Finisterre Review: Coastal Performance Meets Timeless Sustainable Style

First Impressions: Exploring Finisterre’s Coastal Lineup

I recently got to try out some pieces from Finisterre for the first time. When I first looked at Finisterre’s website it was apparent that they have a great selection. I had a hard time narrowing down which items I wanted to try. 

The Farne Crew: Merino Warmth and “Old Time” Character

The selection of sweaters had me the most excited. It was no surprise that my favorite piece that I tried turned out to be the Farne Crew sweater in autumn orange. The sweater has a flattering shape, and I liked the silhouette on my body. The autumn orange is a good mix between having rich color, but also being muted enough to blend with a variety of outfits. I like the details of the color speckles throughout the sweater, because it adds a little bit of character, interest, and gives it a little bit of  an “old time” feel. It is thick, durable, and made of merino wool. It provides the natural warmth and odor resistance you’d expect from high-quality knitwear.

Beyond the Bandana: Testing the Ayr Triangle Scarf

I’ve recently started hiking with neck scarves. In the summer, a cotton bandana is my go-to for cooling off by dipping in streams and lakes, but the Ayr Triangle Scarf is the perfect winter equivalent. I always test wool and cashmere by rubbing it against the sensitive skin under my chin. This 100% wool piece passed with flying colors—no irritation, even after all-day wear. The scarf is a great, fun accessory that elevates any outfit.

Coastal Outerwear: The Lapwing Puffer and Longline Storm Bird Jacket

When it came to jackets, I sized up, because I prefer a baggier fit. However, in this case, that was not necessary. The jackets had more than enough room, and I did not need to size up at all. I tried one puffer style coat, the lapwing coat in the color raven, and a shell jacket, the longline storm bird jacket in black. 

The Lapwing Coat is a cozy, light puffer. It has a lot of coverage (comes down to just above the knees) and the color raven is a dark charcoal gray. Coming from a mountain background, I was initially surprised by how thin this coat felt. It isn’t a “sub-zero morning” parka for the high alpine, but it is the ultimate coastal companion.

Having recently relocated to the bay area I can understand why a thinner jacket like this serves well. It gets chilly, especially when wind picks up on the coast. This jacket seems like the perfect cold plunge/post swim/post surf cover up. In fact, I found it the perfect companion for a morning cold plunge in the ocean in San Francisco. It practically works as a blanket too, which is another function I used it for on a weekend trip to Point Reyes, California. I was able to use it to lay in the long grass and it’s coverage and soft fabric made it a great substitute for a cozy blanket

The Longline Storm Bird Jacket is a heavy duty, durable layer that is both timeless in style and strong against the elements. It kept me dry and comfortable during the heavy downpours in the coastal storms of the rainy season. Originally I was going for a hardshell ski jacket. However the fit of this jacket is a lot longer than I prefer for skiing. For wind-whipped rainy days in the city or on the trail, it is great, especially if you are looking for a longer length. 

Overall Impression: Practical Gear Built to Last

Overall I found Finisterre’s pieces to be very practical and versatile-in colors, style, and function. Finisterre excels at creating practical, versatile pieces that bridge the gap between technical gear and lifestyle apparel. By using high-quality recycled materials and classic constructions, they’ve created a line that feels built to last rather than follow a passing trend.

Interested in some Men’s Finisterre Gear? Checkout our latest Men’s Hooded Jacket Review from Whistler. 

Related Women’s Outdoor Gear We Tested

1. Sperry Women’s Duck Boots Review
2. SheFly Apparel Active Pants Review
3. Le Bent Women’s Thermal Base Layers Review