ProView – LIVSN Designs Flex Canvas Overalls and the Keystone Long Sleeve Shirt Review

When it comes to versatile workwear that seamlessly transitions from rugged tasks to casual outings, the LIVSN Design’s Flex Canvas Overalls and the Keystone Long Sleeve Shirt stand out as exceptional choices. I had the opportunity to put these pieces to the test this spring in a variety of settings, from having beers with friends to changing the tires on my car, to late nights spent working in the woodshop.

As an outdoor enthusiast, woodworker, and someone who takes pride in knowing how to build and fix things, I was excited to wear the Flex Canvas Overalls and Keystone Long Sleeve in my everyday life. Activities like putting winter tires on my car, changing its oil before the season arrives, and shoveling the porch after a fresh snowfall provided opportunities to test LIVSN Design’s unique fabrics and slim fit. The long-sleeve shirt and overall combination is something I’ve praised on many occasions, from crisp mornings in the ski patrol cabin to dew-laden farm fields. It’s a timeless look, and I was honored to try out LIVSN Design’s version.

Fit/Comfort

Both the Flex Canvas Overalls and the Keystone Long Sleeve fit me beautifully, which is not easy to achieve given my skinny, long-limbed build. I have the 32×34 overalls and a medium-sized shirt.

Look/Style

I like the appearance of both! The overalls are on the slimmer side of the spectrum but not too tight. 

Features

The overalls include several chest pockets and traditional front and back pockets typically found on pants. I love that LIVSN chose to keep the “traditional” front pants pockets. One aspect I appreciate about the Flex Canvas Overalls is that they don’t come with a DWR coating applied. Instead, they allow consumers to apply their own wax or DWR coating if desired. Given the information emerging about the cancerous DWR coatings prevalent in the outdoor industry, I truly appreciate this decision by LIVSN Designs. Additionally, the Keystone long sleeve has no seams under the arms, eliminating a common chafe point. 

Weight/Packability

If you want to pack these for camping, they fit perfectly! They pack just like a traditional pair of canvas pants and a long-sleeve shirt. 

Function/Performance

The overalls and shirt performed exceptionally well. The overalls’ durable fabric withstood abrasions from sliding along my concrete driveway and resisted stains from various building materials and oily surfaces. The stretch component allowed for unrestricted movement, which is crucial when maneuvering in tight spaces or climbing ladders. The ample pocket space kept tools and personal items easily accessible while working in the shop. The Keystone Long Sleeve Shirt provided consistent warmth and comfort. Its breathability prevented overheating during strenuous tasks, and the fabric dried quickly after exposure to light rain, maintaining comfort throughout the day. 

Durability/Construction

This is one category that LIVSN needs to focus on. I experienced frustrations related to durability and construction on both articles of clothing I tested. While wearing my overalls, I had to adjust the shoulder straps every few hours. Eventually, I realized that the shoulder strap adjustments just don’t stay in place! I’m contemplating stitching them in place permanently, but this really seems like a necessary area for improvement, and it shouldn’t be particularly difficult to address. I can see that LIVSN has been working on this aspect of design, but I’m disappointed to report that the overalls still have this issue.

The construction problem I experienced with the Keystone Long Sleeve occurred on only my third time wearing it. As I was putting it on, I heard a tear as I pushed my head through the top of the shirt. I immediately knew I had torn a stitch. Sure enough, there were two places where the stitching around the neck opening had torn. As I continue to wear the shirt in the coming weeks, these broken stitches continue to unravel. For a shirt as comfortable and stretchy as the Keystone, I was dismayed to see it tear in two places as I was putting it on. 

What sets the product apart/Who is the product for?

LIVSN Designs has distinguished itself as a small, niche company with an inspiring story. They’ve created clothing that is multifunctional to its core – you can spend the day renovating your home and then go to a dive bar, all while wearing the same outfit. The LIVSN Flex Canvas Overalls and the Keystone Long Sleeve Shirt are durable, stylish, and well-designed pieces that will serve you well in countless home projects, social engagements, backyard chores, and more. 

Friendliness to the Earth

I give LIVSN major points for using organic cotton and recycled polyester that has been certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Additionally, I want to credit LIVSN Designs for their choice not to use DWR coating in their overalls. Not only did I enjoy making my own beeswax-based wax coating, but I also prefer to limit my exposure to traditional DWR coatings that often contain harmful PFAs. Beyond their fabric, Livsn Designs has somewhat vague language on their website regarding a commitment to the earth, which includes the manufacturing process and creating durable clothing that will last. While it’s encouraging to see manufacturers considering the lifespan of their products, more specific commitments are required to rate LIVSN any higher. I understand it can be challenging for a younger company to make significant emissions or climate pledges, so I sympathize with LIVSN. I did come across an interesting spreadsheet tracking LIVSN’s office water usage and emissions, but it began in 2023 and hasn’t been updated since August 2024. 

The Final Word

Ultimately, shopping at LIVSN Designs instead of Patagonia or Carhartt is similar to choosing your local grocery store over Whole Foods. Sure, you might pay a little more, but it feels good to support smaller retailers with great stories. You certainly pay a premium price for LIVSN clothing, but sometimes, paying a premium is worth it. If LIVSN can find a way to prevent the shoulder straps from slipping on their Flex Canvas Overalls and incorporate more durable stitching on their Keystone Long Sleeve, this clothing would earn all five stars in my book.

---

Shop the LIVSN Designs – Men’s Flex Canvas Overalls and the LIVSN Designs – Men’s Keystone Long Sleeve on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!
Read other LIVSN Designs Reviews