Worthy Few: Good Gear for Country Living

Feb 21, 2022

Hi there, it’s Hillarie! This is your favorite weekly newsletter about my latest nature finds that I think you may enjoy, too. Keep reading for some ideas to get your week started.

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(All thoughts are based on my own purchases and I have no connection to any of the brands.)

Hi there! How are you doing? Did you catch the full moon last week? Stunning. After the moon rose high enough in the eastern sky, I walked with my family down the street, out of the shadow of the towering tree line. It was also an excuse to visit the frosty pond that’s been filling with spring rain and waking up a chorus of hibernating frogs. It’s kinda magical.

Our walk to the pond in frosty weather made me thankful to have good, reliable clothing for being in nature in all types of weather. Even after living in the Pacific Northwest for years, my wardrobe emphasized cuteness and comfort over practicality. Getting caught in the rain may happen, but I never planned to be in the rain.

The move to the country helped me rethink what I value in clothing, and I now have far fewer clothes than I once had. I went from racks of fancy office clothing to a small range of reliable outfits that I can wear playing with my kids, on my Zoom calls, and out into the garden. Clothing that is thoughtful, durable, and made with our planet in mind.

This week I am sharing a few of the brands that hit all the marks for me. It can be hard to find good gear, so I thought I would give you a head start! What other brands do you love for your durable outdoor clothing?

Work pants for ladies, by ladies:

Dovetail Workwear

While wandering around downtown Portland, I stopped to check out a PNW clothing shop. As soon as I entered, I saw a darling pair of canvas overalls hanging from the rack—and they were my size! Without looking in the fitting room mirror, I knew this was the pair of overalls I had been waiting to find.

It is quite clear that these overalls were not made by a dude. They nailed all the details and the fit is stunning. The bib is pulled in just a bit, there are pockets galore, a comfy amount of stretch for bending over, and the ankle cuff is country perfection.

If you plan to be in the garden, hit the trails, or do any handy projects around your home, invest in a quality pair of overalls.

Reliable, ethical work wear

Patagonia

This company has set a high bar for ethical clothing, quality production, and sustainable business practices, such as their used clothing resale. Up until last year, I had only ever owned a pair of Patagonia mittens that I lost and repurchased on a few occasions. They are wonderful!

Last year, I decided to get some sweatshirts, a jumpsuit, and a winter jacket from them as well. The sweatshirts have become a winter staple and the parka has gotten me through a chilly winter. And those mittens are still my daily companions on drives into town to drop off the kiddos.

If you need reliable clothing or gear that will keep you protected from season to season, check out their stuff!

Soft and durable flare

Marine Layer

After stopping in to a store in Seattle, I fell in love with this striped winter hat—it was so damn thick and soft. I loved it so much that I started braiding my hair consistently this winter just so I could wear the hat. It’s that great!

Marine Layer strikes a balance between functional and fun with their clothing. There are so many great colors and lots of soft materials. I have since picked up a sweater and a pair of joggers that are in regular rotation.

It can be hard to find durable clothes for the country lifestyle, but I have been really happy with the items I have picked up here.