Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

That said it's is better cut than howies stuff, and seems to be the more ethical choice.
...(in a globalized world of today, who knows what's ethical and not ... I certainly don't, unless it's a business local to me and I can question every step by talking to the merchant).

I used to buy Howies when they were still independent and made in NZ. Then I found ChocFish - found it was better. Also their stuff is totally traceable - the only company I know who admit they commission not "make" and actually tell you who makes their stuff for them - they even give you a link to the company! That's a lot more transparency than any other company I know. And NZ has really tough environmental laws and european-style labour regulations so I have the feeling that the people making the gear I wear aren't being ripped off, working in sweatshops etc.

Coffee break over - back to work :-(