WoolWeenies Club

[Triskeliongirl]

I posted this query on another thread and Lisa responded as follows. Based on Lisa's comments should I try to stop the order if it hasn't shipped yet. I am confused. I thought all Ibex was marino wool, which meant it wouldn't be scratchy. While I love my shak, and it works with most of my clothes, it doesn't work with some of the larger ribbed cotton turtlenecks so I wanted something a little heavier to layer. I also want this for situations where the weather changes so I can remove a layer and still have something that looks nice on not a base layer, or if I go into a meeting room that is colder/warmer, etc. adjust my layers. Lisa, do you think just ordering a shak in M would be better for this (and to layer over my S one??). I thought of even exchanging my small for a med, but my friend looked at me in it and said based on how the small fit that the M would be too big. I also liked that it is heavier than the shak, cuz I figured if the shak keeps me warm at 40, this will work even better, either over the shak or over my heavy ribbed cotton turtlenecks when I visit chilly new england. And Lisa how do you wear 2 shaks, do you always need to layer a larger sized one over a smaler sized one like you explained above? The small is also great as a cycling jersey bit it seems them the M would be too loose. I am so confused........... I've been too many years away from a cold place, but always end up sick when I travel cuz my body isn't used to it and I never bring the right clothes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl :
Lisa, you posted after me on the wool weenie thread. Do you like my new sweater? It looks a tad heavier than the shak, but I hope its not too bulky. I like that my shak S is very slim and sleek, but then I can't layer it over my heaviest cotton t-necks. It looks like the oganic sweater i just ordered in M will do the trick, I just hope it doesn't end up bulking me up too much. We'll see..... there is always return UPS. I said that last time but that Ibex stuff is so addictive. And boy is wool warm!

LISA: I don't have that sweater, so I can't tell if I would like it for myself. It looks elegant.
I spent years piling on bulky acrylic sweaters trying unsuccessfully to keep warm in winter. When I switched to merino wool, I found I could wear several thin layers and keep warmer than with my old thick acryllic sweaters. So now my preference is just to layer thinner merino- a thin base merino top with one or two shaks and a wool vest, and I'm good down to 20 degrees, so I'm thrilled to be able to keep with thin layering now. If I need more than that I wear a wool jacket on top. I like the shaks so much I prefer wearing 1 or 2 of them rather than a typical sweater these days. I hope your sweater is just what you are looking for!

[Triskeliongirl]

Can you please post a link to the sale? thanks!


The Ibex Boucele is on sale. Anyone have one and what is the difference from their other pieces?

Lisa :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Triskellion,
You may love your sweater that is on the way! Wait to see when it arrives before you decide. I did not mean to imply that it wouldn't work well for you! Remember we all live in different conditions and have varied needs and wants.

I have never looked at the details of the sweater you ordered, and it seems to be made of 100% organic wool but maybe not merino. That's certainly a nice thing- and you wouldn't be wearing it over bare skin anyway. It might well be a totally fantastic sweater to wear over stuff when you are cold.

I mentioned what I like to do with layering merino items. I think of my full zip shak as a sort of light cartigan, so it looks fine a bit loose when I wear it in Large over my other shak. If I could have only one shak it would be the full zip like yours, and I'd have it in the smaller size Medium that fits me not loosely, just like you have done. I do find that 2 shaks layered are pretty darned warm. ;)

If your organic sweater arrives and you don't like it for some reason, perhaps you could try the Ibex Cara or Strato sweaters in medium- they are similar in price too. They are all nice sweaters, but all 3 are certainly quite different from each other.

[Triskeliongirl]

I missed the difference between merino wool and organic wool. So does that mean the sweater I ordered will be scratchier? I don't think it has shipped yet, so I could phone them to stop it. I do love the strato sweater too, but it is more expensive since I haven't found it on sale, but it sounds like you think the strato will be softer and sleeker. Is that right?

I too am glad I ordered the shak in a small. I can even see myself cycling in it, whereas the medium would be too big for that. I guess I just worry that if I size up for layering, the arms will end up too long, but I'll just have to try them and see. I just wish I could go into a strore and try these on. That's another idea, wait until I am in Boston and find a store that sells them. What retailers stock Ibex that you guys know in either DC or Boston?

[GLC1968]

Ibex boucle on sale:

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=848&VID=9650&Product=Carrie-Full-Zip-Hoody

Until I went back to the website, I didn't make the connection between the 'boucle' and the Carrie Hoodie...which I own!

It's nice - not as soft as my other ibex lighter weight pieces, but still soft enough for bare arms underneath. I wore this last weekend when I was in Portland and it was cold and rainy. I layered it over a cotton T and I was toasty warm and comfy all day. It is a little more 'sweater like' than my shak (yes, I just got a shak, too :o) and slightly (very slightly) more roomy, so it's good for layering. I have the thistle heather one and it looks awesome with jeans! Oh, and the hood fits nicely as well...so should I need more warmth when riding, this piece would totally work.

In fact, here's me wearing it! (excuse the drowned rat look, please :p) I wore the t shirt, the hoodie and then that black jacket is just a 'too big for me' shell and I was plenty warm touring Portland when it was about 45F and rainy.

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-IMG_0028.JPG

[Triskeliongirl]

What do you guys think of this piece on sale:
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442594642&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302886208&bmUID=1200504852641

Smartwool Womens Routt. I gather from a previous discussion that the quality of ibex is better than smartwool, is that correct?

I am still so confused. Not sure if I should go with mediums to layer over my bulkier stuff, or start buying lighter inner layers to pair with smalls. I did call our local outdoor store to see if they carry ibex, and they said they do and its on clearance now, so I'll drop over there after work and take a look.

Do I need long wool underwear on my bottom for my trip to boston, or will lined wool pants and jeans be OK as is? I do have some old silk stuff.

Also, what do you guys think of this piece also on sale?
Ibex skyline: http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0061/Ibex-Skyline-Full-Zip-Sweater-Womens.html?CMP_ID=SH_NXT002&CMP_SKU=IBX0061&mv_pc=r147

This stuff is just so damned expensive! So, I am also reluctant to invest in mediums while I am still losing weight, albeit very slowly at this point.

[Grog]

Hey Triskel',

I don't know what the weather is in Boston right now but unless you're very very sensitive to cold you'll probably be fine with the silk longjohns under your pants, or nothing at all. It really depends whether you're going to be walking or standing outside for long.

I find it generally true that Ibex is nicer than Smartwool, but for me it's mostly superior to Icebreaker (for outer layers). The comparison with Smartwool is less uniform.

What I like about Ibex is that, yes, they are expensive (like the other two) but they are made in the USA for the most part. (Some is made in Hong Kong.) It annoys me to pay over a hundred tomatoes for a piece of clothing that I know was made in China for a handful of dollars, like the Smartwool stuff and even a lot of the Icebreaker now.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ibex boucle on sale:

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=848&VID=9650&Product=Carrie-Full-Zip-Hoody

Until I went back to the website, I didn't make the connection between the 'boucle' and the Carrie Hoodie...which I own!

This is the other Ibex boucle item on sale until Jan 31:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=849&VID=9657&Product=Bella-Vest
(but the black one is not available until Jan 23).
That's you on the right in the blueish Carrie hoody just visible under the rain jacket, right?

Triskell- I have that Ibex Skyline top and I like it very much. It is somewhat "Stark Trek" looking. Very soft and slightly lighterweight than the shaks. Here is a pik of me wearing mine:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4883
(I have a weird look on my face because it was really hard trying to take a picture of myself in the mirror at the right angle and without flash glare. :rolleyes: )
Like how that Smartwool sweater looks too, that you pointed out.

