Review of Columbia Men's New Utilizer Polo

Customer Ratings:

I own 4 of the older "Utilizer" Polos and find the fit and fabric to be outstanding. I tried on the new "Utilizer" and found the fabric to be a downgraded "cheesy" hand and the proportions have changed dramatically. The shirt is smaller around in the chest area but with the unwanted bonus of what appears to be larger arm holes.

Anyone who is used to old style Columbia quality would reject this shirt. Columbia, if you are listening, bring back the old style "Utilizer" and stop making these shoddy shirts.

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Having purchased Columbia's Utilizer polo's in the past, I had no hesitation purchasing two "New Utilizer" shirts sight unseen from Amazon. Ordered the same exact size as before but find these new shirts very uncomfortable (being too tight in some spots, too loose in others). The material is much thinner than the original, and even those little extras (like the tab to hang from the collar) aren't there anymore. Very disappointed to find the quality I expect from such expensive shirts isn't there.

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The sizing was true to fit and the compared to some "dri fit" shirts this one wears and feels very comfortable. It has some small waffling that make the shirt feel softer and more wearable. Not like some of the 100% ployester shirts out there.

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The shirt size is cut for the typical overweight American. If you're in reasonably good shape without a potbelly, it will drape from your body like a set of wind blown curtains. Buyer beware. Better sizing fit is a Champion Dri-Fit Polo. It's cheaper, but fits better. Unfortunately, there are limited color choices for the Champion.

I've purchased several pairs of Columbia Silver Ridge II convertible pants in the past. The belt loops are designed poorly to the extent that if the belt that accompanies it is removed, it is EXTREMELY difficult to re-insert it. This has happened to me several times at the airport as I pass through security. Once the TSA agent forces me to remove the belt, my pants are loose the remainder of the trip. Other Silver Ridge II customers agree. Customer service, which probably is hearing numerous complaints about the design, now assert that the belt loop was designed for backpacking, i.e., the belt loop won't interfere with the backpack. Yeah, right.

I point this out because poor design seems to be a problem at this company, whether it's the one overweight size fits all, or the design of belt loops.

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I've been wearing Columbia Utilizer shirts for years, including the original Utilizer and the Utilizer II. This "New Utilizer" is a step down. Most importantly, the fit is different. The shoulders are boxier and the sleeves are shorter, so the shirt doesn't lay well on my upper body. Also, the construction is cheaper with thinner fabric and the interior finishing is not as nice. I've switched to Royal Robbins shirts, which are similar in function, but higher quality, better looking, and better fit for the price.