Merino wool is an excellent fiber. The very best merino wool clothes in some way manages to be snug in 95-degree warmth, and merino base layers maintain you heat nicely under freezing. Not like artificial fibers derived from petroleum, merino wool is pure and renewable.
Merino wool’s versatility means there’s a bewildering array of blends and choices to select from. Listed below are our favourite merino wool merchandise that we have examined by carrying and washing (often in chilly water, and hung to dry, though we do machine dry them simply to see what occurs) over the course of months and even years in some instances. When you’re carried out right here, remember to take a look at the remainder of our attire guides, just like the Finest Merino Wool T-Shirts, Finest Base Layers, Finest Puffer Jackets, Finest Hoodies, and Finest Mountain climbing Boots.
Up to date April 2026: We have modified out prime decide boxers to Wool & Prince, added extra hoodies, and the Ibex girls’s Goat brief sleeve. We additionally up to date costs and hyperlinks all through.
Desk of Contents
Why Is Merino Wool So Nice?
Merino wool is nice since you’re stealing a sheep’s skill to maintain itself heat or cool primarily based on the temperatures it is in, a course of sometimes called thermoregulation. For those who’ve solely ever worn the form of itchy wool sweaters your proverbial grandmother supposedly made, you would possibly marvel what all of the fuss is. The reply is that Merino sheep have thinner, softer wool, which has advanced to maintain them snug throughout a variety of temperatures and is snug to put on subsequent to your pores and skin. Wool is sustainable, too.
One sheep can produce 4 to five kilos of wool per yr. That is as a result of the sheep that make merino wool drink solely the purest alpine waters and examine the artwork of consolation beneath the tutelage of these stuck-up Pashmina goats, who, let’s face it, would possibly know a factor or two about splendidly pillowy softness. Simply kidding. Merino sheep do have that softer wool although, and merino wool is a exceptional cloth that is grow to be the cornerstone of my wardrobe.
Merino wool is available in completely different weights, which you’ll ceaselessly see listed as “200 gsm” or one thing comparable. (The “gsm” refers to grams per sq. meter, typically listed as g/m.) What’s essential is the dimensions and the place your garment falls on it. On the low finish, you’ve gotten T-shirts and underwear, that are usually 150 gsm, although we’ve got seen some as little as 120 gsm. Usually, something under 200 gsm can be a very good base layer or T-shirt. From 200 to 300 gsm are your mid-layers, and something above 300 is a heavier garment.
For those who’re extra aware of artificial scores like these typically used on fleece, know that, in my expertise, about 120–160 gsm wool corresponds to 100-weight fleece, 160–200 gsm wool roughly matches 200-weight fleece and 200+ wool is like 300-weight fleece. In each occasion, the wool is hotter as a result of it is higher at trapping warmth, particularly within the wind. (That mentioned, there are causes to go along with fleece at instances, like how extremely light-weight it may be.)
Nuyarn is a merino wool/artificial hybrid weave, whereby merino wool is wrapped round a nylon core for heat, lightness, and additional sturdiness. The concept is to get the temperature regulation advantages of merino, however so as to add among the longevity of nylon. In my expertise, Nuyarn principally works. It is our prime decide for base layers, although I discover it much less vital in additional informal clothes, the place I want 100% wool.
Easy methods to Look after Merino Wool
Most merino merchandise may have care directions. Almost definitely it is going to be to clean chilly and lay flat to dry. The latter is essential, as hanging wool to dry will stretch it out (due to the water weight). Whereas most merino labels say the garment might be machine washed, my expertise has been that hand-washing merino will prolong its life. That is notably true of very light-weight (150 gsm) merino base layers and T-shirts. The exception is Minus33’s Microweight Raglan brief sleeve T-shirt, which is machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Having carried out each to mine for over a yr, I can vouch that it does certainly maintain up.