[GLC1968]

That's you on the right in the blueish Carrie hoody just visible under the rain jacket, right?



Yep! That's a very bad photo of me. :p

And I agree with Lisa - I like the smartwool sweater. It's really sharp looking!

What types of things will you be doing in Boston? I mean, if you are mostly just in and out of meetings or lectures, you may not need any additional layers on the bottom. I never wore underlayers when I lived up there unless I was going to some event where I'd be outside and not moving much all day (like a football game).

Another source for gorgeous wool sweaters is Neve sweaters. Terry carries them and has a few on sale right now for good prices. I have the one at this link and it's absolutely BEAUTIFUL but not really as 'active' in styling as my Ibex or Icebreaker stuff.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=5134

[Triskeliongirl]

So how does the sizing run at smartwool. I guess I could just order the small and medium and send back the one I don't like. It says its 'boiled wool.' What does that mean? WIll it be scratchy? Will it pill?

I don't mind spending this much for good pieces that will last, but I cannot stand it when they start pilling.

Do you guys know if ibex direct sends shipping confirmations? I haven't gotten one yet so maybe I could still stop the order on the 'organic sweater' which I gather you guys don't like so much. Its also more $ than I really wanted to spend, but it does look quite smart to me.

[Triskeliongirl]

In DC I will be just attending meetings in a hotel, and maybe walking at night to a restaurant. In Boston I am staying with my son at MIT, and no car, so we will walk a lot, say to to and from the subway, and maybe spend time waiting for buses outdoors. I'll just bring along the silk long undies I have, and play it by ear.

I've noticed that since my body is used to a milder climate (coldest it usually gets is the 40s, sometimes it drops into the 30s, rarely below freezing) that when I travel to a really cold place I need warmer clothing than folks who live there. I also need warm to stuff to wear in my house on those 30/40 days since our gas radiators can't really heat well in those temp ranges (no central heating). But, a day that starts in the 40s can end in the 60s, which is why I like pieces I can take off and have the inner layers be good on their own. Another thing I like about that ibex organic sweater. Maybe I'll just let them send it, and return what I don't like.

[mariposa]

Someone got a Routt for me, for Christmas. I am really pleased with it! I've had mixed experiences with the lighter-weight Smartwool stuff; I've gotten uneven seams or zippers that stick. The Routt, though is extremely well made. It is fuzzy and soft, like heavier-weight fleece. The little stripes on it flatter the figure, and don't look "too" sporty (I can wear it to work). It does run a bit big on me (I'm usually a medium but the small fits me), so size down.

[GLC1968]

I like the organic sweater. I wish I could afford to buy one for myself!

Boiled wool is usually a bit denser than regular wool. And isn't boiled wool usually woven, not knit? Or do they make knit boiled wool as well? When I think of boiled wool, I think of thick wool blazers or winter coats...that dense, thick, warm fabric that doesn't have much stretch.

[Triskeliongirl]

Someone got a Routt for me, for Christmas. I am really pleased with it! I've had mixed experiences with the lighter-weight Smartwool stuff; I've gotten uneven seams or zippers that stick. The Routt, though is extremely well made. It is fuzzy and soft, like heavier-weight fleece. The little stripes on it flatter the figure, and don't look "too" sporty (I can wear it to work). It does run a bit big on me (I'm usually a medium but the small fits me), so size down.

Thanks for the input. Can you layer the small over other moderatly heavy pieces, say a heavy cotton ribbed T-neck?
Do you have the oatmeal heather. Is it more heather than oatmeal, i.e. a light gray vs an ecru?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Boiled wool is usually a bit denser than regular wool. And isn't boiled wool usually woven, not knit? Or do they make knit boiled wool as well? When I think of boiled wool, I think of thick wool blazers or winter coats...that dense, thick, warm fabric that doesn't have much stretch.

I have a boiled wool jacket from last year that is soft, thick and stretchy. :o
I love boiled wool. Boiled wool is not quite as dense and heavy as loden wool, and has a very pleasant micro-knobbly texture to it. Loden wool is sort of felted, and VERY warm because it's so dense.

Tri, if you are not going to wear a sweater over bare skin, then why worry about it being scratchy? I doubt that Smartwool would be selling anything with their name on it that is too scratchy in any case- non-scratchyness is one of the things they crow about.

[Triskeliongirl]

Tri, if you are not going to wear a sweater over bare skin, then why worry about it being scratchy? I doubt that Smartwool would be selling anything with their name on it that is too scratchy in any case- non-scratchyness is one of the things they crow about.

Well, until I wore the shak, I thought I was allergic to wool. All the other wool sweaters I have make me itch, even with a silk or cotton layer directly on my skin. But something about the shak is different. So, if I am going to aquire a second wool sweater, help me decide between to smartwool rouett and the ibex organic sweater. While the organic sweater is very expensive, its also reduced more so is it a better 'value' or is that just how they fool you into spending more $ than you should really spend on this stuff???

[Triskeliongirl]

As you girls can tell, I am shopping impaired.......

[Triskeliongirl]

How do you guys compare wool to fleece in terms of wamth? I do have some older fleece sweaters, and while bulkier perhaps thats the cheap way out of this for me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, until I wore the shak, I thought I was allergic to wool. All the other wool sweaters I have make me itch, even with a silk or cotton layer directly on my skin. But something about the shak is different. So, if I am going to aquire a second wool sweater, help me decide between to smartwool rouett and the ibex organic sweater. While the organic sweater is very expensive, its also reduced more so is it a better 'value' or is that just how they fool you into spending more $ than you should really spend on this stuff???

Merino wool from merino sheep has the finest texture of any sheep wool and so is the softest and least itchy of all sheep wool. Many people who find regular wool too itchy can comfortably wear merino wool.
When a product says "wool", it usually means sheep wool. "Wool blend" means wool mixed with other fabric fibers that are not wool. Fabrics with names like "Woolicious" or "Wooltastic" are usually blends with only part wool. I once laughed because my dopey brother was bragging to everyone about his "genuine Cashmaire" scarf, which actually was about 20% cashmere and 80% polyester. :rolleyes: If it's alpaca or cashmere or angora (wool not from sheep but from other animals), it will usually say so. And if it's 100% merino wool, it usually says so because that's something they'd want to brag about.

In terms of warmth, fleece is pretty darned good, a good price, and certainly easy to wash. It does not breathe quite as well as wool though, so it does not regulate your body at an even temperature when moving between hot and cold. Wool also takes sweat off your skin and evaporates it out so you feel drier, also wool does not get stinky like man made fabrics do. But yeah I have some fleece things that I love.

[Triskeliongirl]

OK. I am starting to get it. So, even though the shak appears to be thin, its really warm because its a tightly woven wool knit, right? Does that also mean that a base layer like the "Kate" http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=864&VID=9813&Product=Kate-17.5-L/S
would be warmer than say silk long underwear? If I paired a Kate with a shak, how warm would I be?

Why all the questions. Well, after work I went to that local outdoor store that I just found out carries Ibex and Smartwool. It was nice to see and try on this stuff. My first observation was that in general, I thought the quality of the Ibex was better than the quality of the smartwool. I was able to try on the smartwool Routt and didn't like either the color (it is more oatmeal than heather) or fit (arms were very baggy more like a jacket than a sweater), AND the zipper was broken on it. I also realized that the shak is a lot softer than the carrie hoodie, so a lot of variation within the line. It just made me all the more pleased with my shak. But then they had on sale some base layers, these 'Kates' so I bought 2 at 50% off. But they still have tags on so they can be returned. I want a sense of how warm they are gonna be from you guys. The clerk at the store said they would be no warmer than the silk long underwear I have already, but I thought tightly woven wool would be more insulating? She thought for going up north I needed something called capilene 4 but I didn't like it. I also thought the Kates would be good as a base if I wanna cycle in my shak, and I can always put my terry thermal vest over that (on or off bike) to add another layer. What do the wool weenies think? Is the Kate a keeper or return? It also really changed my opinion of wool. As I said, I thought I couldn't wear it next to my skin but this stuff felt soft as silk. It looks so pretty it can be worn alone (unlike my 20 year old silk LLbean underwear) too, prettier than at the website pic.

