Fiona Russell reviews the Helly Hansen Women’s Lokka Organic Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt. Read her verdict here.

The fabric is soft, cosy and comfortable against bare skin. It provides what I would call “medium-weight” warmth so it’s great as an outer layer on cooler summer days, as well as being useful as a mid-layer in spring and autumn.

Fiona Russell’s verdict

Overall, the shirt is easy to wear and the range of colourful check patterns is pleasing. It could be worn for hiking on trails, camping and general lifestyle activities.
Pros
  • looks
  • simplicity
  • soft fabric
Cons
  • price
  • high sides
  • not wicking
Quick specs
Price: $100 / £80 (available from Helly Hansen)
Weight: 215g (M)
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Features: Adjustable cuffs, chest pocket
Sizes: XS to XL
Women’s version: yes
hellyhansen.com

However, cotton does tend to hold moisture when it gets damp, especially if you sweat. I tested both a small and medium size and while both fit me well in most places, the sides are strangely high on the torso. The size small felt very airy at the sides and if worn without a t-shirt underneath, you could see my skin at the side almost to chest height. The size medium is slightly more “decent”, although it still doesn’t tuck into my shorts/trousers at the sides. I am curious about the design and I wonder if it’s meant to give extra breathability, or for give easy access to trouser pockets. Aside from this, the hem length at the front and rear and the sleeves are adequate.

The design is simple and there are few added extras. The shirt has a single open-topped chest pocket. The two-button cuff adjustment is useful and required if you like to take your shirt on and off without undoing the cuffs. The front buttons are quite small and a little fiddly to use, but they do the job and they are securely sewn on. The collar is small, which means there is little movement even in the wind. The chest pocket has no closure and I didn’t use it for fear of small items falling out.

Overall, the shirt is easy to wear and the range of colourful check patterns is pleasing. It could be worn for hiking on trails, camping and general lifestyle activities but it’s not as technical as others on test and, as a result, it seems rather pricey.

How Fiona tested

Fiona Russell is 5ft8in tall and usually fits a size 10 or ‘small’. She has tested the hiking shirts during short and long walks in hills and on lower-level trails, as well as while going about everyday life. All the shirts were weighed on Fiona’s home scales.

This review was first published in the April 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors.