Tekhni Aplos Blueberry

Aplos is the latest of the budget line from woven wrap maker Tekhni. This brand also makes a regular line of woven wraps that are in the same price range as most others, but the owner Alisa wanted to make something more affordable and accessible and has put out two different wraps so far- Arche and Aplos.

This Blueberry Aplos arrived having traveled to a couple of other people before me, so it wasn't nearly as crunchy as I expected. I've read one other lengthy review of this wrap before it came here, so there were certain things I was expecting. I'd heard it was so rough and crunchy that practically nothing compared to how difficult it would be to break in. I also heard that it had great stretch and bounce but would be perfect for a large toddler. I've seen other reviews for the Arche line, which is geared towards babies under 25lbs, and those included a lot about thread shifting and the wrap being not very supportive. So, I was very curious about what this wrap would be like and had no idea if reality would anywhere near expectations.



No, this wrap is not kitten belly soft, nor will it ever be. It's not sandpaper like either- it is solid, slightly coarse, but I think that also has to do with the weave, which also has a slight burlap sack look to it. Just looking at it makes you think it will be textured and gritty. It actually reminded me a lot of a mix between a couple of Oschas, like a cross between a very thin linen blend and Oki Noir. (You know, like a love child of those two completely different wraps!)
Its best qualities are the very amazing supportiveness and the lovely grip. It held up very well with my 25lber on a long walk to the park. Zero adjusting needed. I prefer my thinner wraps to be grippy and supportive with not much bounce- this fits that description to a T.
There was very little stretch to this wrap and that translated into little bounce or movement when wrapped. I found it slightly hard to get the rails tight in certain carries, no matter what I did (even asking my husband for wrap help!) I found there would be a slight looseness to the rails. It didn't seem to affect how we felt or our comfort, but it might trigger the OCD of a "perfect" wrapper. Even my husband commented on the lack of stretch, but he also commented on the amazing colour- for someone who rarely notices my wraps, I would consider that some important feedback.

 I'll be honest, I am used to wrapping with handwovens and Pavos these days, and there's not really a point to compare apples to starfruit. Aplos is $100. Would I buy this wrap for a $100? Yes!! It would be 100% worth it. It has some great wrapping qualities, the actual workmanship is beautiful, and I think it would be a great wrap for someone on a budget, or looking for a great beach or car wrap.

What do you think of the budget lines coming out in recent months? Enjoying them, or do you prefer to spend the extra money?

Tekhni Aplos Blueberry
Size 7
100% cotton