At Matador, our editors gauge clothing and products through a Venn diagram of versatility – one part function for its stated use case, one part style, one part cross-over effect. Most clothing brands in the outdoors space claim versatility, but it’s a rare day that a brand finds the center of that diagram – what we’ve dubbed the bullseye of “trail-to-town-to-office” effectiveness and functionality. These shirts from Poncho Outdoors came as close as any brand has in this regard.
Photos: Tim Wenger and Poncho Outdoors
From Colorado Trails to Fishing Off the Cayman Islands, These Shirts Don't Miss a Beat
Three Matador staffers with different hobbies and interests put a slew of Poncho Outdoors shirts to the test:
- AJ Kinney is from Minnesota but now lives in the Cayman Islands and spends his free time on fishing boats.
- Nickolaus Hines lives in Denver, where he’s often found arguing with bartenders about vermouth ratios like it’s a personality trait.
- Tim Wenger lives in the high desert of western Colorado where he can easily justify a midday splitboard tour as “work” and mostly get away with it.
This is how the shirts held up, from the fishing boat to the coworking space.
All products and listings featured on Matador Network are independently selected by our writers and editors. Matador Network may receive compensation if you make a purchase through these links. Prices are accurate as of publication.
The Red Bud
Price: $109.95
Photo: Poncho Outdoors
I reach for The Red Bud corduroy shirt on travel days when I want to look like I put some thought into what I’m wearing without veering into overdressed territory. Over the past six months, I’ve worn it on flights, road trips, work trips, and dinners where a T-shirt would feel too casual and a proper jacket would feel like too much. It has the structure of a light jacket, but it Support doesn’t wear stiff, and the corduroy has enough weight and stretch that it holds up well even when pressed between my back and a seat for hours on end. The subtle Western details and pearl snaps give it some character, though I’ll admit that one person did clock it as Western enough to call it “Western themed” when I wore it to a Delta event at the Denver airport. While I went with faded auburn (few colors will do as a good a job at hiding kicked-up red dirt on a trip through tequila), there are more neutral colors to choose from as well if you want the fit without the louder colorway. That said, it lands in a sweet spot for me: distinctive, durable, easy to layer, and especially good when the weather swings all over the place. – Nickolaus Hines
The Ventura
Price: $109/95
Photo: Poncho Outdoors
The Ventura is the denim shirt I pack when I know I’ll want an extra layer, but it’s not cold enough to justify bringing a jacket. The sage brush color I chose fits in well in mountain towns and beach towns alike — the two environments I’m traveling through most. It’s traveled along with me on long days that have few chances to stop and freshen up, but I still need to look put together. It has more substance than a typical long-sleeve shirt, but it’s lighter and easier than a chore coat, which makes it especially useful in that 50s-and-60s range where weather can’t seem to make up its mind. It came out with me every day during a winter trip to San Diego that mixed beach days with going out in town. I like that I can roll up the sleeves, wear it open over a basic tee, or button it up when needed. The soft performance denim and broken-in feel make it comfortable for all-day wear, and it packs down small without holding onto wrinkles in an annoying way. It still leans more casual-polished than truly polished and is perfect for leisure travel when not knowing the full itinerary is part of the experience. – NH
The Grey Fox
$84.95
Photo: Poncho Outdoors
Matador’s clothing Venn diagram must converge for me to take a chance on a clothing brand I haven’t tried before. The first is that the article of clothing must be functional on the trail or in the mountains. The second is that it must be presentable for wear on Zoom calls and in my coworking space. The Grey Fox button-down shirt from Poncho met those requirements, and I ordered one before attending a work conference in Detroit. I wore the shirt for a day of meetings (admittedly, travel media is a smart-casual industry even in formal settings) and also for a bike ride along the Detroit Riverfront. Both situations produced a bit of sweat, which the shirt kept under wraps by allowing air to permeate both the shirt’s front and back. I also appreciated the shirt’s sun protection capabilities (SPF 50) while on the ride. I felt clean and presentable. I’m not generally a fan of clothing containing plastic, as the brand’s proprietary nylon and spandex fabric does, but I appreciate that it’s made with rPET recycled plastic bottles. I can get behind, or inside of, that. – Tim Wenger
The Clinch Knot
Price: $84.95
Photo: Tim Wenger
I also ordered The Clinch Knot button-down, not because I’m some sort of proficient angler but because I’m a fan of collared shirts that offer ample storage for sunglasses and random accoutrements. The shirt features Poncho’s signature magnetic buttons on the breast pockets. It’s plaid design is clean and presentable. The hidden zippered pocket makes it an effective travel day shirt as a passport can fit in there, no problem. This also works as a place to put a credit card and driver’s license when on the water, without having to carry an entire wallet. It’s a shirt that’s built for the outdoors, but that also functions equally well inside. – TW
The Undertow
Price: $89.95
Photo: Poncho Outdoors
This ultra-lite long sleeve has been a great addition to my day-of-travel selection. It is light enough and quickly dries for warm weather but keeps you covered in the sun. Also a great selection from tarmac to table – going out you would never know it had been worn all day due to the wrinkle resistant material. Some features I did not think I would use but find myself loving are the built-in sunglasses lens cleaner sewed into the shirt. Slate Blue was the perfect color for me and I really enjoy the breathability and stretch. – AJ Kinney
The Bandera
Price: $84.95
Photo: Poncho Outdoors
Subtle Western Pearl-snaps for that Coastal Cowboy look – The Bandera is about as good as it gets. I love the zipper secured hidden pocket for quick access to random things like cash or tickets. I have worn this on flights and to work events dressed up with a sport jacket and some nice boots. Always looks sharp and feels so comfortable. AK 