I tried to stop the order on the organic wool sweater based on Lisa's remarks, but it had already shipped. The women on the phone indicated that it runs small, and if the full zip shak fit me in small but without a lot of room for layers that the M in the organic really should do what I want it to. She also said while its not merino wool, its a very soft wool that can be worn next to the skin, and a really lovely piece. She assured me I can return it if I don't like it, but sounds like maybe it will be a keeper.

But this is it. No more buying anymore wool for me!

[Dianyla]

But this is it. No more buying anymore wool for me!
Uhhuh. Okey dokey, whatever you say.... ;)


I think we've got her, gals! :rolleyes:

[Triskeliongirl]

Uhhuh. Okey dokey, whatever you say.... ;)


I think we've got her, gals! :rolleyes:


Hmmm, you know me better than I do. I was already contemplating returning to that store with the 50% off ibex sale for more base layers after dinner. First it was to exchange one of my black kates for a purple, then it was to keep the black AND get a purple........

But what do you think of the Kate. Was the clerk wrong that its no warmer than silk. Doesn't wool have to be warmer than silk????? Come on, I need a reason to back there and get some more........

[sandra]

You don't happen to have a twin named Elk do you? You are reminding me very much of Elk in her quest for her wool. :D

I hereby proclaim Lisa the QUEEN OF IBEX. If you want a review on almost any piece, she can pretty well help you.

[Triskeliongirl]

I know, I was in the store, wishing I knew how to phone Lisa and ask her about the stuff they had. The sales staff new nothing.

Oh, but I wish she were online now, cuz I gotta decide if I should exchange it for purple, or get another one. If they have my size I think I'll exchange it, and wait to perhaps get one that has a zip turtleneck, like the pico-T is looking pretty nice to me right now too. But this 17.5 merino wool is sooo sooooft and its 50% off...........

[KnottedYet]

Wool vs Silk

I've had both, as I am a long-underwear kind of gal. I have DEFINITELY found wool to be more comfortable over a wide range of temps. It is also absolutely warmer than similar silk.

My favorite long underwear are Ibex. I've tried a few other wool longies, but Ibex wins hands down.

Ibex vs Smartwool vs Icebreaker

Ibex has had the best quality in my experience. Icebreaker is close second. Smartwool (their clothes, not the socks which are awesome) has come in third for me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Triskell- I don't have any Ibex Kates, but I sure would have some if I found them for 1/2 price! ;) I'd say grab what you can there. I think Kates are very chic. They are also all merino and so will make a fine base layer, except the the scoop neckline might not keep you covered up as much as an Ibex "woolie" top. But if you have your full zip shak or a snuggly wool vest to go over it, who cares? :D

I agree with Knot in that silk long johns/base layers were not nearly as warm for me as thin merino under layers. Also, I remember silk as feeling cold and clammy if I got sweaty. It also smelled under the arms lots sooner than wool.

Capilene warmer base layer than merino?- not in my experience. Plus it will stink bigtime after just one wearing if you are doing active things, whereas you can wear your merino base layer quite a few times before needing to wash it. I bet your salesperson who was pushing the capilene is another one of those who "can't" wear wool.... :cool:

Wool keeps you warm when it's cold and keeps you cool and dry when you're overheated and sweaty...how can you beat that?

You can stop anytime you want......yeah....that's right........ :cool:

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, I did go back to the store, and they had already sold the purple Kate, so I kept my two in black. AND I DIDN"T BUY ANYTHING ELSE!! At 50% off that stuff isn't going to last long, even in san antonio. I'll keep the tags on one and test one tomorrow. Do I dare to cycle in my new wool? Its gonna be in the low 40s, and I usually wear a shebeest long sleeve drifit jersey under my PI gavia jacket, with shebeest drifit tights in those temps. I am thinking to try my Ibex Kate base under my shak, topped with my terry headwind vest to get a little more warmth on my chest and some back pockets. Does that sound warm enough if its really only 40-41?

I also realized that my small shak really is fine even with my heavier cotton ribbed t-necks, at least with my newer smalls. Its only my older mediums that are really too big that it doesn't layer over. So, I hope the new sweater I ordered in medium isn't too big. It was nice to try a lot of stuff on in the store and see I am really a good small. Part of my problem is that since I lost so much weight this year I have a bit of a problem with body dysmorphia. I have a hard time believing that I need the sizes that I now need, and often buy things that are too large. Well if I don't like the ibex organic sweater I'll return it (but then I lose $15 on all the postage), but maybe as a medium it will be good to layer over my shak when I go to a really cold place.

Again, I have my shak on now, third day in a row. Even though I didn't wear it to work (I cycled and changed into clothes there), guess what I put on when I got home? If I don't like the organic sweater I guess I could just get another shak in a different color. What I am finding interesting is how I am comfortable over a wide range of temps. I have it layered over a heavy ribbed cottom t-neck, so when I went out tonite I didn't bother with a jacket (its in the mid-40s). I was OK outdoors, yet when I went into a bookstore and stayed about an hour reading, I was also comfy. I am so tempted to just get me another shak. That baby blue is so pretty, and matches my bike............ If I like it on the ride tomorrow I may very well do that.

Boy, did you guys hook me!

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, I read just read Lisa's response after my last post. THANKS for reassuring me about the Kate. According to the Ibex website its the same weight as the woolies, only that even finer wool. It also seemed to me that it had to be warmer than silk but the sales girl just picked it up and it felt so light she said, oh this must be for summer. But, she also told me she'd never worn ibex so I knew to not believe her (she was all decked out in fleece).

I am amazed that I have worn my shak for 3 days in a row and it has no body odor. It did small a tad last night, but I just hung it up and by morning it had no odor at all.

Yeh, my concern too that the Kates don't have a high neck, but the advantage is that if I am layering them under somthing that does, as you said not only doesn't it matter, but it often looks nicer, especially with my scooped neck ribbed cotton henleys. I figure when I go to a cold place, I may want several layers....... But, I can see that it would be nice to have some of both types of pieces. So maybe one of those pico-Ts is in my future.....

So, all that's left to decide is if I keep the organic sweater or exchange it for another shak............ But, it has to arrive first.

[sandra]

Girl, don't doubt yourself. Unless it arrives and doesn't fit or you hate it, it may work perfectly for what you are going to do ~ meetings and walking to restaurants. It will be something different.

You can always keep it and pick up another shak next year, or next month, or next week....:D

The sweater is very pretty.

[KnottedYet]

I've been really coveting that sweater. It is just gorgeous!

Got all excited when it went on sale, but I've had to restrain myself as I already bought my sweater for the season.

[Triskeliongirl]

OK, thanks for the encouragement. In fact, I almost ordered it instead of the shak but was worried it would be too big (they sold out of the smalls). But the women at Ibex did say it runs smaller than the shak so maybe it will be just what I am looking for. She told me she had one on while we were talking, and it was so cozy. I liked talking with her, felt a lot like the TE gals, and just like TE that order went out lickity split. Even though I tried to cancel the order today, now I can't wait to get the tracking number so I'll now when it is getting here. They said it would be emailed at the close of business today, but nothing yet....... Seeing how nice the quality is in all of the Ibex pieces at the store, if this originally sold for $225 it must be really nice.

