Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Ibex Qu T > Stephanie Martin > Initial Report

Initial Report: IBEX Women's Qu T

Product Information:
Manufacturer:	IBEX Outdoor Clothing, Inc. [http://www.ibexwear.com]
Year of Manufacture:	2006
Listed Weight:	3.5 ounces (99.2 grams), size reference unknown
Weight as Delivered:	4.1 ounces (116.2 grams)
Color:	Mulberry
Size:	Women's Large
MSRP:	$79
Style of Product:	Lightweight, crew neck tee shirt.

Contents

- Product Arrival

- Words on the Web

- Product Features and Construction

- Initial Impressions

- Test Strategy

It's Here! The Ibex Qu T Arrives!
The IBEX Qu T arrived safely from Ibex and comes packed with a "thank you" card and a postcard to send back to have their catalog forwarded to any acquaintance that might like to receive one.  Attached to the Qu T was a product hangtag proclaiming the benefits of wool (specifically 17.5 micron wool) including the following: Luxuriously Soft, Unmatched Temperature Regulation, All Natural Stretch, Naturally Anti-Microbial & Machine Washable.  The back of the hangtag details the IBEX Warranty - guaranteeing the product against any material or manufacturing defects for the products lifetime.
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Words on the Web
The IBEX website is cleanly designed and well presented.  The site is easy to navigate and the images display the product nicely.  Each product page defaults to a quick description of the product.  A quick click of the mouse brings up product specs, recommended usage, information on the fabric used in the product.  A sizing chart is quickly referenced from each product page.
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Product Features and Construction
The IBEX Qu T is a silk weight tee shirt with a relaxed fit.  The shirt features semi-raglan shoulder seams, (as detailed in the photo on the left)  and princess seams on both front and back for shaping and detailing - though when laid flat, there is no noticeable shaping along the side of the garment.

The 17.5 micron superfine merino fabric is very soft to the touch and has plenty of stretch.  IBEX proclaims the shirt to have superior temperature regulation - it keeps the wearer cool by taking advantage of wool's natural moisture wicking properties.  Other natural properties of wool contribute to the fabric's stretch, fire-resistance and antimicrobial properties.

The shirt itself is nicely constructed and fits as I would expect a relaxed shirt to fit.  The hem lands at a comfortable length, slightly above my hips. It's long enough to be tucked in, yet short enough to be left out and still look plenty stylish.  The princess seaming lends the Qu T a nice feminine shape while worn.  The back of the shirt features an embroidered IBEX logo centered right below the neckline.

The shirt tags include the easy care instruction to "Wash gentle cold...with a mild detergent.  Lay flat to dry."  The Women's IBEX Qu T is available in various colors: Mulberry, rose, black, and heather grey.  I was slightly disappointed to not find a color from the blue family.
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Initial Impressions
I found the Qu T to be as expected based on my visits to the IBEX website.  The shirt is sewn well, with clean and straight stitching with no dangling threads.  I was surprised to find the contrasting tape sewn onto the neck seam does not follow the seam all the way around - but rather is only on the back portion of the shirt.  The 17.5 micron wool fabric is very soft, and is a lot stretchier than I had anticipated, even with my familiarity with wool and knit fabrics!  The fit is relaxed and flattering, and the shirt will transform from trail to town easily.  Sizing is right on, I ordered the next size up (based on the size charts) to allow myself a little more versatility.
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Test Strategy
I'm very pleased with the design and construction of the IBEX Qu T.  I plan on making it a favorite in my wardrobe - for both every day use as well as hiking and adventuring.  The Qu T will be worn to work, while home lounging, to the gym and most importantly, while hiking, backpacking, canyoning and adventuring in general.  The terrain will range from lowland desert hills and slot canyons, to grassy meadows and pine forest.  Off trail hiking may expose the shirt to brush and scrub, and canyoneering adventures will expose it to rock walls and plenty of water.  With summer upon us already, temperatures will be plenty warm with daytime highs up into low 100's F (high 30's C) and night time lows, if I'm lucky, in the mid 70's F (low 20's C).

I'll be evaluating the Qu T on its overall fit, comfort and ease of use and care in the field with a focus on its breathability, moisture wicking performance and quick drying time.  In addition, I'll be evaluating the shirt for wrinkle and stain resistance, durability and its ability to remain true to size.  Finally, I'll attempt to evaluate its odor-resistance over multiple days of use.
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My thanks to BackpackGearTest.org and IBEX for this testing opportunity.

Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Ibex Qu T > Stephanie Martin > Initial Report