Have you ever wondered if some teleshopping-type Facebook ad, one of those products that seem almost magical, actually works? Beach towels in which the sand does not stick. Multipurpose tools that only need to make the Income statement. Even shirts that you can use daily without fear of staining or wetting them because it is practically impossible. Well, of the latter, we no longer have any doubts. And we have tried those of Sepiia, a Spanish company dedicated to developing and producing intelligent garments that repel water and stains. And no, it’s not a teleshopping trick.
We have tested this shirt for a week, taking advantage of it for every occasion, without abusing it to prevent our environment from thinking it was our work overalls. Or that we have a closet like Batman’s, full of the same suit. One has to take care of his appearance. The fact is that we have wet it, we have stained it, and we have sweated it. And yes, this shirt can handle just about anything. But if you’re interested in the details, check out the rest of our review.
A SHIRT LIKE ANY OTHER
The first thing that attracts attention to Sepiia shirts is their look and feel. And it is that the weaving of this garment is perceived both by sight and touch. As with shirts that are made to measure or use quality fabrics, it is possible to glimpse the fabric and guess the texture with your eyes. The fiber crossings are designed to achieve maximum breathability, but they also mark the fabric’s personality of this garment. As soon as the box is opened, it is obvious that the finishes are of quality and that the materials used in its production are taken care of. Of course, when we grab or put on the shirt for the first time, the sensations are not so good.
And it is that touch is one of the characteristics that shocks the most the first contact. It has its explanation in the technology contained in Sepiia’s shirt, but it does not mean that, on the skin, the inner layer is rough and unpleasant. However, it is fair to say that the body gets used to it after a few minutes. On the one hand, it is again the fault of the weaving and its 3D structure to leave perspiration channels, which makes the “soft” part of the outside a more closed, smooth, and beautiful stitch. Thus, it is much easier to see the texture of the fabric when turning the shirt inside out, leaving the rough and less attractive part hidden from view but in contact with the skin. In addition, this internal part of the shirt does not have anti-stain protection since it would create a garment that does not perspire, making our sweat drip inside the pants. A very unpleasant image.
The positive part of all this is that, in a few minutes, our skin, if it is not excessively sensitive, gets used to this much rougher and rougher touch than that of a cotton shirt. But more interesting is that the type of fiber developed by Sepiia and this way of weaving prevent the shirt from wrinkling easily. And even better: it’s elastic. So comfort is assured.
In our user experience, we have moved without any limitations. It is comfortable to wear to an event or for day-to-day. After all, it adapts well to the body. It has the fit and body of a breathable gym top and is not stiff or intrusive at the seams. Also, visually, it can go through a regular sport shirt. Up to here, except for the inner feel, everything is positive.
THE SHIRT THAT HARDLY GETS STAINED
And once we verify that it is not science fiction, robotic garment, or that fits the body like armor, we only have the fun part left:Â testing its anti-stain properties. Something that has brought us back to childhood by allowing us to forget about the problems that eating and drinking carelessly can cause. Or a lucky crash in a bar in which you cannot sit. This anti-smudge peace of mind is one of its greatest virtues.
Sepiia’s shirts can withstand almost anything. We have recreated random but exaggerated accidents more typical of an overacted teleshopping commercial: eating a ketchup sandwich that ends up spilling all over the front of the shirt, being approached with a bottle of a certain sugary tea substitute drink, or even spilling coffee from the clumsiest way we’ve ever known. And the results surprise me both during and after.
The water-repellent and oil-repellent treatment layer is used so that almost any liquid runs polarized on the surface of the jacket. Seeing how the water rolls like liquid mercury on the shirt is surprising. In the case of ketchup, the initial shock passes when you see how the material slides without leaving any stain on the shirt. And, if it doesn’t slip, you just have to pour water to make it run down. With luck, and if we have not rubbed this substance strongly against the fabric, it will not have been impregnated or dirty at any time. Although the poured coffee was cold, this material seems to have left somewhat more visible marks on Sepiia’s shirt. In any case, they are subtle stains for what is expected of a garment, considering that they are very exaggerated situations. Any minor splashes go unnoticed with no problem.
