Arc'teryx Veilance Field LS Review

Hi-Level

  • Generous cut and breezy fabric improve airflow and comfort

  • Aggressive pockets define the look

  • Hardware looks a bit cheap

  • Big and long sleeves won’t work for everyone

Introduction

When it comes to high-end functional fashion, Arc'teryx Veilance is a name that often comes up among enthusiasts.

The offshoot brand of Arc’teryx is renowned for blending aesthetic appeal with utilitarian features. Using their expertise and fabrication processes, they create contemporary silhouettes for an urban audience who expect the same performance and quality from rugged outdoor gear. The SS23 Field LS shirt is no exception.

With its clean lines, breathable fabric, and unique chest flap pockets, this long-sleeve shirt embodies both style and functionality. Here are our thoughts after six months of wear.

*Note: We will mostly refer to Arc’teryx Veilance as simply Veilance, as it's easier to type. You might also catch us using AV as an abbreviation.*

History

To our current knowledge, the Field LS marks Veilance's return in 2023 to their Field OS shirt, which had been discontinued for several years.

Since the brand's launch in 2009, the Field line has served as their modern take on the classic U.S. Army M65 jacket. This jacket is heavy-duty with four front pockets and a concealed hood. The Field line has seen numerous iterations, including waterproof hardshells, insulated jackets, and shirts. Key visual elements include two or four angular flap pockets on the front and a stand-up collar with a stowable hood on jackets.

These angular flaps have become a staple in Veilance's design, appearing in their Haedn OS and Spere jackets, to name a few.

First Impressions

The moment we unfolded the Field LS, the luxurious drape of the fabric immediately caught our attention.

We ordered the shirt in classic black, size medium. The material felt both breathable and stretchy, indicating a high level of comfort. We initially expected it to resemble the Arc’teryx Skyline shirt closely, but the Field LS's heavier fabric and texture made it look and feel less synthetic and more like traditional shirting.

For reference, the Skyline is made from 110 g/m2 100% polyester fabric, while the Field LS is constructed from "75d polyester plain weave mechanical stretch, 114gsm," according to Arc’teryx's description. This fabric seems to be exclusive to Veilance and we haven’t seen it used in any of their mainline offerings.

Construction

The shirt is made from several panels of polyester fabric, stitched neatly with thin seams.

Overlapping fabric pieces are laminated to create clean, uninterrupted lines where traditional methods would require additional sewing. The internal seams are taped, reducing friction and enhancing durability due to precise and minimal stitching. This taping is a classic Veilance touch, similar to the taped seams on Arc’teryx waterproof shells.

Here, it serves as a luxurious and fun detail that only the wearer gets to appreciate (unless you choose to boast about it, a sure-fire way to thin out your circle of friends in no time).

The shirt is designed anatomically to form a 3D shape around your body.

The aim is to move with you as smoothly as possible without relying too much on stretch. In practice, this means that most Veilance clothes resemble architectural pieces, made up of several small panels. Gusseted underarms and curved sleeves add to this. It's one of the reasons we gravitate towards the brand; we genuinely enjoy the look and the experience they offer.

Design Details

The shirt features two distinctive, angular, and off-centered chest flap pockets, adding both function and style.

To us, these pockets set the shirt apart. While they offer some storage for small, light items, they're not great at concealing objects due to the fabric's light and stretchy nature. The absence of a closing mechanism means items can easily fall out when you bend over, so we advise only using them for temporary storage of single keys or cards.

The buttons are hidden behind a placket, contributing to the shirt's streamlined look.

The cuffs have two sets of the same press buttons, allowing you to adjust the large opening. The shirt also features a dropped hem, a design choice reminiscent of Arc’teryx hardshells. Originally this feature offers extra protection in harsh, rainy conditions. Here it creates visual interest, plus it keeps one looking classy when kneeling to pick up objects.

The dropped hem adds about 3 centimetres of length, covering the top half of ones rear end.

The collar is laminated and gives a smooth, classic finish. At the sleeves, a double set of buttons lets one dial in the cuff opening. We feel however that the overall opening is too wide and have found ourselves using the inner buttons most of the time.

Wearing it

The Field LS is engineered for breathability, making it ideal for warm-weather outings.

We've worn it as my sole layer in temperatures ranging between 21°C/69°F and 30°C/86°F. The fabric's stretch and the shirt's anatomical design contribute to a comfortable fit, allowing for a full range of motion without feeling restrictive. However, the fabric doesn't perform well when sweating and sitting against furniture; unlike cotton or wool, polyester doesn't absorb water well, leading to some clamminess. In our experience this is how most synthetic clothing behaves.

The shirt's overall length and roomy cut make it fit more like an overshirt or very light jacket.

The anatomical design ensures a comfortable wearing experience, allowing us to move freely without raising the shirt's hem. The curved sleeves follow the natural shape of the wearers arms, creating a noticeably comfortable sensation absent in other shirts.

How We Use This & Real Life Performance

We usually wear the Field LS fully buttoned for work or meetings with clients and stakeholders in less formal settings.

While the shirt appears understated, it catches the eye of those attentive to detail and finish. It has kept us comfortable during spring and summer, except in temperatures above 30°C/86°F. The breathability is noticeable but not as much as with, for instance, linen. The shirt performs very well as a light layer during crisp, windy mornings, on top of a light tee.

Maintenance is simple: occasional creases disappear quickly when wearing, and we wash it with a technical detergent every so often to preserve its functionality.

One could wash it using regular detergent but we’d recommend double rinsing in that case, as perfume and other residue could hinder the wicking properties of the polyester fibers. We've had great results using Atsko Sports Wash or Grangers Performance Wash.

Surprises

One surprising omission is DWR (Durable Water Repellent), commonly found on most Veilance products.

This absence makes sense, given the Field LS is designed for hot, dry weather. The fabric is engineered to wick water, theoretically cooling you down when you sweat. If it does get wet, it dries incredibly quickly—a useful feature for unexpected downpours.

What we dislike

Button Aesthetics

The shirt's buttons are shiny and unpainted, which can be somewhat distracting and cheapens the look. We would have preferred black Cobrax buttons, as seen on other Veilance shirts and jackets.

Sleeve and Cuff Sizing

The sleeves are quite roomy, which might not suit everyone.

The large cuff opening, though watch-friendly, compromises the shirt's clean look. Veilance has a history of using long sleeves, possibly a nod to their climbing gear heritage, but here they seem overly large. We find ourselves folding them over when working at a desk.

Verdict

The Arc'teryx Veilance Field LS is a stylish and functional shirt that offers a lot but leaves room for improvement. It reflects current fashion trends favoring roomier, boxier silhouettes, which could make sizing a challenge for those unaccustomed to this style. If you're in the market for a high-quality, breathable shirt with a unique design, the Field LS should be on your radar. Just keep in mind its roomy sleeves and somewhat shiny buttons when making your decision.

We enjoy wearing this shirt as it looks understated but has a impeccable, unique look once you get closer. The benefit of it being breathable, quick-drying and moisture-wicking make the Field LS a versatile keeper in our book.

8/10

As of the time of writing the Field LS was priced at €350.