Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

Not too snug at all. I've got the ladies L size and I'm 5'8, the top is definitely long enough to cover lower back when on the bike.

I keep finding good merino wool jumpers in charity shops in North London (Islington, Highgate, Crouch End, Muswell Hill) for a few quid each. Sometimes there's even cashmere jumpers! They may not be the most fashionable ones but they're great for cycling or hiking.

I use Craft Coolmesh Superlight sleeveless baselayers and very happy with them for warmer temps, but before I buy some more are there alternatives out there I should consider?

Found these so far:
Endura Translite Sleeveless Baselayer
DHB Lightweight Mesh
and even Decathlon's 500 warm weather mesh cycling baselayer

I've used Craft and they are great. Castelli core mesh also good. They have a heavier and lighter weight. Both work well in different temperature ranges. One of them can look a bit string vest like though.

Armadillo Merino in Derbyshire http://armadillomerino.com?aff=15

baselayers for military/fire service mainly and even Nasa, but also they also sell to consumers. Focused on 100% merino wool and it's natural fire resistance/ no melt no drip attributes. Anti static, UV protective to SPF50 and a few other geeky benefits which is all laid out on the website. For cycling, super comfy and doesn't get smelly too. 'george15' will get you 15% off

wholesale price sale at the moment with sport pursuit: https://www.sportpursuit.com/search?s=Armadillo

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How well does Merino stand-up to regular use and washing?

Looking for some base/first layers for work (outdoors), so worn all day and washed every week. And as I use a launderette, it's just "warm wash" rather than being able to specify the temperature.

I'm convinced of the benefits of Merino over synthetics, but considering the price difference I need to get plenty of use out of them, for it to make economic sense.

Aldi ones right now are a bargain.

Merino will wear out much quicker than synthetics, but is still worth the (generally) higher cost for the comfort and its ability to minimize stink.

Found one of these for about £45; very comfy so far, though does anyone else have the problem of zippers catching on neck hair?
Yes, I have a beard, no, I don't shave my neck every day.
https://www.sunspel.com/row/mens-vintage-wool-zip-neck-jumper-in-dark-fern-mjum8041.html

where did you find it?

Canadian eBay, new.

I haven’t found that to be the case - generally my merino (icebreaker mainly) lasts much longer than synthetic. I’ve a couple of icebreaker baselayers that are 8-9 years old and still going strong (bought them for a Himalayas trip, and still use them as my go to baselayers).

Interesting.
Are your Icebreaker pieces 100% wool?
Most of the ultralights (under 200 weight?) are not for the last 10 years or so, the reason being that the nylon and lycra adds strength to the cloth.
I have to say that I haven't tried synthetic tops for over twenty years and the Patagonia pieces that I've passed on to my wife don't look any different than when they were purchased.

• The quality of the wool itself has gone down in my view since they moved production overseas.
  

There’s only one with a label that’s still readable, and that says 100% New Zealand wool, so I assume so. I didn’t know they did the “sportswool” thing these days.

Thick Merino wool socks. Where to buy from? I used to get 3 pairs for £10ish from Planet X, but they have silly postage these days, and they're planet X.

Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sh900-warm-adult-socks-grey-id_8346510.html)
For the price they are brilliant - not quite as warm as the ad makes them out to be, which means they are perfect for cycling around in when it's cold.
The quality is good, and they are nice and inoffensive, unlike the gaudy PX ones

Think i'll be making some neck scarf/wraps and wrist wraps from damaged/felted merino jumpers. If anyone did th unthinkable and turned something nice into a babygrow, I'll happily pay postage.

Try ruth at scruffy dog she knits all sorts of stuff cycling wise .

Good shout.

Hm, only 50% wool though...
Woolpower makes some nice stuff in a variety of weights.

I don't think you'll get much better around the ~£10 price point though

Looks like the foot is 100% merino, but the overall sock is only 50% due to the ankle/leg section.

@ACRe19 30% more would get you a 72% better sock :)
@CheeseWheel ah, right

Loads of Icebreaker fall/winter collection stuff on sale on Bike24!

Agreed. Synthetics also may have perfect shape etc after a lot of use, but be fit for the bin because of staining or a slight underarm smell you cant wash out. Merino just goes and goes, even better if you air it out and dont over wash.

I have merino baselayers I've worn a lot and after several years the ones I wear most tend to go a bit hard. I gentle machine wash with kookaburra wash. It kind of feels like it's partly a result of repeated washing (after many years) but also maybe that they just get kind of ingrained with bits of me (skin/grease) that doesn't get properly washed out. Was wondering whether there's a way of giving them a deep clean that doesn't damage the wool? Maybe soaking in a bicarb solution before washing or something like that.