In the past year or so Varley has become my favourite for chic athletic wear that has more versatility that simply sweating at the gym. I am hardly what anyone would describe as sporty but I still like to go hiking, and skiing and I want to look good doing it. The problem with many sporty brands is they don’t really fit well for curvy bodies. They are designed for a more boyish figure. So when I find a brand that not only looks good but looks good on I am loyal. Varley has a number of these high neck sweatshirts but the Varley Barker High Neck Sweatshirt review will share why I particularly like this style.
Varley Barker High Neck Sweatshirt Review
The Barker sweatshirt is made of Varley’s signature double soft fabric with knitted details at the neck, hem and cuffs. It is the same fabric that these sweatpants are made of.
So far this sweatshirt only comes in one colour an ivory marl which looks a bit off white or even like a very light grey.
As the name suggests there is a high neck like a turtle neck or funnel neck. You can turn it down if you want but you do not have to.
There are also zips on the side if you want to loosen up the fit even more but I find it is plenty drapey and loose already. The fit is described as oversized but I wouldn’t size down unless you are looking for something much more fitted.
This sweatshirt is not fleecy on the inside. The double soft fabric is more like stretchy sporty tee. Or a sweatshirt without the fleece. It drapes nicely and is not thick or stiff. I like this because it doesn’t add any bulk and I can easily use this sweatshirt to layer. It fit easily under this spring parka for an early walk lately.
Overall I love this sweatshirt. I liked this fleece from last year which feels like a more cropped version, but I love the Barker. Exactly the type of sporty top I want when I go walking on a cool morning or to lounge at home in watching British mystery shows.
One note I will say is I usually shop directly from Varley for two reasons. The other places that you can shop them don’t carry the full line. And they don’t carry the full size range. It is rare that I see the XL which is only a size 12 at Canadian retailers. Nordstrom does sell Varley but doesn’t have this sweatshirt. So I find that I do better shopping directly in selection and sizing.