black Samurai Capri pants), but the more I wear it I like that it dares to be different. With its sold construction and off-center styling, this easy, breezy jacket has shown me that beige can be beautiful!

Bottom Line: Sporty, subtle, superbly made.--E.D. (April '10)

BUY ONLINE : $290.85

Manufacturer's site : www.ailin.com

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Manufacturer's Site: www.ailin.com