So, no comments on tomorrows planned experiment to cycle in wool? I've never tried it.....

[madscot13]

I actually don't like silk long underwear. If I get warm in it, I sweat. And then it sticks. And then I am gross.

wool all of the way.

[KathiCville]

So, no comments on tomorrows planned experiment to cycle in wool? I've never tried it.....

Go for it! I loaded up on wool pieces about three months ago, thanks to this thread, and now that's what I wear for almost 100% of my rides. I love it! I have some silk base tops, but I haven't put one on since discovering wool.

Yesterday I rode 10 miles in temps that hovered around 30 degrees. (Colder w/wind chill.) Wore one Smartwool base layer under an Icebreaker sweater (similar to the Shak), and a Gore windblocker jacket on top. Ibex wool hat under my helmet. (Gloves, etc.) My core was perfectly warm!

I like wool so much that I've now started picking up sleeveless and short sleeved pieces when I spot 'em on sale, so I'll be ready for spring and summer riding!

The only wool piece that I've had any 'trouble' with is the Ibex Switchback, bought on Sierra Trading Post at a ridiculously low price about three months ago. It shrank quite a bit (just air drying!), and is now so snug that it feels too tight around my shoulders and arms for riding. So I wear it for hiking instead.....:)

[KnottedYet]

KC - I had the same problem with a Switchback. Ibex told me in an email that the Switchback fabric is unstable, which is why they phased it out. (the Shak is the replacement). Mine is unwearable, so I'm going to try to send it back. (my much older Switchback is fine, but my newer one is a disaster.)

[Triskeliongirl]

Oh no about your switchback shrinking. My shak fits me perfectly as is, but there isn't any room for shrinkage (assuming you followed the instructions). Was I supposed to plan for that? I thought they say they don't shrink. If so, shouldn't you be able to return it to them under the warranty?

Well, I could try to ride today with my goretex jacket over the shak and kate, but its now 36, 27 with wind chill, and I usually don't ride much below 40 and am not feeling great (?something is brewing in my intestines) so I think I am gonna pass. Its tempting to try out the new clothes, but right now my house is so cold I don't even wanna get out of bad. Looks like its day 4 in a row for my shak though. I hope the new sweater arrives soon!

[KnottedYet]

Ibex doesn't shrink.

If it does shrink, cosmic forces are in flux. Serious, I've got about 15 pieces of Ibex and LisaSH has a gazillion, and neither of us has shrinkage issues... except one thing.

My older Switchback never even said "boo". Just my one new Switchback I got in May.

Ibex is good stuff! (wash in cold, air dry) I wash my undies and my cycling capris after every wearing. No shrinking. No pilling. No problem!

[GLC1968]

Triskeliongirl - make sure to post your observations about that organic sweater when it arrives. I'm really, really considering it, but I'd like to hear a review from someone looking at it in person! It says it's grey/black, but I swear my monitor makes it look like that thistle heather color!

(and nice score on the Kate's for 50% off!) :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Its tempting to try out the new clothes, but right now my house is so cold I don't even wanna get out of bad.

I find it's best to never get out of bad.
-And the more wool I buy the badder I get! :D

Knot is right- you won't have any problems with most Ibex pieces in shrinking or pilling. My shaks shrink a TINY bit when I wash them, but then they loosen right out again to how they were before. So it's not "shrinking"....sort of more like an "I was in the pool!" kind of thing (Seinfeld reference).

I go out in the worst kind of weather these days (15-20 degreesF, sleeting, breezy, nasty...) and on top I've been wearing a merino thin base layer (either SW or Ibex), my halfzip shak, then my fullzip shak, then my dense loden merino wool Ibex Cortina vest and a neck gaiter, and my top stays nice and warm for my walks and bike rides. The nice thing is that when I get overheated, the wool breathes and I can feel the cool air circulating around my arms and it feels so great- I get cooled off and dry again but I don't get cold. Something weird about wool, it keeps you comfy.

[Triskeliongirl]

Well I am *very impressed* with my Kate. I did manage to get out of bed and go to work. I started with the Kate as my base, a light silk/cotton blend T-neck and my shak, and wool pants, but then I spilled some egg on the shak, and by the time I removed the stain, I decided the garment was too wet to wear so I just left it home drying. I found an old wool ski sweater, its 20 years old and while it doesn't say merino wool its also a very tight non-sratchy weave (got it in europe). It would itch me with just a silk base layer (somehow the wool fibers would get through the holes in the silk and irritate my skin) but so far I am very comfy paired with the Kate and T-neck. And I can't believe that I can wear wool on my skin, but the kate is that ultrafine merino wool.

My upper body was toasty warm even in my cold underheated house. But, I was cold on my lower body, even with wool pants, so I put on an old pair of terry drifit cycling tights as a base, with the old very thin chamois, and again I am toasty warm. But, maybe this means I do need to think about some Ibex base layers for my bottom. I am not gonna run out and pay full price, but what pieces do you gals recommend and I will watch the sales. Also, do you think light weight or mid weight are best for base layers? My idea is they will double for everyday use and active sports?

[Triskeliongirl]

Ooh, wouldn't this look great in thistle over my thistle shak and kate: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=849&VID=9657&Product=Bella-Vest

While I like Lisa's idea to double shak it, its too late since I bought my full zip shak in small and not medium. But with the kate base, the full zip shak in small, and I am guessing this vest in medium, I should be toasty warm, right? But, not sure, even on sale its still a lot of money and I may have enough pieces for now. And, I do have my nice terry vest, so I don't really *need* this piece, but wouldn't it look nice in the same color as the shak?

I also hesitate cuz now I understand what boucle means, its the weave and I did find the carrie hoodie too scratchy which is boucle, although once I tried it on with the kate underneath I was fine.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hmmm, I started looking at bottoms. I like both the roaster boxer and the long Janes. Any comments on these pieces, advantages of boxer vs full length, etc. Do the boxers ride up? (I have some from VS that do and it annoys me). These are mid weight. Some reviews of the lighter stuff like the woolies say they get holes easily.

[KathiCville]

I don't know about the Ibex boxers, but the pair of Smartwool boxers I have DO ride up...a little. (Probably more to do with my anatomy than any design flaw in the boxers! :D) I find that I don't wear them much--NOT because they ride up, but because I usually wear long thermals if it's realllllly cold.

I nabbed a great pair of Ibex wool tights with a windblocker facing on the front on sale on a ski shop website about two months ago for $85 (regularly $130 or so). LOVE them! (No name for the style; I think they were probably from a few seasons ago.).......And I also have a pair of Terry's good winter tights (bought at the 1/2 price sale a couple of months ago). Both are so warm that neither seems to require another layer underneath, at least down to, say, 25F. In fact, they can be *too* warm, so I only put them on when the thermometer is definitely below 35 and likely to stay that way during the ride.

I do have one pair of light, long Smartwool bottoms, but I only wear those under hiking pants now that I have the two seriously warm tights mentioned above. They would probably work very nicely under a pair of my loose tights, but I prefer a one-layer approach for my legs. Funny, 'cause I love multiple layers on the top half!

My BF teases me that I have clothing combos for EVERY conceivable temperature and precipitation! AND I carry back-ups in my truck "just in case" I leave something at home. :)

[Triskeliongirl]

I must confess. I did it, AGAIN, I made ANOTHER Ibex order. But I did restrain myself. I removed ALL ITEMS from the cart that I didn't really need or weren't on sale before hitting the submit order button. And those were a lot of items! I removed that pretty vest in the same color as my shak, cuz I have vests and don't like the boucle weave. I removed the pretty cyling jersey on sale that matches my bike, cuz I have enough cycling jerseys. I removed the tights that weren't on sale cuz my drifit tights really do work as a lower body base. So what did I order?:

Ibex Knee and Arm Warmers. They were great prices and I really did NEED them. And one more base, this time a mid-weight. The mulberry ribbed crew: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=547&Outlet=1&VID=10488&Product=Ribbies-Crew

I liked that this is mid-weight, heavier than the light weight Kate, and let me see if my skin can tolerate the 18.5 micron wool as well as the finer 17.5 of my Kate. I also thought it would like nice with my charcoal gray wool suit at my DC meeting.