I’ve by no means had an issue storing merino in my closet between wears, however for long-term storage, I like to recommend you are taking precautions in opposition to moths, that are infamous for consuming holes in wool. I’ve misplaced merino clothes to moths.
For those who do not wish to scent like mothballs, there are higher options. I make sure that to clean and completely dry no matter I’m storing, then I seal it in a compression bag, like this. An alternative choice is to place your merino garment in a cotton bag or in any other case wrap it in cotton after which put it in a plastic bin. It is crucial to make it possible for the garment is totally dry earlier than utilizing any of those storage strategies, in any other case your wool will scent musty and moldy. Different choices embrace storing your garment in a cedar chest, which is an effective pure deterrent for moths, or use moth traps or lavender sachets, which is able to repel the moths.
100 % Merino vs. Blends
Must you purchase 100% merino or must you go for a mix? The reply is … it relies upon. On the garment in query, the use case, and your preferences. Most likely one of the best ways to search out out is to attempt a number of and see what you want. One benefit to blends is that they are stretchy, which makes them higher for lively pursuits like mountain climbing, mountain climbing, and the like. I like 100% merino for heavier mid-layers like hoodies or jackets, however I want blends for lighter layers. My expertise has been that the nearer I get to my pores and skin, the extra mix I would like, with Nuyarn being my prime decide for base layers.
There are additionally some alpaca blends on the market which can be additionally splendidly comfortable (I like all the pieces I’ve tried from Paka and Arms of Andes). For those who’re one of many uncommon individuals who do discover merino itchy, you may be allergic to lanolin, which is the pores and skin oil produced by sheep. Alpacas do not make lanolin, and the fibers are thinner and finer than merino. That makes alpaca hotter and softer, nevertheless it’s additionally dearer.
Merino vs. Artificial Fibers
Which is best? The reply once more is … it relies upon (sorry). However often merino. By synthetics, I typically imply polyester, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, or blends of those and different materials—all the pieces however cotton, wool, and linen.
Synthetics typically win for wicking away sweat, which implies they have a tendency to really feel drier. In addition they are inclined to dry quicker, so in terms of issues like socks and underwear, even most “merino” choices are sometimes greater than 50 % artificial. Synthetics are simply higher at dealing with moisture. How a lot this issues is determined by a bunch of non-public elements. For instance, I really feel bizarre and virtually clammy in something artificial, so I do not actually care how a lot moisture it wicks away.
The draw back to that moisture wicking is that synthetics retain odor. There are some chemical remedies that may assist, however I’ve by no means tried something artificial that was as odor-resistant as merino wool.
One other distinction is breathability. Synthetics are satisfactory on this division, nevertheless it’s the place merino actually excels. For those who’re sizzling and are mountain climbing up an uncovered slope towards an open move after which dropping down into the cool of a forest, merino is your buddy, as a result of the breathability means much less sweat to chill you once you get out of the solar. Once more, how a lot this issues is determined by your physique.
The ultimate issue value occupied with is sturdiness. In some instances, synthetics will last more than pure merino, notably in eventualities the place abrasion is a serious supply of wear and tear. To my thoughts, that is simply another excuse to decide on a merino mix somewhat than going all the best way to synthetics, nevertheless it’s one thing to consider in case you do plenty of off-trail mountain climbing or mountain climbing—any exercise the place your garments are going to take a beating.
Base Layers
To essentially see how exceptional merino wool is, begin on the backside, with the garments subsequent to your pores and skin. Merino actually shines as a base layer. It is hotter for the load, wicks moisture nicely, and in contrast to artificial materials, merino stays stink-free for days of wear and tear. Be sure you learn our layering information for extra on learn how to put all of it collectively and keep snug in any climate. We even have a separate information to the perfect base layers in order for you know all of your choices, however listed below are our prime merino picks from that information.
