The Port Authority LK210 is a women’s midweight quarter-zip pullover built for uniforms: an 8.9-ounce polyester-cotton blend, moisture-wicking finish, UPF 50+ sun protection, and a plain front made for embroidery. It is not a fashion piece and not a winter layer — it is a workhorse top for teams that need to look tidy, stay comfortable, and survive many washes. This review uses the manufacturer’s official spec sheet (not just shop listings) for every technical claim, adds the full size chart, compares real retailer prices, and tells you honestly who should buy it and who should choose something else.
| Detail | Specification (official spec sheet) |
|---|---|
| Full name | Port Authority Women’s Wearever Signature Double Pique 1/4-Zip |
| Style number | LK210 (men’s counterpart: K210) |
| Fabric | 8.9-ounce, 72% polyester / 28% cotton, pique interlock knit |
| Performance | Moisture-wicking, UPF 50+, fade-resistant |
| Fit | Boxier fit, slight drop shoulder |
| Details | Dyed-to-match coil zipper with antique silver pull, welt zipper placket, rib knit cuffs, self-turned rounded hem, side vents, tag-free label |
| Colors (retailer listings) | Deep Black, Gusty Grey, River Blue Navy, Storm Grey |
| Sizes | XS–4XL |
| Best for | Uniforms, team wear, workwear, custom embroidery and logos |
Table of Contents
- What Is the LK210? (And What “Port Authority” Means Here)
- The Fabric Explained: 72/28 Poly-Cotton Pique Interlock
- Fit and Comfort: What “Boxier” Really Means
- Design Details You Will Notice
- The Full Size Chart (Official Measurements)
- How to Choose Your Size
- Moisture Wicking and UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Fade Resistance and Wash Durability
- Care Instructions (From the Spec Sheet)
- Colors: What to Expect
- Prices: What Retailers Actually Charge
- Custom Embroidery and Logos
- Who Should Buy the LK210 — and Who Should Skip It
- Alternatives in the Same Brand
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is the LK210? (And What “Port Authority” Means Here)
First, a clarification that saves confused searches: “Port Authority” here is a clothing brand (part of the SanMar family of apparel brands), not a harbor office, bus station, or government agency. The LK210 is its women’s quarter-zip pullover — a top with a short zipper at the neck that you can wear open for a relaxed look or closed for a neater one. The manufacturer describes it as designed “for any uniforming occasion,” and as a layerable midweight piece you can wear over a tee or under a jacket.
There is a men’s version with the same fabric and design, style number K210. The women’s LK210 shares the fabric and features but uses a women’s cut and size range. If you are ordering for a mixed team, check both spec sheets — the measurements differ, and guessing across genders is the most common sizing mistake.
The Fabric Explained: 72/28 Poly-Cotton Pique Interlock
The fabric is the most important part of this top, so it deserves a proper explanation rather than a copied spec line.
- 72% polyester gives strength, shape retention, fast drying, and fade resistance. Polyester is why uniform tops still look new after dozens of washes while pure cotton fades and sags.
- 28% cotton adds softness and a natural feel against the skin that pure polyester often lacks. The blend feels more like a normal knit shirt than a sports jersey.
- 8.9 ounces is the fabric weight per square yard — solidly midweight. It is thicker than a light polo but much lighter than fleece, which is why the manufacturer calls these “layerable midweight” quarter-zips.
- Pique is the textured knit pattern familiar from polo shirts — small, raised geometric texture that hides wrinkles and gives embroidery a good base.
- Interlock is a double-knit construction that looks the same on both sides and feels smooth and slightly thicker than a single knit.
Together, that combination explains the LK210’s niche: it looks like a classic knit top, performs a little like activewear, and holds up like a uniform should.
Fit and Comfort: What “Boxier” Really Means
According to the official spec sheet, the LK210 has a boxier fit and a slight drop shoulder. In plain language: the body is straighter and looser through the waist — it does not taper or hug — and the shoulder seam sits slightly lower than the edge of your shoulder, giving a relaxed shape and freer arm movement.
Other comfort details from the spec sheet:
- Rib knit cuffs stay snug at the wrists so sleeves do not ride up while you work.
- Self-turned, rounded hem — the bottom edge is folded in the same fabric for a clean, smooth line.
- Side vents — small openings at the sides that make sitting and bending easier.
- Tag-free label — no scratchy neck tag, a small detail that matters a lot on an all-day work top.