I really want a zepher, but not till it goes on sale! I am also now realizing what a great bargain the organic sweater was, seemed really expensive when I made the order, but now that I understand this stuff, I can't wait until it arrives. I promise a review for all!

[Triskeliongirl]

Here is another item I put in my cart but stopped myself from ordering, cuz I don't need anymore shorts. But if you do and wear a size small its a good deal:

http://www.westhillshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=235

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have a couple of those ribbies too...in Sand color and blue Larkspur (a no longer available color). They are NICE, and make great base layers. Thicker and warmer than the lightweight base layers like the Woolies and SW microweight. They have teeny tiny ribbing. But the cuffs do make them look a bit like long johns. I love them, and they are a good price at $55. I almost got one of those same mulberry color the other day, Triskellion! The Sand is a nice sort of pebble color. (Don't confuse them with the light weight LW Ribbies, also on sale right now.)

As for bottoms....
I have tried on the Ibex Loose Tights and had to send them back. They look so GREAT on my slender hipped friend, but awful on me with my hourglass type figure. They just don't drape right on me. I tend to look better in capris and leggings and tights rather than traditional pants.
I really lucked out last year with Ibex tights. At that time, they didn't yet have the new "Energy" tight: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=850&VID=9663&Product=Energy-Tight
They had the Approach tight, which was the same as the energy tight but without the ankle zippers. Anyway, when they got the new Energy tights in, they put the Approach tights on sale last autumn from $120 to $60...and I grabbed them up! I got one for each of my two daughters and their girlfriends for Xmas, plus 2 for myself. My girls all wear theirs all the time now.
They are like the new Energy tight, a very heavy stretchy wool with a bit of spandex for stretch. I would say they are like stretchy shaks for the legs. :p
I just love mine, and wear them just like ski pants in the day or else I put a little black skirt over them....and I also wear them to sleep in at night, I love the wool-massage feeling they give my legs. :) Keep your eyes peeled in the Spring for when they put heavier winter stuff like the tights on sale.

I often wear one of my ribbies and my tights to sleep in. On less cold nights I'll wear a Woolie and the tights.
Wool is addictive in a wonderful way. It just makes me feel good all over.

[Triskeliongirl]

So, Lisa how was the sizing on the ribbed shirt? Do you have your standard medium? Is it dressy enough to wear by itself or only as an undershirt? I was definitely a small in the Kate and it even fits a tad loose but it is described as semi-fit whereas the ribbed shirt is described as fitted. I noticed this after I ordered, I hope the small is OK. My problem is that while I have a slender waist and hips, I have serious boobage (34D), but if the ribs stretch without pulling I'll be fine. I probably should have waited till morning and phoned the order in so I could chat with them about it. I just thought if I made the damn order already I could get wool off my mind and get back to work.

This wool thing is driving me crazy. WHO KNEW? This is not the same wool I tried to wear 20 years ago. In fact I am sitting here now in a 20 year wool sweater that is fine with a wool base, but itches me with a silk base. WHO KNEW? I even made a post on this thread a year ago that I was allergic to wool. Now I feel bad that I spent all that money on cotton stuff that won't keep me warm. It doesn't help that we are in the middle of our coldest days ever stuff (lows in the 30s). I actually think that its worse for me since my house lacks central heating, than being in a place where its cold all the time but at least the interiors are properly heated.

[Triskeliongirl]

OK, woolweenies. I need your help to choose one outerlayer to bring on my trip up north in early february. I don't want to buy another coat for what is a once a year trip for me so these are my choices:

1. My daughter thinks I should bring what I call my big puffy coat. Its one of those coats that covers me from head to toe, waterproof nylon on the outside, stuffed with some man made stuffing, and has a huge furry hood. Yeh, its hideous looking and several sizes too big on me (I bought it 35 lbs ago in a rush to wear to my mothers funeral.....) but I remember being toasty warm in it burying my mom in a blizzard. If its way too big do I have to worry about all that air in there, or will it all just get heated up by my body and work great, even if I look like an elephant in it. DD thinks this is the one cuz she worries I'll get sick easily from the drastic change in temperature like she did upon returning to school from the holidays.

2. I was thinking to bring a heavy leather jacket, with the zip out lining zipped in. This comes maybe mid-hip in length. Looks the sharpest and is what I wear here in our 30-40 degree days, only a little big but good for accepting layers. My daughter worries it won't be good if it rains or snows.

3. I have a ski jacket, synthetic and insulated, very cute looking, but again on the short side (maybe even shorter than the leather jacket in terms of the insulated portion, cuz its designed to wear over ski pants and no hood), but at least can handle wet weather. This is probably the best compromise between style and warmth. It does fit me cuz I bought it 20 years ago, pre-children.

4. I have a Columbia 3 in one jacket (ski type shell with zip out fleece jacket), just covers my hips and butt, has a hood, only a little bit on the big side, but also very puffy looking.

5. I have a WOOL dress coat, 3/4 length, but fairly open in front and also several sizes too big for me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So, Lisa how was the sizing on the ribbed shirt? Do you have your standard medium? Is it dressy enough to wear by itself or only as an undershirt? I was definitely a small in the Kate and it even fits a tad loose but it is described as semi-fit whereas the ribbed shirt is described as fitted. I noticed this after I ordered, I hope the small is OK. My problem is that while I have a slender waist and hips, I have serious boobage (34D), but if the ribs stretch without pulling I'll be fine.

The medium ribbie fits me perfectly, and is form fitted. The medium shak fits me perfectly, but is not quite as form fitted. The large ribbie and large shak both fit me nicely too, but with a bit more roominess so I can wear another layer under them. I think if the small shak fits you nicely, the small ribbie will too. The "ribs" on it are so tiny they are almost not visible, so there won't be any weird stretched rib look over your boobs, don't worry. ;)
I think the mulberry ribbie will look cute enough to wear at work with nice pants. It doesn't have any longjohn cotton waffle look. :p The color is pretty and won't look like longjohns either. If the small is too snug for work, then you can exchange it for the medium- the difference in sizes seems slight. Ibex will give you a credit, maybe $6? for shipping, *I think*, if you are merely exchanging sizes on something.
Can you post a picture of you in it if you like it? I'd love to see that mulberry Ribbie in a photo on someone. I keep thinking I should get one in mulberry before they are all gone, but hard to know about the color without seeing another photo.


This wool thing is driving me crazy. WHO KNEW? This is not the same wool I tried to wear 20 years ago. In fact I am sitting here now in a 20 year wool sweater that is fine with a wool base, but itches me with a silk base. WHO KNEW? I even made a post on this thread a year ago that I was allergic to wool. Now I feel bad that I spent all that money on cotton stuff that won't keep me warm. It doesn't help that we are in the middle of our coldest days ever stuff (lows in the 30s). I actually think that its worse for me since my house lacks central heating, than being in a place where its cold all the time but at least the interiors are properly heated.

