The Squall Anorak sits in a crowded category, pull-over outerwear that works in light rain without committing to a full rain jacket, and it does most of that job at $198.
The Verdict
At $198, this is a reasonable piece of outerwear for mild weather and occasional drizzle, but the reversible construction and 5.5oz twill don't add up to something you'd reach for when conditions get serious. Buy it if you want a clean casual layer; don't expect it to replace a proper shell.
The Make
The fabric is a 74% organic cotton / 26% recycled nylon twill at 5.5oz, finished with a DWR coating. That weight sits on the lighter side for outerwear, which keeps it packable but limits its useful temperature range. The organic cotton is GOTS-certified, consistent with how Taylor Stitch sources across its line. The recycled nylon adds some structure and helps the DWR treatment bond to the face.
Construction details include a three-piece hood with a drawcord, adjustable snap cuffs, a zippered kangaroo pocket, and a drawcord hem. The reversible build is the marquee feature: one side navy twill, the other presumably a contrasting liner. In practice, reversible outerwear sounds better than it usually wears. The interior seams have to work from both sides, which tends to mean compromises in seam finishing that a single-faced jacket avoids. Made in China, which is neither surprising nor disqualifying at this price.
Taylor Stitch's Workshop pre-order model means this piece was likely funded before production, which should in theory mean tighter inventory control and less surplus. The care guidance sits on their website in a general guide rather than a garment-specific tag, which is a minor frustration if you're figuring out how to handle the DWR coating after a season of use.
The Fit
Taylor Stitch cuts this as a regular fit, and it runs true to size through S to XXL. The anorak silhouette is inherently a relaxed pull-over shape, so the regular cut reads slightly roomy, which is correct for a layer you'll wear over a midweight shirt or light knit. If you're between sizes or wearing a heavy base layer, size up. The three-piece hood is shaped rather than flat, which helps it sit close to the head without bunching.
The Context
At $198, the Squall Anorak competes with the lower tier of Patagonia's anorak lineup and the more casual end of what Corridor or Aimé Leon Dore put out for outerwear. The organic cotton story and the Workshop funding model are genuine differentiators, but the performance credentials are modest. This is a fair-weather anorak in the truest sense: looks good in a light mist, works well on a cool San Francisco morning, earns a 7 out of 10 for travel because it packs down without drama. It's not a jacket you'd trust in a real downpour.
Versatility is where it falls short. The anorak shape and the reversible gimmick mean it doesn't layer neatly under anything heavier, and it sits in an awkward middle zone between a casual overshirt and a real weather layer.
The Personal Note
I haven't owned this one. The construction notes check out against Taylor Stitch's broader range, which I've handled across a few pieces. The Squall reads like a brand doing its best work in cotton basics, stretching into outerwear because the market expects a full line. That's not a knock. It's just worth knowing what you're buying.