But all that glitters is not gold. In our particular tests, we have also noticed certain problems: the inside of the shirt is not protected, so it can get wet or stained like a normal shirt. Yes, it dries faster than a conventional shirt, but it still unprotected some sensitive areas, such as the sleeves (if rolled up) or the neck (if it is open). In addition, you have to learn not to scrub stains and products since these can be absorbed by the inner layer of the shirt, thus leaving a fence. You always have to use water so that the remains slip.
Apart from our drastic tests, we have verified that the normal use of the shirt can dirty the cuffs regularly. However, the peace of mind that comes from knowing that almost anything will slide off the surface relaxes us in certain situations. Furthermore, small drops of wine, coffee, or any other daily product will not force us to wash our shirts. Which significantly lengthens its useful life and invites us not to worry about tasks such as laundry or ironing.
NO SMELLS OR WRINKLES
The anti-stain protection layer is one thing, and the technology behind the fibers and the weaving so that this shirt does not wrinkle or smell is quite another. On the one hand, some fibers provide elasticity and have tiny silver particles that prevent the proliferation of bad-smelling bacteria. That is to say, smelling good is in the genes of this Sepiia shirt. Or rather: not to smell. When we checked the results of our tests, we were surprised not to find the acidity and characteristic smell of ketchup or not even the smell of coffee. The operation is not exhaustive, and some odor may remain with the stains impregnated in the fabric. However, it is surprising what happens with perspiration. Despite being collected with the inside and porous part of the shirt, the smell does not remain. Of course, the smell of the softener does not seem to remain after washing either. The olfactory seal of Sepiia’s shirt is a somewhat characteristic non-odor, more typical of fabric or cardboard. It’s not unpleasant, but forget about it smelling like the rest of your clothes.
As for wrinkles… that’s another story. It is cloth, and as such, it wrinkles. Of course, nothing compared to cotton or linen shirts. The texture of the fabric is much more similar to sports shirts, keeping the same possibilities of wrinkles: practically none. However, as in previous cases, it is not something definitive. We can squeeze part of the fabric in the fist and squeeze hard. Most likely, we won’t get more than some signal. And the same thing happens when it comes out of the washing machine and dries on a hanger. The hems are always slightly wrinkled, although very far from any other normal shirt. What is surprising is the result of the cuffs and neck, which are perfect. Of course, if necessary, we can always give the Sepiia shirt a pass with iron regularly at a medium or low temperature to not damage the fibers, which have a plastic base.
VARIETY OF MODELS AND NOTCHES
We have tried a light blue shirt with a straight fit. But there are many other options in the Sepiia web store. There are a total of 12 colors and patterns to choose from. All this to achieve a more formal or more casual style. Always keeping in mind that they are shirts with a sport cut. White, light blue, navy blue, or even with squares and asymmetric prints. And from sizes S to XXL, all follow the measurement guide shown on the website, which fit well with the final result according to our experience. To make the figure, there are two models: straight cut and Slim cut. These shirts are priced at 84 euros without shipping or collection costs.
But it is not the only garment they have on the Sepiia website, the only place to buy these shirts. There are also polo shirts for 62 euros with three color varieties: black, gray, and navy blue. In this case, the fit is unique, slightly picking up the part of the waist. Again, all the measurement details can be found in the size chart on the website. There are all sizes, although it is possible that there are no units available for some of them and you have to wait.
Sepia sells its products directly through its website, and it does so with a pre-purchase system. This is due to their small production of shirts, which does not allow them to generate all the variety available on the web to sell as quickly as other stores in the sector. So they invest the pre-purchase money in the production of the shirt that has been requested. Something that can extend delivery times by a few days.
CONCLUSIONS
It looks like magic, but it is not. Sepiia’s shirts work, and of course, they are a great solution for those who wear a shirt daily and don’t have time to waste washing, fearing to eat and drink, or ironing. Its use is like that of any shirt. It can be washed in the washing machine normally (without bleach and at a temperature below 40 degrees), and it is not necessary to iron it unless we want to go as a real brush.
Is it the final garment? No. You must know how to treat it to avoid rubbing and getting stains soaked in the fabric. And it must be considered that its properties are lost over time with washing. However, they are a huge time and effort saver. And they are capable of repelling sweat and stains well.
Now, does your time and your effort cost 84 euros? Running the numbers, and if you wear shirts daily, you might be interested in buying a couple. After all, they are the same price as a signature shirt without these special properties.
I am a writer with eight years of experience writing in business and technology. I always carry a passion for learning and discovering new knowledge.