Yes I remember your "allergic" post back then. :D
Indeed, WHO KNEW? The nice thing is that your wool will last many years if you treat it fairly kindly.
When I first got turned onto merino/Ibex/Smartwool in Fall 2006, I was so excited that I bought some things that maybe weren't the ideal things for me. Good stuff, but not ideal. As I read and tried on and evaluated more items over the months, I got more familiar with the goods and slowly got a feeling for what worked best for me and my particular lifestyle. Lucky for me I have 4 girls (2 daughters and their 2 girlfriends), 3 of whom are my size- so I was able to pass a few of my early purchases on to them and they were thrilled. (I also bought them a few new things for xmas etc, and got to examine more items firsthand that way too!) Now I have more of an idea for what works well for me.
Often i found that an item i loved at first just didn't work well after a month or so. Other items that I was ok with at first, later became my most favorite worn things. Don't be afraid to take your time and wear things for a while to get to know them. That experience in wearing the stuff really helps you when you go to plan your next item. :)

What area are you going to "up north"? Freezing Canada? Rainy Seattle? Milder PA? That can help us give you advice. All I can say now is that I would feel pretty nasty if I had to wear a coat down to my ankles that was puffy and 3 sizes too big for me.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Lisa, sorry if I have been monopolizing this thread, but there is so much to learn! I will post some pictures, maybe when I visit my daughter in Boston, since she is the only one that I can ever get to photograph me. So, where am I going. First I am going to Wash DC. Here I will be mostly indoors at meetings in a hotel. I will only need an outer layer to perhaps walk one evening to a restaurant, and perhaps I'll metro it there from the airport, but if its nasty out I can get take taxis (I am kind of cheap, you wouldn't know it by my recent purchases, but I get a per diem so if I don't use taxis I get to keep more $, so they sort of pay for taxis, but reward you if you don't take them if that makes any sense). Then I will fly to Boston to visit my kids for the weekend. There we will be car free, so will be walking around a lot, and perhaps waiting in the cold for buses. My daughter has snow boots ready to give me just in case, otherwise I will plan to wear leather ankle boots. I also have leather gloves and a nice wool thingie (?cowl) I got 20 years ago that is sort of a scarf/hat combo, a knitted tube that I can use to cover my neck, face and head as much or as little as necessary.

I think my new purchases will work great for the inner and mid-layers. I bought one charcoal grey wool suit, as separates, with a second pair of matching pants, and two pairs of black wool pants at a really good after xmass sale at ann taylor loft (these pieces cost nothing compared to my ibex!). To get variety, I can either wear the suit jacket, my shak, or if I like it and keep it (which now I am hoping I will) the organic sweater, with my base layers, and if that isn't enough I have lots of nice mid-weight cotton sweaters to fit in between. I may wear my old terry cycling tights with the very thin chamois as a lower body base if I feel the need. The chamois is so thin its not noticeable and the pants fit fine over it.

[KnottedYet]

Hmmm, I started looking at bottoms. I like both the roaster boxer and the long Janes. Any comments on these pieces, advantages of boxer vs full length, etc. Do the boxers ride up? (I have some from VS that do and it annoys me). These are mid weight. Some reviews of the lighter stuff like the woolies say they get holes easily.

I have 3 pair of Roaster Boxers and 1 pair of Long Janes. (the gray ones that match the Boxers)

The Boxers are my all-time favorite underwear for EVERYTHING. I love them! They do NOT ride up (unlike Smartwool) They are incredibly comfortable.

The Long Janes are a great weight (they are just long Boxers) and I wear them for running, biking, sleeping, and as long undies.

My boxers get washed after every wearing, and are going strong. The Janes get washed about once a week, no sign of problems. Even the inner thighs (where I always wear out fabric... my thighs are big from muscles, yeah, that's it...) have no thinning or pilling or friction damage.

[Triskeliongirl]

So do the boxers have seams, i.e. do you use them instead of panties or with panties?

[KnottedYet]

So do the boxers have seams, i.e. do you use them instead of panties or with panties?

They have a full gusset, so no seams in icky spots. I wear them as underwear/panties. I'm a boxer-brief gal, regular underwear just isn't comfortable and tends to creep around on my, umm, "voluptuous" hips. Out of about 6 different brands of women's boxer briefs I own, Ibex is the clear winner. I wear them winter and summer.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Lisa and Knotted for all that great info. Well the roaster boxers and energy tight are next on my list, but I will wait for them to go on sale. Lisa, you live near Boston, any stores in Boston/Cambridge I might check out for Ibex sales in February? (Lisa, did you know I also bought my titanium Isis at Harris Cyclery, they were the only shop that had one left in my size so I purchased it there on a trip to the cape).

I agree Lisa, I need time to wear the pieces I have just bought. Each day is a surprise. Like today, my shak was still wet on my drying rack from its first wash so I put my Kate on under a cotton ribbed henley, and found that I was amazingly warm even without another layer. How can something so THIN, give me so much warmth? The clerk in the store was so wrong, no wonder they ended up unsold and on the 50% off winter clearance rack. I bought the 2 black smalls they had, didn't buy the lime greens cuz wasn't sure that color would go with my clothes, but I am oh so tempted to go back for them..... But restraint, I already have the mid-weight ribbed crew on the way.

I always considered my shebeest drifit long sleeve cycling jerseys as my 'base' and then just cover them with my PI gavia jacket if its cold. But do you guys wear these wool bases under that kind of jersey? Also does anyone cycle in the energy tight? Do you need to size up if you want to put it over a cycling short w chamois? Is it warmer than say a shebeest or terry cycling tight (I have what terry calls the cool weather not cold weather tights). I do find my legs feel cold in them when the temp. drops below 40, which is probably why I don't ride in the 30s. If I ride I can put my goretex pants over them, but not really fond of riding in a pant.

[mimitabby]

Trisk, it's fun to watch you opening your packages.

I wear wool under winter jerseys, yes. The best of all worlds (in sub 40 degree weather) I wear a wool base layer with a lined zip up jersey on top followed by my raincoat (Showers pass)
This way I can unzip the raincoat and the jersey when necessary.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Lisa and Knotted for all that great info. Well the roaster boxers and energy tight are next on my list, but I will wait for them to go on sale. Lisa, you live near Boston, any stores in Boston/Cambridge I might check out for Ibex sales in February? (Lisa, did you know I also bought my titanium Isis at Harris Cyclery, they were the only shop that had one left in my size so I purchased it there on a trip to the cape).

Cool!
I know nothing of Ibex outlets near Boston, because i live 2 1/2 hour drive west of Boston, in NY, near the western border of MA. ;) We drove a lot when we got our Rivendells at Harris. My Rambouillet was in stock there too, in my size! I remember seeing Terry bikes there. Did you get your bike there from Elton?


Each day is a surprise. Like today, my shak was still wet on my drying rack from its first wash so I put my Kate on under a cotton ribbed henley, and found that I was amazingly warm even without another layer. How can something so THIN, give me so much warmth? The clerk in the store was so wrong, no wonder they ended up unsold and on the 50% off winter clearance rack. I bought the 2 black smalls they had, didn't buy the lime greens cuz wasn't sure that color would go with my clothes, but I am oh so tempted to go back for them..... But restraint, I already have the mid-weight ribbed crew on the way.
Remember, most clerks haven't spent even one tenth of the time you have in researching wool. :cool: They don't know nothin', but they are paid to sound like they do. :rolleyes: You will really like the ribbie when you get it.


But do you guys wear these wool bases under that kind of jersey? Also does anyone cycle in the energy tight? Do you need to size up if you want to put it over a cycling short w chamois? Is it warmer than say a shebeest or terry cycling tight (I have what terry calls the cool weather not cold weather tights). I do find my legs feel cold in them when the temp. drops below 40, which is probably why I don't ride in the 30s. If I ride I can put my goretex pants over them, but not really fond of riding in a pant.