If you prefer a close, shaped fit, this cut will feel loose. That is a design choice, not a defect — uniforms are usually cut for movement and for fitting many body types — but check the size chart before ordering rather than assuming your usual size will drape the same way.
Design Details You Will Notice
The LK210 is deliberately plain, and that plainness is the point. The zipper is a dyed-to-match coil zipper with an antique silver pull: the zipper tape matches the garment color so it blends in, while the silver pull adds a small touch of finish. A welt zipper placket — the neat strip of fabric around the zipper — keeps the neckline lying flat and looking tidy.
Because the front is unadorned, it is an ideal decoration surface: a small left-chest logo embroiders cleanly, and the pique texture gives stitching something to grip. That is why so many uniform suppliers stock this style blank.
For another hands-on product review, see our Beats Studio Buds guide, which walks through specs, fit, and real-world use the same way.
The Size Chart (Official Measurements)
These are the manufacturer’s own garment measurements from the LK210 spec sheet — not generic size advice. Garment measurements are taken flat, with the chest (bust) measured across, one inch below the armhole.
| Size | Body size | Body length at back | Bust (flat) | Sleeve length from centre back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 2 | 27″ | 18″ | 31½” |
| S | 4/6 | 27½” | 19″ | 32″ |
| M | 8/10 | 28″ | 20″ | 32½” |
| L | 12/14 | 28½” | 20½” | 33⅛” |
| XL | 16/18 | 29″ | 23″ | 33¾” |
| XXL | 20/22 | 29½” | 24½” | 34⅜” |
| 3XL | 24/26 | 30″ | 26½” | 34¾” |
| 4XL | 28/30 | 30½” | 28½” | 35⅛” |
Body length is measured from the high point of the shoulder to the finished hem at the back; sleeve length is measured from the centre back neck, over the shoulder point, to the sleeve hem. The corresponding body bust ranges are 32–34″ (XS) rising to 52–55″ (4XL).
How to Choose Your Size
Do not order by your usual retail size alone. Instead, measure a quarter-zip you already own and like: lay it flat, measure across the chest one inch below the armhole, and compare that number to the flat bust column above. If you fall between sizes, consider how you will wear it — over a tee only, or over a heavier layer — and remember the boxier cut already adds room. For team orders, buy one sample first and let people try it; a single sample prevents a bulk order in the wrong size, which is the most expensive mistake in uniform buying.
Moisture Wicking and UPF 50+ Sun Protection
Two performance features set the LK210 apart from a basic knit top. Moisture wicking means the fabric moves sweat away from the skin so it can evaporate faster, helping you feel less sticky during busy, warm work. Note that wicking works best when you skip fabric softener (see care instructions) — softener coats the fibres and reduces the effect over time.
UPF 50+ is the ultraviolet protection factor of the fabric: it indicates the garment blocks at least 98% of UV radiation, the highest rating commonly shown on clothing labels. That is genuinely useful for school staff, golf club teams, event crews, and delivery workers who spend time outdoors. Remember that UPF only protects the skin the garment covers — face, neck, and hands still need sunscreen and hats.
Fade Resistance and Wash Durability
Uniform tops live in washing machines, and faded colors make a team look untidy fast. The LK210’s 72% polyester content is the reason for its fade resistance: polyester holds dye far better than cotton through repeated washing. Port Authority lists fade resistance as a feature, and the blend supports that claim — your black should stay black and your navy should stay navy far longer than a cotton-rich top would. The interlock knit also resists the sagging and pilling that cheaper single knits develop, though no knit is immune to pilling forever under heavy wear.
Care Instructions (From the Spec Sheet)
The official care instructions for this fabric are:
- Machine wash cold with like colors.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Use only non-chlorine bleach, and only when needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Remove promptly from the dryer.
- Cool iron if needed.
Two of these matter most in practice. Skipping fabric softener preserves the moisture-wicking finish, and removing the top promptly from a low-heat dryer prevents the set-in wrinkles that make uniform tops look tired. Always follow the label on your own garment first if it differs — labels override general guides.
Colors: What to Expect
Retailer listings for the LK210 show four colors: Deep Black, Gusty Grey (a soft light grey), River Blue Navy (a dark, smart blue), and Storm Grey (a deeper grey). Availability varies by shop, and some colors or sizes sell out or go on backorder — check stock before planning a large team order, and confirm the exact shade with the retailer if color matching across a team matters, since screen colors differ from dyed fabric.
