Merino wool is a brilliant fiber. One of the best merino wool clothes in some way manages to be comfy 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 here 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 circumstances. When you’re carried out right here, do not forget to take a look at the remainder of our attire guides, just like the Greatest Merino Wool T-Shirts, Greatest Base Layers, Greatest Puffer Jackets, Greatest Hoodies, and Greatest Mountain climbing Boots.
Up to date April 2026: We have modified out high choose boxers to Wool & Prince, added extra hoodies, and the Ibex girls’s Goat quick 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 means to maintain itself heat or cool based mostly on the temperatures it is in, a course of also known as thermoregulation. In the event you’ve solely ever worn the type of itchy wool sweaters your proverbial grandmother supposedly made, you may marvel what all of the fuss is. The reply is that Merino sheep have thinner, softer wool, which has developed to maintain them comfy throughout a variety of temperatures and is comfy 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, may 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 material that is turn into the cornerstone of my wardrobe.
Merino wool is available in totally different weights, which you’ll ceaselessly see listed as “200 gsm” or one thing related. (The “gsm” refers to grams per sq. meter, typically listed as g/m.) What’s essential is the size and the place your garment falls on it. On the low finish, you may have T-shirts and underwear, that are sometimes 150 gsm, although we’ve seen some as little as 120 gsm. Usually, something under 200 gsm shall be base layer or T-shirt. From 200 to 300 gsm are your mid-layers, and something above 300 is a heavier garment.
In the event you’re extra aware of artificial rankings like these usually 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 together 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 further sturdiness. The concept is to get the temperature regulation advantages of merino, however so as to add a number of the longevity of nylon. In my expertise, Nuyarn largely works. It is our high choose for base layers, although I discover it much less needed in additional informal clothes, the place I want 100% wool.
Look after Merino Wool
Most merino merchandise could 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 may 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 quick 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’re taking precautions towards moths, that are infamous for consuming holes in wool. I’ve misplaced merino clothes to moths.
In the event you do not wish to scent like mothballs, there are higher options. I be certain to clean and completely dry no matter I’m storing, then I seal it in a compression bag, like this. Another 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 essential to be sure that 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 can repel the moths.
100 % Merino vs. Blends
Do you have to 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. In all probability one of the best ways to seek out out is to strive 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 mountaineering, 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 high choose for base layers.
There are additionally some alpaca blends on the market which are additionally splendidly tender (I really like the whole lot I’ve tried from Paka and Arms of Andes). In the event you’re one of many uncommon individuals who do discover merino itchy, you could 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, but it surely’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—the whole lot however cotton, wool, and linen.
Synthetics typically win for wicking away sweat, which implies they have a tendency to really feel drier. Additionally they are inclined to dry quicker, so in relation to issues like socks and underwear, even most “merino” choices are sometimes greater than 50 p.c artificial. Synthetics are simply higher at dealing with moisture. How a lot this issues is determined by a number of private elements. For instance, I really feel bizarre and nearly 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 therapies 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, but it surely’s the place merino actually excels. In the event you’re scorching and are mountaineering up an uncovered slope towards an open cross after which dropping down into the cool of a forest, merino is your pal, as a result of the breathability means much less sweat to chill you if 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 circumstances, synthetics will last more than pure merino, notably in eventualities the place abrasion is a serious supply of damage. To my thoughts, that is simply another excuse to decide on a merino mix reasonably than going all the best way to synthetics, but it surely’s one thing to consider for those who do a whole lot of off-trail mountaineering 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 burden, wicks moisture nicely, and in contrast to artificial materials, merino stays stink-free for days of damage. Be sure you learn our layering information for extra on methods to put all of it collectively and keep comfy in any climate. We even have a separate information to one of the best base layers if you would like know all of your choices, however listed here are our high merino picks from that information.
Greatest Light-weight Base Layer
Ibex
Woolies Professional Tech Crew
The Ibex Woolies Professional Tech base layer crew is one of the best light-weight merino base layer we have examined. If you need a hard-wearing shirt, this it it. Woolies are Nuyarn (see above), which is 85 p.c merino wool and 15 p.c nylon—the merino wool is wrapped round a nylon core, which will increase the heat whereas being lighter (5 oz for the lads’s giant) and extra sturdy. That is my high choose for all issues technical. It is what I deliver mountaineering, backpacking, and it is opinions editor Adrienne So’s choose for working, climbing and different high-aerobic actions when it’s chilly. I additionally love the Woolies Professional Tech Bottoms ($115), that are what I deliver backpacking in all however the warmest of climate. There’s additionally 1 / 4 zip model of the shirt for those who want.
Except for 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 mother and father purchased her two units of Ibex base layers in 2001 that she nonetheless wears at this time, within the yr of our Lord 2025. Correctly cared for, Woolies will maintain you comfy heat for years to return.
Greatest Heavyweight Base Layer
SmartWool
Merino Basic Lengthy-Sleeve
Once I need one thing a bit hotter than the light-weight Woolies above, I attain for Smartwool’s Basic lengthy sleeve base layer. These could also be the preferred merino shirts round, and for good motive: They’re very comfy, tending to the looser aspect, function heavy obligation seams that do not rub, and sit off the shoulder for extra consolation when carrying a pack. At 87 p.c merino wool (blended with nylon), these are additionally very sturdy whereas remaining light-weight (10.3 oz for a males’s giant). This Smartwool shirt, together with the matching pants ($125), are nice for cold winter days.
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino
Lengthy-Sleeve Merino Crew
The picks above all have what my spouse calls “that sporty look,” which the trade refers to as “technical.” This 100% merino shirt from Unbound is the alternative: it simply appears like an extended sleeve shirt. It is extremely tender and whereas it does capsule a bit for those who run it by means of the dryer (do not), it is proved itself lots sturdy—I have been carrying it continually for over a yr now and it nonetheless appears prefer it did once I bought 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, but it surely additionally works as a T-shirt when it isn’t too chilly. Match runs true to measurement, and if the one you need is offered out, be affected person; Unbound ceaselessly updates its inventory.
There are such a lot of! Here is a number of extra to think about, however actually, go learn the bottom layer information.
Ridge Merino
Facet Excessive Rise Base Layer Bottoms
These are one other nice possibility fro girls on the lookout for one thing that may be worn round city in addition to on the path. My daughter has even worn them beneath shorts for no-gi juijitsu they usually’ve held up nice, which is a testomony to their sturdiness.
Minus33
Heavyweight Yukon Thermal Lengthy Sleeve
If you are going to be in excessive chilly, New Hampshire-based Minus33 is the corporate to buy. The place I stay winter temps frequently dip under 0F and the Yukon comes into its personal. The 400 gsm weave of 100% merino is extra like a sweatshirt than a base layer, however for those who stay within the north, you want it.
Turtle Fur
Merino Pipe Dream Neck Gaiter
Remember your neck. I stay on this Turtle Fur gaiter through the winter and I additionally use the lighter, superfine model for mountaineering at elevation in the summertime to maintain the solar off my neck with out resorting to sunscreen. It is splendidly tender, not overly tight, and by no means smells.
Merino Mid Layers
Fleece has its place, however I hardly ever put on it nowadays. 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 nearly all the time lighter for comparable heat, at the very least in mid layers.
Just like the Northern Lights or the McRib, the thickest Ibex wool hoodie seems irregularly and with some fanfare. The Mammoth Hoodie is certainly an enormous, furry beast of a garment—it is principally the burden of the basic American Big hoodie however fabricated from 85 p.c wool reduce with 15 p.c 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 reduce 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 giant shaved head by itself. —Martin Cizmar
