The Free People Ottoman Tunic is an oversized stretchy ribbed cotton sweater in a tunic length that seems to have taken the internet by storm. It doesn’t usually go on sale and certain colours sell out regularly. It has also spawned more affordable dupes found at other retailers and Amazon. But is it worth the hype? Sometimes there are super popular styles that I just don’t like but the Ottoman tunic is one of those items that does seem to flatter and work well with skinny pants or leggings. Sharing my Free People Ottoman Tunic review as well as my review of the Plenty Kinley tunic.
Free People Ottoman Tunic Review
The Free People Ottoman Tunic is a cotton, nylon, spandex blend. It has a ribbed texture and a mock neck. The tunic length falls past the bum making it work well with leggings or skinny pant styles.
The sweater comes in a range of colours that seem to change frequently aside from a few staple colours like black.
Size wise I took my usual size and got a large. The arms fit slim but there is more room in the shoulder due to the drop sleeve. You don’t really notice that the sleeve is a snug fit compared to the rest of the sweater because of the stretchy fabric.
I have loads of room in this sweater through the body. I could easily size down but it wouldn’t drape the same. I like that it isn’t snug on my bum and hips.
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The mock neck is very wide and while not rigid does mostly stay up on it’s own. I like this neckline and it would be great if you don’t love snug turtlenecks but want something more than a crew neck.
I don’t think the Ottoman tunic is particularly warm. I got this sweater originally in the dead of winter and I didn’t end up wearing it for two reasons. I found the neckline itchy compared to my cashmere or even other wool sweaters. And it wasn’t nearly as warm as the cashmere or wool sweaters I usually wear. However I found it the right weight and warmth for a cool spring day.
The Free People Ottoman sweater is not exactly cheap. It is $148 USD which comes out to about $200 in CAD. Usually for that price I am thinking cashmere not cotton. I am guessing the tunic style and popularity are what drive the price. There are countless dupes at this point though. This and this from amazon look suspiciously similar but reviews show that the fit isn’t the same. Another Canadian blogger was raving about this sweater from a Canadian company out west. Not as cheap as the amazon dupes but half the price of the Ottoman sweater. I had to try it out.
Kinley Tunic Sweater Review
The Kinley Tunic is a similar ribbed cotton, nylon, spandex blend. I find it fits the same in the shoulders and arms but is a bit less oversized through the body. I find the fit more snug through the bum and hips. For me I would likely have to size up to get a similar fit to the Ottoman tunic.
I did find the Kinley to be softer than the Ottoman. I didn’t find the fabric as rough at the neck. Also the mock neck seemed to stand up a bit more on it’s own. But perhaps that is due to the sizing as there is less extra fabric to slouch.
I wouldn’t say this is a perfect dupe but it is a good one.
So is the Free People Ottoman Tunic worth the hype? In my opinion not really but I don’t wear leggings all that often and prefer wool to cotton. I do think this is a flattering sweater but perhaps more for weekend not the office. I like it and if I lived in a different climate I would get more wear out of it. For the price I think it is expensive for what it is, cotton lounge sweater. As someone who lives in a cold climate I am going to get more wear out of this in transition seasons or cool summer nights rather than the dead of winter.
What do you think of the Free People Ottoman Tunic Review? Is this a sweater you want in your wardrobe?