Sherpa Ethical Outdoor Clothing Review
Reviewed by Louise Totton
Consumer ethics are big news at the moment, and rightly so. We hear so much about the working conditions in the factories of our favourite brands, the low pay rates, the way that big business in the West takes advantage of the low salaries and costs of production at the other side of the world. And that’s not to mention the environmental impact of what is becoming known as ‘disposable clothing’; after all, when we can buy a t-shirt for £1.50 and a pair of shorts for £3, it should be no great surprise when they are worn once and binned. I do try to buy ethically where I can, although not at the expense of style – I want to look good and be comfortable as well as feeling good about the choices I make.
Sherpa are an ethical clothing brand who make beautiful men’s and women’s outdoor clothing inspired by the heritage and history of Nepal. They proudly make 57% their clothes in Nepal and they are increasing this whenever they can, providing work and meaningful employment, rather than charity, to Nepalese communities. As well as providing employment, Sherpa also provide education in the form of donations to fun scholarships for children in remote Himalayan villages. In 2017, Sherpa employed 914 people year-round in Nepal and 10 students currently receive full educational scholarships because of the Sherpa Adventure Gear Fund.
I love the ethos and the ethical stance of Sherpa, which is great but it isn’t enough to make me change my buying habits – the products have to be attractive and comfortable too – and as I am apparently a nightmare when it comes to clothes (I don’t like the feel of labels, stiff fabrics or thick decals on t-shirts). I was sent a couple of items from Sherpa’s women’s range to try out and I was keeping everything crossed that I would love the clothes as much as I loved the company ethos. I was sent a pair of Naya 5” shorts and an Endless Knot T-shirt to try out.
First, the Naya 5” Shorts (RRP: £45). They are available in two colour options – Kharani and Henna Brown (tan). I was sent the Kharani version, which are a shade of slate grey. These are neither short shorts not long ones, but really are the perfect length. They feature a wide waistband with two buttons, turnups at the bottom of the shorts and four pockets – two at the front and two at the back. I loved these shorts. They are incredibly comfortable – I normally wear a size 12 and went for these in a 14 just in case as I do sometimes have to size up in jeans, and I think either the 14’s or the 12’s would have been fine. The shorts are made from a lovely, soft mid-weight fabric that move fantastically well as you move in them. They are a cotton Nylon mix with added Spandex for extra comfort and they are very, very flattering – according to my other half, I look like Lara Croft in them, which can only be a good thing!
I was surprised just how much I liked these shorts, they look an awful lot better on than they do on the website; I always think clothing looks fabulous on the size 8 model in the pictures, but then get really disappointed when I try them on myself and feel like a bag of potatoes. Not so with these shorts – they are flattering, look fantastic and are very comfortable. When added to the fact that they can be bought with a clear conscience, I think they are a winner on all fronts.
I loved the Endless Knot t-shirt (RRP: £30) just as much. This t-shirt is available in three colours – Peetho (beige), Anaar (wine) and Rathee (navy). I was sent the Anaar version, which features a lighter pink motif on the front and is made from 85% polyester and 15% cotton. This t-shirt has moisture wicking properties, which means that if you are wearing it when you are being active, you won’t get too hot and sweaty (or at least your clothes won’t).
The fabric feels wonderful to touch – it is very soft and stretchy; it feels like luxury cotton, but it dries around four times faster as well as being odour and stain resistant and less likely to wrinkle.
I have worn and washed this t-shirt on several occasions since it arrived – I just can’t help myself, I love it, and it looks as good as it did when it first arrived. It hasn’t lost any of its shape, the sizing is as good as the day that it arrived, and I haven’t managed to stain it yet!
These clothes are fabulous – they are ideal for both casual and more active situations and they look superb in either environment. When you combine the very obvious quality, the stylish design and the superb ethical credentials of Sherpa, it’s obvious that these items are a great choice on all fronts.
Rating: 5/5
For more information or to buy online visit www.sherpaadventuregear.co.uk.
