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It is Merino wool A super fiber. Merino T-shirts somehow manage to stay comfortable in 95-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, and Merino hoodies keep you warm well below freezing. Unlike petroleum-derived synthetic fibers, merino wool is natural and renewable. A sheep can grow 4-5 pounds of wool per year.
That’s because the sheep that produce the merino wool drink only pure alpine water and study the art of comfort under the tutelage of pashmina goats who sit a little snug, and, they know a thing or two about amazing, pillowy softness. just kidding. Merino wool will do Coming from merino sheep, the finer, softer wool makes merino more comfortable to wear next to your skin. It is not clear whether the merino sheep got this idea from the pashmina goats. What I do know is that merino wool is a wonderful, overlooked fabric that is a cornerstone of my winter wardrobe.
Merino sheep don’t just live in cold climates. Their wool has been developed to be comfortable in different temperatures, and the same goes for clothing made from merino wool. I’ve worn merino t-shirts on 100 degree days and felt great, although this is true if you throw high humidity into the mix – merino sheep don’t rest in the tropics, it seems. Whatever the case, wool’s versatility means there are a bewildering mix of materials and options. Here are our favorite merino wool products we’ve tested.
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Merino wool is versatile, but I would still argue that the best use case for it is as a lightweight mid layer, like a hoodie. On its own it’s warm enough for cooler days, it’s incredibly wind resistant and can be combined with an outer shell to make a great lightweight day hiking pad. It’s a great go-to for the gym or around town.
The Icebreaker hoodie was my introduction to merino wool, and remains my favorite jacket I’ve ever owned. Alas, after about 10 years, mine had a run in with moths (see our care guide below) and I had to retire it. Mine wasn’t the exact style pictured, but it was pretty close. Although not that thick, this jacket is 100 percent merino and incredibly warm. That makes it a great option for days when the weather can vary wildly – it’s warm enough for chilly mornings but won’t be a burden on your pack for the rest of the day. This is on the tight side, so if that’s not your thing (and it’s not mine), go up the next size.
It’s okay if you don’t want to go 100 percent merino on your first purchase. There are tons of blended garments on the market now that take advantage of merino, with just enough cotton or polyester to maintain the softness many of us are used to. This hoodie from Ten Thousand is a great example. It’s 76 percent polyester, 18 percent merino and 6 percent elastane, giving it a soft, stretchy feel that’s perfect for working out, rock climbing or any other outdoor activity where you need your jacket to flex and stretch with you.
Replace the fleece with a middle layer
I have nothing against synthetic fur. It has its place, but I rarely wear it these days. I prefer medium layers as shown above or below. Merino is better at helping your body regulate its temperature, rather than heating you up like wool and other blends.
The Cora Yardage Jersey is designed as a mid-weight layer. It’s probably the most versatile thing I have in my wardrobe. It’s enough on its own for a cool spring day, but enough to put another layer on top when you need more. It is pleasantly breathable and very soft. Yardang is a 70 percent merino blend, complemented by 30 percent Himalayan yak wool. It is the softest merino bit in my collection. If you like this mix, there’s also a hood and neck gaiter in the Yardang line.
If you are concerned about using goose down as a protective layer, merino wool is also a good substitute for synthetic insulation. Vets are just like layer code if you want to keep your core warm but want your arms to be mobile or get more heat soup without bulking up. I (Adrienne) like to layer Ibex’s Wool Air Vest under my regular wool coat if I’m going out for a night out or a long run.
I’m old enough to remember when cotton t-shirts were worn as ‘base layers’. If you are cold in that, you are wearing a jacket. If it’s hot, sweat. Hey you Desire A special shirt for hiking? No. Just go for a walk. That said, outdoor gear shopping or not, base layers are one thing. I especially love some merino t-shirts in the spring and fall. They don’t really feel that different from cotton, but they don’t smell after sweating in them all day, which is a huge bonus on long day hikes, or trips to the gym.
We love how soft these long sleeve Smartwool shirts are. An 87 percent merino wool blend with nylon means they’re incredibly comfortable. In our basic layering guide, we say this shirt is an “ideal weight” with heavy seams (read: strong, durable) but not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable—the shirts lie flat and sit off the shoulders. It should be a semi-decent base layer.
Some of the most shockingly expensive t-shirts I’ve ever owned are some of my favorites. They’re warm, but somehow cool, and surprisingly good at stopping the wind. These shirts are not great in moisture; For that I would probably go with Merge. Note that some of Icebreaker’s t-shirts are mixed, so check the details on your favorite design before investing.
Don’t forget your feet! It never ceases to amaze me (Adrian) how many people put multiple layers on their top half and leave their legs bare. Depending on the weather, I have different weights that I can change. My favorites are the classic Icebreaker leggings that have lasted me almost a decade. However, the rest of my family (my husband and two kids) use REI’s indoor merino wool base layers and leggings, which are a more affordable option and won’t irritate my daughter’s sensitive skin.
A few women-certain options
And now, a suitable word. Women are not the only ones whose bodies may differ from the normal size. But I’m (Adrian) 5′ 2″ and struggle to find clothing options that fit—especially ones that are meant to fit next to the skin. As the base layer is high quality, it won’t overheat you if it warms you up. It’ll sag around your waist or sag below your waist.
Most major brands offer women’s versions of their foundation layers. However, if you’re having a lot of trouble finding a pair that works, the Carrie Traa leggings have a very high waist that helps them stay in place. For those of you who are against walking around the lodge in something that looks like pyjamas, the designs are cute too. Allbirds’ leggings ($64) also use a blend of Tencel and nylon for durability, with a high waist for a more secure fit.
While merino wool is very soft, most products in this category are blends, usually with some type of nylon. DARN STRONG SOCKS ARE A WIRED FAVORITE. They are great for skiing, hiking, climbing, and anything else you want to do. These blends vary in weight, but most are about 50 percent nylon and 50 percent merino, which makes them dry a little faster than pure merino while remaining plenty warm and comfortable.
The funny thing about socks is, as a warm weather lover, well, I hate socks. Every day with socks is a kind of failure. That said, these Carhartts (given to me by a friend who worries about me walking around wearing sandals in the snow) are great. They are incredibly warm and soft, and never stink. They might be my favorite socks—if I had my favorite socks.
Merino wool comes in different weights, which you will often see listed as “200 gsm” or something similar. At the low end, you have t-shirts and underwear, which are typically 150 gm, although some go as high as 120 gm. We looked down. Generally, anything under 200 gsm will be a good base layer. 200-300 gsm is your middle. – Layers, and anything over 300 is a heavy suit.
How to care for Merino Wool
Most merino products will have care instructions. It can usually be a cold wash and lay flat to dry. The latter is important, because the wool that is hung to dry will stretch (due to the weight of the water). While most merino labels say the garment can be machine washed, my experience is that hand washing extends the life of merino. This is especially true of very light (150 gm) merino base layers and t-shirts.
I’ve never had a problem storing merino in my wardrobe between garments, but for long term storage I would recommend caution against moths known to eat holes in the wool. I have lost merino clothes to moths.
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