Alternative Apparel: The Champ L/S Eco-Fleece Raglan

I bought this because its freakin' cold here, and I wanted a comfy pullover for lounging around in. I've been hearing a lot lately how Alternative Apparel is the hotness, so I decided to check it out for myself.

Look/First Impressions: Alternative Apparel's website is strange to say the least. The models all wear bizarre accessories and look as if they've been rolling around in chalk. The majority of the products have names that start with Eco, Alternative, Organic, Original... they are really pushing the "We're NOT mainstream!" message. I find the website silly, and the pictures not at all helpful in determining what the clothes actually look like. Most of the pictures are of the models looking like homeless crack addicts. However, I was swayed by the amazing milky red, heather-ness of this top. I love shades of red, and love heather even more. When it arrived it was pretty much as expected, but the outside of the fabric looks old. ("knitted on outdated machines for a retro look") When I wore this, my boyfriend asked if I took it out of storage!

Fit: I'm small, but I wanted a baggy fit. The size charts are practically useless, since terms like "perfect" and "relaxed" fit vary with individual interpretation. I ordered a XS and a S, and ended up returning the S. Its unisex, so it runs big anyway. My main complaint is that the sleeves are waaay to short! I wish they were at least 5 inches longer. My wrist bones are left out to get chilly.

Feel: Darn comfy! Super soft on the inside. Feels great against my skin. Outside is kind of pilly, like a sweater you washed too many times, but its still soft.

Overall: This developed a hole after only one day of lounging around the house! I suppose that makes it more alternative and retro, but for 40 USD I expected this sweater to last longer. For being ridiculously overpriced and annoyingly alternative, I give this 3 out of 5 stars. (website)

Edit: I expressed my concerns to the product feedback survey and a friendly employee offered to ship me a replacement for free! While the sweatshirt might not be the best ever, I'm impressed with their customer service and willingness to make things right with their consumers.