When considering a new baselayer, I need to know I can sweat, freeze, and layer easily. I need to wear it under or on top and wear it a lot without wearing it out. Icebreaker’s 100% Merino Wool Bodyfit baselayer is a technical baselayer that holds up against abuse and over time but is still stylish enough to where casually.
I wear both the Bodyfit leggings and the long sleeve half zip all the time. Actually, I never want to get out of them because they are so comfortable. I could sleep in them and also go out with them as my regular everyday wear. Jeans slide right over the leggings to keep me warm during a winter outing in town. I also took this set up Mount Si several times and sweat through it, but stayed warm even when soaking wet. I love wool for that reason!
Icebreaker wool washes easily with regular treatment. I didn’t notice any color fading or pilling of the fabric. I even threw it in the dryer. Icebreaker specifically says NOT to do this, but I am testing it, I have to push it’s limits so that when your 14-year old daughter puts it in with her jeans, you know what happens. It did shrink up a bit, like wool does when you tumble dry, and it started to show signs of pilling, so to keep your gorgeous style going, I’d follow Icebreaker’s recommendation to hang dry.
Icebreaker uses 100% New Zealand Merino wool in their products and you can track and see where your piece came from. I was drawn to watch the video about the farm where my piece originated. And my impression of the company is fabulous. Everyone I dealt with was happy to talk to me and proud of their product. I point this out because I have had quite the opposite experience with some other wool base layer companies. This is something that matters to me.
Pros
-Soft wool – very comfortable
-Great style – from color to cut and detailing, well designed
-Works as a technical base layer and as a top layer
-Easy care, long wear: no pilling or fading in the wash
-Kind, personable company
Cons
-Not for the dryer (hang dry only)
-I’d like one heavier than the 260 gram – a full heavyweight baselayer in this for my winter climbs.
-More colors, please!
Icebreaker Technical Details
Date available: Available now
Manufacturer’s Website: Icebreaker
MSRP: Bodyfit 200 Leggings: $79 / Bodyfit Tech half zip top: $99
Materials: 100% Merino wool
Size/Model tested: Women’s Large (also comes in Men’s)
Colors Available: Black, teal
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