Let's see.... :confused: Yes I wear merino thin base layers under anything I want, and often under bright yellow polyester jerseys cause I like being seen in traffic on my bike. Makes the poly jersy seem 3x as warm.
As to the energy tight -which is much like my approach tight- I wear these thick wool tights all the time....sleeping, walking, supermarket, biking, whatever. Since wool does breathe, on the bike the wind factor might mean you need an additional layer. If it's really cold I might wear my Shebeest chamois tights with my Ibex Approach tights over them. Or, I might wear my Ibex tights and then a padded short OVER them. (i enjoy the dork factor). The Ibex wool tights are VERY stretchy and will go on nicely over whatever other tights or shorts you want- no need to order a size up to layer them.
In the dead of winter I often go out for the day or go walking 5 miles in 20 degreesF wearing either:
My approach wool tights with an UnderArmor tight or a fleece tight on top of them...
or,
My UnderArmor tights or a fleece tight with the Ibex wool tights on top of them.
Either combo would be fine for cold biking down to about 30- you can use either of your winter chamois biking tights combined with the Ibex tight, and you probably wouldn't need the Goretex pants then. The tights let you move better.
I can go snowshoeing in the Ibex tights with a biking rain pants over them to keep the snow off.
It's all pretty versatile.

Exciting wool event today!:
DH took me to a sporting apparel store in MA (west coast!) that I heard has a lot of Ibex now. Indeed they did have quite a selection of Ibex, and it was weird to suddenly see many items that I have thus far only seen online and in photos. Everything was "alive"! =8-O
I got to try on all kinds of things that I've often wondered about or hesitated about, like....
They had the shaks in all 4 colors (i have only the black and brown), and I tried on the WarmGreen and the ThistleHeather ones. Though they looked fine on me, I decided I wasn't that much in love with either color and will make do with my black and brown ones until I can see what next autumn's shak colors are like.
I saw the Kates there! They are wonderful, and very soft. I loved that soft smoky lavender color, and the black....but they didn't flatter my figure much at all, like the shaks do. :( They emphasized my modest excesses around the waist and hips, they would have looked great if I was 15 pounds lighter. So I passed on those too.
I have enough in the way of nice jacket and vest and sweaters, so I really didn't much look at those things. DH was patiently meandering about and I didn't feel too rushed.
The one thing that caught my eye was the Carrie hoodie, which looked good on me too and I liked the weight and material. So I think I'll wind up getting one of those.
The best thing was that I came away feeling pretty happy about the things that I already have. I felt I had made some good choices considering I had to choose from things without seeing them in person in a store beforehand. So that was nice. :)

[Crankin]

Lisa, where was that store? In Gt. Barrington?
I haven't seen Ibex in ANY store in the Boston area. I've looked at E. Mtn. Sports, REI, and a local "outdoor store." I thought they only sold their stuff on line.

Robyn

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Robyn,
It's "The Arcadian Shop" in Lenox, MA:
http://www.arcadian.com/

Apparently they have sold small amounts of Ibex items for a long time, but now they have a whole section of Ibex for men and women. My friend was there when the Ibex reps were putting the finishing touches on the "Ibex mini-shop". If you go, be aware that there are a few Ibex items sort of hidden in their cycling area as well to check out- like El Fitto knickers and Ibex wool cycling jerseys.

[Crankin]

OMG! I can't believe I have never been to this store. We've been going to the Berkshires for cycling trips for the past 4 years, in addition to a few skiing and cultural excursions there.
I may have to take a field trip there SOON. Maybe we can meet for lunch in the cafe....

Robyn

[KnottedYet]

I have strayed... I just ordered this: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=chromaloft-fleece-jacket&categoryId=54288&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=502282&cat4=6703&shop_method=pp&feat=502282-tn

It's cute, it's cheap. The one I ordered (black) has hot pink trim-bits. I imagine it will look lovely with a pair of faded jeans.

BTW, LL Bean has some nice merino shirts on sale for $30. T-necks, LS crews, and t-shirts. http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=55742&sc1=Search&feat=sr

[Velobambina]

Knott--Those T-shirts are nice. Very soft, look nice. I have a couple of them, but they sold out of my size really fast so I had to go w/a small instead of the better-fitting xtra small.

I LOVE LLbean

[Triskeliongirl]

OK, I have to fes up.

1. I started corresponding with Knotted about my wool needs *IN PRIVATE* cuz I was too emabarrased to admit it to the rest of you.

2. I ordered MORE WOOL. Yes, I said it, I *DID IT* but help, I *MUST STOP*. Some of it is prompted by our unseasonbable cold weather here. Club rides were cancelled, it was in the 20s in the Hill Country where our rides were supposed to start from this morning. I can't get the first floor of my house above 60, and thats with the gas radiator, stove and all burners lit. So, now you see, I just HAD to order more wool......... But it is a sickness, and I MUST STOP NOW.

3. I WILL return some of it. I actually do MEAN that cuz this time I double ordered some pieces in small and medium to try on. But, will I be able to return as much as I should???? I DON'T KNOW???? But, I will stick to my gotta really love it rule.

4. So, what did I order? What made me do it?

Everyday that I wear the few pieces I own I am amazed more and more. I never cycled in wool cuz I worried I would overheat, but now I get it. Instead of wearing clothes that make you cold for the first 10 minutes, and warm towards the end, WOOL ADJUSTS. It really does!! So, then I realized owning pieces that take me from cycling or other outdoor winter sports to everyday use is what I MUST DO.

I never used to buy cycling jerseys without back pockets, but then I realized that my screaming yellow PI Vagabound jacket, in either jacket or vest mode pairs perfectly over my shak, so voila, pockets AND visiblity are taken care of. If its raining, no problem, same thing with my screaming yellow Craft Rain Jacket. If its really cold, my terry headwind vest adds more warmth with pockets to boot. So what did I do? I ordered a second full zip shak on sale at Uncle Dans, this time in black. It also helped that the first one looked and fit so nice after laundering. I told myself that in return I will return the Ibex organic sweater when it comes, but if I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, I *may* keep it. I ordered it in M to either layer over my S shak, or my heavy cotton sweaters, but then I realized I wouldn't need to do that if I ordered some mid-weight zip bases to put under, and I already have the terry headwind vest to put over if necessary. I also realized that I would rather have a sweater that I can cycle in or dress up in, than one for dress up only.

But, I couldn't find Ibex bases on sale in styles I liked, but I got a sierra trading post 20% off coupon yesterday so I ordered some zip T-necks in Icebreaker bodyfit 260 http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,13880_Icebreaker-Bodyfit-260-Olympia-Long-Underwear-Top-Merino-Wool-Long-Sleeve-For-Women.html as well as the matching long janes: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,13878_Icebreaker-Bodyfit-260-Long-Underwear-Bottoms-Merino-Wool-Midweight-For-Women.html , all with the wise counsel of Knotted via a lengthy PM exchange (thanks Knotted!). Now, is Knott a wool enabler or is Knott a WOOL ENABLER??? To quote from Knott: "Absolutely buy some Icebreaker! It's good stuff!" Let's say it, KNOTT IS A WOOL ENABLER.

I also ordered the base bottoms, cuz the thought of wearing cycling tights with chamois under my everyday clothes for a week in new england was just too unappealing. And now I don't need to buy a flannel nightgown either!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Woo-HOOOOO! :cool: :D

[Triskeliongirl]

Woo-HOOOOO! :cool: :D

Now Lisa, I know right from the start you thought I needed another shak vs the organic sweater. Now I think you were right! The shak is just such an amazing piece. I did hesitate (ok, maybe only a *little bit*) before ordering another one, but I hate when you find a piece you love, and then it gets changed the next year, or they don't make it in the color you want, etc. I patiently waited for my shak to dry, and when I pulled it on over my Kate this morning, I just went ahhhhhhhhhhhh. I HAD TO DO IT!

