Tuesday 6 December 2016

Lovaloom Astra Geminidas Review



Lovaloom Astra Geminidas
59% Pima cotton / 37% Mulberry silk / 2% polyamide / 2% polyester / 330 GSM
23 months and 28 pounds 

I've long had an affinity for all things celestial in design. I was really looking forward to seeing the Astra design in person and it did not disappoint. The Geminidas colorway is black and ecru with very subtle golden sparkles. I immediately noted how dense and weighty the wrap is, one of the more substantial I've tested.




In hand there is a medium diagonal stretch, the wrap is soapy, with the black side slightly more soapy than the cream. Medium - high thickness, feels more substantial due to the dense, tight weave. Very flat texture, there is slightly more texture and grip along the inside rails, which are generous and have lovaloom written in the pattern on the cream side only. There is no rough feel from the subtle golden sparkles, just an overall soft and soapy wrap.







For me the Astra design is a whimsical classic. Especially in the Geminidas colorway, black and ecru, you can't go wrong. This is a wrap design and colorway you will not tire of quickly is my guess. In different carries you get a different look and feel, depending on if the large stars or moon are featured more prominently, or the connected constellations. Astra Geminidas is a wrap you can dress up or down, if you need a fun, but special occasion wrap this is a perfect choice.



I found this Astra very easy to wrap with, the soapiness really assists in getting a precise wrap job, but it is also a very forgiving wrap with sloppy carries too. For someone with a squirmy toddler sometimes you need a wrap that you can get your child up in under 30 seconds, but it will also be comfortable for more than 30 minutes! I am currently not a typical wearer with a back injury, so it says a lot for me if I can use a wrap for any period of time past a few minutes. I mostly wore this wrap in double hammock tied in front and it was a dream with my heavier toddler. It also performed well in a ruck, very solid and supportive. This blend was really a downright pleasure to wrap with, weighty yet soft, lots of glide and some wool like properties, though there is no wool content. It wraps very similarly to both Omnifera Wings of Desire, which I have previously reviewed, and Artipoppe Argus Signature Jack.



Astra Geminidas would be on the top of my list for my toddler if I was in the market for a wrap right now. The pattern will appeal to those who love classic and slightly quirky, but the blend is all over a stand out for heavier babies and toddlers. I would give it a pass for a newborn, but as we all know newborns grow up quickly and this wrap will be there for the long haul and long carries. I almost always personally prefer wraps in my base or longer, but this Astra will shine as a shorty too, there is very little stretch while wearing and no sag, so it will be a solid toddler worthy shorty. If  you need grip at all give this one a pass, same if you like an airier wrap, or thin in hand - This will not be the wrap for you. If you love luxurious blends, heavier weight, dense and tight weaves, glide and soapiness, Astra Geminidas is definitely a wrap for you.






Thank you Christina at Lovaloom for letting me experience the stellar Astra Geminidas!

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