In August last year, Her Universe released a mini collection of Star Wars apparel, with a ‘Back To School’ theme. Her Universe used the classic ‘jedi training’ theme as a Star Wars version of school, with Yoda as the featured character. Being a big fan of jedi-themed apparel, I picked up three items from the collection – the ‘Jedi Knight’ cardigan, the ‘Jedi In Training’ top, and the Yoda print scarf.
Today’s review features the ‘Jedi In Training’ dolman top. The top was priced at US$25.00 each, but it is no longer available from Her Universe. I bought mine in size XS – it measures approximately 49cm across the chest (underarm to underarm), approximately 45.5cm across the lower hem edge, and approximately 43cm from front neckline to front lower hem edge.
The ‘Jedi In Training’ top is a dolman style t-shirt, in that the sleeves are part of the main body, not sewn separately. The neckline of the top is wider than a standard t-shirt, so it shows more of your neck and shoulders. This top has raw edges, that are not turned over in a standard hem edge, so it has the look of an oversized slouchy tee that you’ve cut down smaller. The front has a print of yellow text that reads ‘Jedi In Training Class of ’80’, in reference to the scenes of Yoda training Luke Skywalker on Dagobah in ‘The Empire Strikes Back, which was released in 1980. The text has a weathered look, to help add a vintage ‘1980’ feel.
The top is made from 50% cotton, 50% polyester black fabric – it is a little thicker than standard t-shirt fabric. The fabric has very minimal side-to-side stretch, and a little more top-to-bottom stretch. The internal side seams and shoulder seams are overlocked (serged), and the shoulder seams have ribbon loops for securing on coat hangers (always useful on wide neckline garments).
I was a little surprised by just how much of the top has a raw finish – the only outer edge that has some element of stitching is the back of the neckline. The lower hem edge, front neckline, and sleeves all have a completely raw edge, no hem or stitching to prevent fraying. While a raw edge is usually fine on many knit fabrics, this particular fabric does fray a little, so there are threads coming off, particularly on the lower hem edge. I realise this effect is intended to give the top a ‘customised’ look, as if you’ve taken scissors to an oversized tee – but for US$25, I didn’t expect this level of ‘unfinished’ effect. The outer shoulder seams are interesting – the front fabric piece overlaps the back fabric piece at the shoulders, rather than sewn together inside the top.
Like the ‘Jedi Knight’ cardigan from the same collection, this top has an ‘in world’ feel, blending the Jedi training theme with real world school/colledge. While many of us weren’t around in 1980, most Star Wars fans will understand the year reference. I’m not usually a fan of raw edges on garments, they need a little more care when washing, but the design choice matches the vintage theme. I do appreciate Her Universe using a different top style than just a standard t-shirt – the wider neckline is perfect for wearing a coordinating necklace or large dangle earrings.
