While my stash is predominantly blues and purples, I decided to take a chance and try the calm neutral of Raven, and I am so glad I did! The black linen woven with the white from the reverse side produces a deep grey on the front and pale grey on the back. This color combo looks both classic and casual and can coordinate with absolutely any outfit choice!
Straight out of the bag, Raven felt smooth and densely woven, and although it did have some stiffness, it was much more fluid than I was expecting from a brand new, 100% linen wrap! At 220g/m2, this wrap is thin in hand and has almost no stretch.
Raven comes pre-washed, although it is Soul’s recommendation to give it another wash and steam iron before using. I sent mine through the washer twice on delicate (remember: detergent with no optical brighteners, no fabric softener), and tossed in the dryer until damp dry. I finished by giving the wrap a good steam iron to remove the wrinkles and soften it up. We then spent a few days playing with Raven as a wrap hammock, which is an excellent way to break in a woven wrap (not to mention it’s fun for the kids!) I can’t wait to see what this wrap feels like once it is completely broken in, but after the first month of washing, ironing, hammocks, and wearing, Raven is much softer than I ever expected it to be!
Prior to wrapping with Raven the first time, I anticipated some differences between the 100% linen and my cotton blends. I was very impressed with the drape of Raven, which I don’t normally get with lightweight wraps. The lack of diagonal stretch was definitely something to get used to, as was the glide-y nature of the linen. I found that I had to be very deliberate with my passes and tightening and realized that reinforced carries felt much better than single layer carries (Rucks were just asking for popped seats). Raven is not very forgiving of sloppy wrap jobs, but when you take your time to get your carry just right, Raven is a rock solid, supportive star, worthy of even the heaviest of children.
Linen is a natural plant fibre, fantastic for hot summers as it breathes beautifully. I run hot, and am usually a sweaty wrapper, but Raven kept both me and my daughter cool. I also love the texture of linen! The nubs and slubs provide that natural feel and appearance of linen and is a visual characteristic that I love. Linen does love to wrinkle, though, and Raven is no exception. Be aware that this is not a wrap that you can flick out and have it become wrinkle free!
As with all Soul products, their wraps are designed, handmade, and shipped directly by Soul in Bangalore, India. Their linen is woven from the finest of Irish linen yarn in a unit known for ethical business standards. Woven wraps are offered in the largest size range that I have ever seen, size 3-14, inclusive of all sizes! I am using a size 7, perfect for multi layer carries and fancy finishes, which retails for an AMAZING $65 USD!
*I received this wrap as a part of the Soul Mate ambassador program. All opinions expressed are my own*