Finest Light-weight Base Layer
The Ibex Woolies Professional Tech base layer crew is the perfect light-weight merino base layer we have examined. If you would like a hard-wearing shirt, this it it. Woolies are Nuyarn (see above), which is 85 % merino wool and 15 % nylon—the merino wool is wrapped round a nylon core, which will increase the heat whereas being lighter (5 oz for the lads’s massive) and extra sturdy. That is my prime decide for all issues technical. It is what I convey mountain climbing, backpacking, and it is evaluations editor Adrienne So’s decide for operating, climbing and different high-aerobic actions when it’s chilly. I additionally love the Woolies Professional Tech Bottoms ($115), that are what I convey backpacking in all however the warmest of climate. There’s additionally a quarter zip model of the shirt in case you want.
Other than consolation and heat, a bit a part of the rationale we suggest Woolies is that they final. Ibex is what passes for a heritage firm on this area; the corporate was based in 1997 and has been cranking out merino garment for a very long time. Adrienne’s dad and mom purchased her two units of Ibex base layers in 2001 that she nonetheless wears right this moment, within the yr of our Lord 2025. Correctly cared for, Woolies will maintain you snug heat for years to return.
Finest Heavyweight Base Layer
SmartWool
Merino Traditional Lengthy-Sleeve
Once I need one thing a bit hotter than the light-weight Woolies above, I attain for Smartwool’s Traditional lengthy sleeve base layer. These could also be the preferred merino shirts round, and for good motive: They’re very snug, tending to the looser aspect, characteristic heavy responsibility seams that do not rub, and sit off the shoulder for extra consolation when carrying a pack. At 87 % merino wool (blended with nylon), these are additionally very sturdy whereas remaining light-weight (10.3 oz for a males’s massive). This Smartwool shirt, together with the matching pants ($125), are nice for cold winter days.
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Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino
Lengthy-Sleeve Merino Crew
The picks above all have what my spouse calls “that sporty look,” which the business refers to as “technical.” This 100% merino shirt from Unbound is the other: it simply seems to be like an extended sleeve shirt. It is extremely comfortable and whereas it does tablet a bit in case you run it via the dryer (do not), it is proved itself lots sturdy—I have been carrying it always for over a yr now and it nonetheless seems to be prefer it did once I received it. It is the long-sleeve, base layer twin to our favourite T-shirt (see under). It is on the skinny aspect for a base layer, which makes it good for these cool climate mornings within the shoulder seasons. It is versatile too; it may be used as a base layer, nevertheless it additionally works as a T-shirt when it isn’t too chilly. Match runs true to dimension, and if the one you need is offered out, be affected person; Unbound ceaselessly updates its inventory.
There are such a lot of! This is just a few extra to contemplate, however actually, go learn the bottom layer information.
Turtle Fur
Merino Pipe Dream Neck Gaiter
Remember your neck. I dwell on this Turtle Fur gaiter through the winter and I additionally use the lighter, superfine model for mountain climbing at elevation in the summertime to maintain the solar off my neck with out resorting to sunscreen. It is splendidly comfortable, not overly tight, and by no means smells.
Merino Mid Layers
Fleece has its place, however I not often put on it today. I want merino for my mid layers. It is higher at serving to your physique regulate its temperature. The one place fleece nonetheless wins for me is backpacking. It is virtually all the time lighter for comparable heat, at the least in mid layers.
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Just like the Northern Lights or the McRib, the thickest Ibex wool hoodie seems irregularly and with some fanfare. The Mammoth Hoodie is certainly a giant, furry beast of a garment—it is mainly the load of the traditional American Large hoodie however product of 85 % wool minimize with 15 % nylon for added heat and stretch. Ibex says it is the warmest hoodie they’ve ever made, and in my week of testing, I’ve used it rather than a jacket in mid-30s temps. It has an athletic minimize with zippered pockets and thumb holes. I do put on a stocking hat with it within the chilly as a result of the scuba hood is supposed to suit beneath a helmet which implies it is too small to offer sufficient heat for my massive shaved head by itself. —Martin Cizmar
