Toad and Co. :: Field Tested

Toad and Co. was established by Jessica Nordhaus in 1991, starting out of her Colorado garage, sewing toque hats for friends. The first brick-and-mortar store opened in 1995 in Telluride, and since then, the company has expanded significantly, launching several offshoots that continue to excel (these include creating career opportunities and trips for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as funding environmental protection organizations). With four stores across the United States and over 683 distributors in the USA and Canada, Toad and Co. has built a loyal following for its quality men’s and women’s clothing. Their garments fit true to size, and the designers have thoughtfully considered comfortable fits for fuller-figured women. We appreciate the quality of their craftsmanship and that their materials are a step above the rest. Additionally, their online store supports sustainability with a resale option, allowing you to buy or sell used Toad and Co. clothing items.

Spruce Wood Jacket

As a full-chested woman, finding a jacket that fits comfortably while still being stylish is very difficult. So when I received my Spruce Wood jacket in True Navy, I was pleasantly surprised that the sleeves reached my wrists, the front was relaxed while the waist remained slim, and it did not feel as though I had a boa constrictor wrapped around my chest. The jacket has an extended neckline, much like an oversized turtleneck, with a removable hood that will accommodate most hairstyles. With four large insulated hand pockets in the front, there is ample space for your gloves, beanie, wallet, and phone. The storm snaps over the front zip, keeping out drafts while extending the zipper’s life. The jacket’s rear drop tail ensures your back is protected from the elements, and with elasticated storm cuffs and water-resistant materials, you’ll stay dry when in a drizzle. The jacket’s exterior is made from insulated recycled polyesters, which are soft and pleasant to touch, while the interior’s Thermolite insulation blocks any cold, biting winds. This jacket is definitely a go-to for any chilly winter travel or outings.

$298 | Spruce Wood Jacket

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

The Merino Heartfelt Hoodie is a lightweight yet warm, long-waisted sweater made from non-mulesed merino wool. It’s perfect for those crisp winter mornings or evenings around a cozy campfire. I found it to be an excellent addition to my wardrobe that I could quickly slip on when taking the dog for a walk or a quick stroll around town, and it easily packs down into a backpack. The hoodie has a draped hood with wrap styling and is quite long in length, easily reaching my mid-thigh, which is great when wearing leggings or keeping your back area warm. I wish the hood was not quite so oversized as I found it difficult to wear without it falling into my point of view, and a couple of wooden horn buckles at the waistline would be welcome for keeping the hoodie closed, especially when seated. That said, I do love the designs, particularly the Cinnamon color. Please note that this hoodie cannot be washed in warm water or wrung out, as it will shrink down by three sizes. Unfortunately, that happened to me, but fortunately for my daughter, she is smaller in stature and I can pass this on to her.

$220 | Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

toadandco.com

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Luisa Bell has always had a passion for travel, but she never imagined that she would travel the world, with her family, in a self-built Land Rover Defender camper. As the navigator, administrator, and penetrator of bureaucracy, she has led her family to over 65 countries on five continents. Luisa is the wife of Graeme, and their quarter-century together feels like a full century in overlander years. Her two kids and her dog are her pride and joy, and if she could travel with them indefinitely, she would. With a background in immigration law, she has the ability to make the impossible possible and has no plan of settling down or retiring her full-time traveler status. Follow her adventures at www.a2aexpedition.com