Prices: What Retailers Actually Charge
Prices vary widely because this is a wholesale blank sold through many decorators and uniform suppliers. Listings observed in October 2026 included approximately:
| Seller type | Observed price (blank, before decoration) |
|---|---|
| Wholesale blank supplier | About $28.82 |
| Uniform supplier | About $35.98 |
| Contractor / workwear store | About $40.00 |
| Decoration shop (list / suggested retail) | About $57.99 |
| Custom embroidery shop (embroidered, from) | About $33.58 |
Treat these as a snapshot, not a price list: they change with stock, quantity, and decoration. For a single top, compare two or three shops and add shipping. For a team, ask about bulk pricing — and remember that embroidery, setup, and shipping can add more than the garment price difference between shops.
Custom Embroidery and Logos
Most buyers choose the LK210 specifically to add a logo, so here is what to know before ordering:
- Placement: a small left-chest logo is the standard choice; the plain front and pique texture suit embroidery, screen print, heat transfer, and patches.
- Proof first: ask the decorator for a digital proof of your logo at actual size before stitching. Thread colors look different on screen than on navy or black fabric.
- Turnaround: one store lists about 14–18 days for custom embroidered orders, so plan ahead for events.
- Minimums: some shops have minimum order quantities for decoration; others will do a single piece at a higher per-unit price. Ask before assuming.
- Reorder consistency: because this is a stocked program style, reorders should match earlier ones — keep your thread colors and logo file on record with the decorator.
Who Should Buy the LK210 — and Who Should Skip It
Buy it if you: need a neat, easy-care uniform top for a team or business; want something between a polo and a jacket; work somewhere warm and value moisture wicking; spend time outdoors and want UPF 50+; want colors that survive many washes; or plan to add a logo.
Skip it if you: prefer a close, fitted shape (the boxier cut will feel loose); want very stretchy fabric (the spec sheet mentions no spandex, so it feels firmer than a stretch blend); need real cold-weather warmth (it is midweight, not fleece); or want a recycled or eco-focused fabric (this is a conventional polyester-cotton blend — see the LK880 alternative below).
Alternatives in the Same Brand
If the LK210 is not quite right, Port Authority lists other women’s quarter-zips with different fabrics and feels:
- LK880 C-FREE Double Knit 1/4-Zip — 7.7-ounce recycled polyester/spandex interlock with stretch, snag resistance, moisture wicking, and UPF 50+, made under the brand’s C-FREE carbon-reduction program. Best if you want stretch and a lower-impact fabric.
- LK829 Fairway Stretch 1/4-Zip — a lighter, stretchy style, listed by retailers for buyers who want more give.
- L804 Smooth Fleece 1/4-Zip — a warmer fleece option for colder conditions.
- LK584 Silk Touch Performance 1/4-Zip — a light, snag-resistant style with a soft feel.
Each has a different fabric and fit, so read its own spec sheet before deciding — do not assume the LK210’s measurements carry over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LK210 Port Authority?
The LK210 is the style number for the Port Authority Women’s Wearever Signature Double Pique 1/4-Zip: a women’s quarter-zip pullover in an 8.9-ounce 72/28 polyester-cotton pique interlock, with moisture wicking, UPF 50+, and fade resistance. Port Authority is a clothing brand, not a port or harbor office.
Is there a men’s version of the LK210?
Yes — the men’s equivalent is style K210, with the same fabric and features but a men’s cut and size range. Check its separate spec sheet for measurements.
How should I wash the LK210?
Machine wash cold with like colors, do not use fabric softener, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, tumble dry low, remove promptly, and cool iron if needed. Always follow the label on your own garment first.
Can I add a logo to the LK210?
Yes — it is widely sold blank for decoration, and left-chest embroidery is the most common choice. Ask for a digital proof first, and allow roughly two to three weeks for custom embroidered orders.
What sizes does the LK210 come in?
XS to 4XL, with body sizes from 2 to 28/30. Use the official garment measurements in this review — measure a top you own flat across the chest and compare — rather than guessing from retail sizes.
Is the LK210 warm enough for winter?
Not on its own. It is a midweight layering piece, not a fleece. Wear it over a tee or under a jacket in cold weather, or choose the fleece L804 style if you need real warmth.
Conclusion
For teams that need a smart, durable, easy-care uniform top, the LK210 is a strong, honest choice: verified specs, a wide size range, sun and sweat performance, colors that last, and a front made for logos. Its weaknesses are matters of taste and use — a boxier fit, no stretch, and midweight warmth — not hidden flaws. Compare prices at two or three shops, measure against the official size chart, and for team orders, buy one sample first. That is how a good uniform program starts.