Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

I got some Isobaa merino tops from SportPursuit (the 180 I think) and have been happy with them. https://www.sportpursuit.com/sales/isobaa

Decathlon

Thank you, that could be perfect.

Prendas right now and the craft stuff.

Not merino though. Unless I'm missing something.

their stuff is surprisingly high quality for the price. I really really rate decathlon, it's so much more popular on the continent than it is here, not sure why

Got one of the Icebreaker 'Bodyfit 200' layers on sale.
Feel is super nice / non itchy. Not as warm as I expected though.
Also it really is very much "regular fit" I'd say.

The Patagonia hoody mentioned earlier is with me always every day, love the thing.
Regular price is overkill though for what it is.
Wish they'd make another version of this that's exactly the same but three times as thick.

@ad441 Quality merino will last you 5 years +, it's worth the investment. If you are on a budget you're better off with synthetics.

My Rapha merino tops are probebrly 5 years old and still going strong. Sewn up in several places from crashes but all good.

But cheap buy twice.

really? my merino stuff gets all full of holes and threadless after a year or so. I do use it quite a lot. which people make stuff that lasts that long?

I just got about 5 years fairly heavy wear out of a couple of very cheap planet x merino base layers. They're finally getting holes now, but I wouldn't say they've been any less durable than a much nicer patagonia one I had which has stretched badly. I suppose planet x did used to be higher quality though.

@platypus there's bound to be user error somewhere. My oldest Rapha baselayer is from 2010 and it's still wearable. I have Icebreaker and Buff accessories that are pretty old too, as well as SmartWool socks and t-shirts.

Having worked in Customer Service for a nice but pricey brand I can tell you that the vast majority of premature damage on 100% merino garments is due to the use of biological detergents and/or incorrect laundry technique. @Chopsicle educated me on this, basically the enzymes contained in the detergents break down the fibres.

Use a non-bio detergent, or ideally a dedicated merino wash and your merino will last for years. Oh, and contrary to popular belief a delicate/wool program on a washing machine is more gente than a hand-wash.

I can tell you that the vast majority of premature damage on 100% merino garments is due to the use of biological detergents and/or incorrect laundry technique. @Chopsicle educated me on this, basically the enzymes contained in the detergents break down the fibres.

Cool, one day after I just bought 1L of this

: /

Seriously though - good info, thanks! Any detergent you would recommend?

I use Halo on sportswear and merino. Seems to do the job.

Shameless plug

Pretty sure Ecover is non-bio, that should do the trick.

Although I use Rapha Merino Wash for obvious reasons, I'm a big fan of Halo Sportswash for my lycra and do chuck the odd merino garment in the load from time to time.

Wash my merino together with all my other cycling and running stuff on the wool cycle.

I just use the Woollite gentle detergent the girlfriend gets for her nicer stuff.
And add dash of white vinegar in the rinse/fabric softner thingie.

thank you, this is a really helpful post.

@platypus #friendliestforumontheinternet

:)

I bung my Rapha merino baselayers in a 30 degree wash with my other cycling kit using Ecover. They last years. I bought two new ones about 18 months ago as the old ones looked like they were on their last legs, yet I've still to get them out of their packaging.

http://www.embersmerino.com/

Closing down sale.
Use code CLOSING45 for 45% off everything.

What's the fit like on the Isobaa tops? I notice they've just reappeared on Sportpursuit. I'm 6'5", so short in the body's no good for me. The sizing chart makes them look like they come up tighter than other brands for the same size - are they snug or ok?

Did you order anything.

I didn't but have a few SS & Ls jerseys which I like lots. Sad that they are soon to be no more.