You guys never answered my coat querry, but now that I have this layering stuff now I know which coat to bring on my trip to new england, my columbia 3-in-1 parka. While not the most stylish, its only a little too big. Its a medium and if I were buying new today I'd buy a small, but its great for layering up with all my wonderful new wool pieces. So again, whether I wanna do something really active or sedate, I just have to layer it up appropriately. I'll also pack my goretex pants. Same thing, while they are a little too big, it means I can even layer them over my wool dress pants so I'll be prepared for anything from a blizzard to unseasonably warm weather.

But, oh, you girls are SO EVIL, especially LISA and KNOTT. Yes Lisa, you too are a WOOL ENABLER!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tri- that new full zip black shak will look great over your mulberry ribbie!

Love my larkspur ribbie so much that I finally went ahead and got it in mulberry as well. I got the very last large mulberry one, because they were gone right after my order processed. :)

I got to try the Carrie hoodie on at that store yesterday, and so I did order one at 30% off directly from Ibex. I got the green one- it's a very beautiful rich emerald mossy green and looked nice on me in the store. It was good that I was able to try things on yesterday. I had been tempted by the oatmeal colored Carrie hoodie online, but in real life it made me look fat because of the light color. We'll steer clear of that one! :cool:

I sort of had to buy those new items because I was afraid that Triskellion would start to catch up with me. ;)

Robyn- yes we could meet there sometime at The Arcadian Store! As soon as I figure out how to drive there on my own :rolleyes:. My picky coffee acquaintance says they have the best espresso in the whole area. Did you see on their website that they are hosting some snowshoe and xcSki walks from there into the nearby park which has groomed trails? I have not looked at the details though, and I don't know if they provide man-made snow or what....I don't know much about those kinds of things since I'm not a skier.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Lisa, enjoy your carrie hoodie! I did try one on too, and it is a lovely piece.

You know Lisa, I may just have to keep the organic sweater (OS) and black shak. I had to order the OS in M cuz they were out of S, but I realized that means it will layer nicely over both my thistle and black shaks. So, while not exactly double shaking like you do, I'll get the same end result now won't I? If I do that, can I just layer the columbia parka over without the bulky zip-out fleece jacket (without the zip-out jacket its just like a typical moutain style shell jacket you'd find in a ski or outdoor store)? If so, how cold a temp could I go out in, not to exercise, but to city stroll, maybe wait for a bus, stuff like that?

[Natasha]

I've been eyeing the Carrie Hoody also. I'm concerned about the sleeve length. In the pictures on the Ibex web site the sleeves look really long. I have shorter arms to begin with. Any observations from those of you have tried a Carrie Hoody on?
Thanks.

[emily_in_nc]

BTW, LL Bean has some nice merino shirts on sale for $30. T-necks, LS crews, and t-shirts. http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=55742&sc1=Search&feat=sr

Thanks Knott!

I order a lot from LL Bean as I have their credit card so get free shipping and fairly many Bean bucks since I use the credit card for buying all our boat gear recently, which really adds up. I hadn't seen these tops, but after reading your post just ordered one of the long-sleeved merinos in the teal color, which will go nicely under two wool cardigans I own for the coldest January days, and by itself for warmer days.

I can't afford Ibex at the moment (too much stuff on our "to buy for the boat" list), but LL Bean always has good deals. I had $20 in Bean bucks (plus free shipping), so the merino top is only costing me $9.95. That's a deal I can't resist! :D

Emily

[Blueberry]

I have a short sleeved and long sleeved version of the merino that just arrived. They're really soft (softer than the smartwool next to skin layer I have on), and could be worn for anything from biking to under a suit:)

(I got some really nice cashmere too)

CA

[Crankin]

Lisa,
I did see that they host snow shoe and ski things. I was interested in the breast cancer snow shoe, but it was in Vermont. I have never been to that park, but I know I have driven by it. When I get back from my vacation, maybe we can plan a day to meet. I'll be checking the weather and if it looks like there's no storms coming, I'm happy to drive out. It might be a lot of driving for one day for me, but I would do it just to see that store (and meet you, of course). It's right on Rt. 7, I think. Would you be able to meet during the week? It would have to be before Feb. 25th; I'm going to be working after that date.

Robyn

[DebW]

Robyn,
It's "The Arcadian Shop" in Lenox, MA:
http://www.arcadian.com/

Apparently they have sold small amounts of Ibex items for a long time, but now they have a whole section of Ibex for men and women. My friend was there when the Ibex reps were putting the finishing touches on the "Ibex mini-shop". If you go, be aware that there are a few Ibex items sort of hidden in their cycling area as well to check out- like El Fitto knickers and Ibex wool cycling jerseys.


OMG! I can't believe I have never been to this store. We've been going to the Berkshires for cycling trips for the past 4 years, in addition to a few skiing and cultural excursions there.
I may have to take a field trip there SOON. Maybe we can meet for lunch in the cafe....


I drive by that shop all the time and have never stopped there. I'll be out that way on Feb 2 and 3. Can anyone else make it then? I have a meeting on the 2nd at Mt. Greylock from 9:30 am - 2 pm. I might do some hiking and camp over night and drive back on the 3rd. How about lunch on Sunday Feb 3?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've been eyeing the Carrie Hoody also. I'm concerned about the sleeve length. In the pictures on the Ibex web site the sleeves look really long. I have shorter arms to begin with. Any observations from those of you have tried a Carrie Hoody on?
Thanks.

I tried on both the L and the XL and I did not notice the sleeves being overly long. I have average arms I guess. I ordered the Large one.

Robyn, Deb- I have a generally flexible schedule since I am self employed. I can do either weekday or weekend, but would have to check first with DH concerning any particular date to make sure there is nothing on our calendar that I don't know about.

[Triskeliongirl]

I've been eyeing the Carrie Hoody also. I'm concerned about the sleeve length. In the pictures on the Ibex web site the sleeves look really long. I have shorter arms to begin with. Any observations from those of you have tried a Carrie Hoody on?
Thanks.

I tried one on in the store and the sleeve length seemed the same as on my Shak. They didn't seem unusually long to me at all. In fact, they are shorter than on some of the other brands of cycling stuff that is desinged to fit in the cycling position (compare to say PI or shebeest in the same size). But, I also found the 'boucle' weave a tad scrathier than the weave of the shak. Its a more textured weave which looks very nice, and when I tried it on with a Kate base it didn't bother my skin. Its a very well made piece too. I didn't buy it only cuz it was too sporty for my needs. With the hood it felt more like a sweatshirt, and I wanted something to go from professional meeting to bike.

You know I found the folks that answer the phone at Ibex very helpful, reminded me of the TE gals. Why don't you just ring them up and ask them to measure the sleeve length on the size you are considering.

[Crankin]

I'm up for the third, Deb, if Lisa can make it. I will talk to you next Sunday when we hike.

Robyn

[GLC1968]

I've been eyeing the Carrie Hoody also. I'm concerned about the sleeve length. In the pictures on the Ibex web site the sleeves look really long. I have shorter arms to begin with. Any observations from those of you have tried a Carrie Hoody on?
Thanks.

I own the Carrie hoody and I also have short arms. It's not abnormally long at all. I actually do have some difficulty with my shak arms being a bit too long (extra fabric on my wrists), but on the Carrie hoody, I never even noticed it. It's a very well designed piece and it's quite flattering on. I'm tempted to order another color now that they are on sale! :o

I do agree with Trisk in that it does have a casual 'sporty' look to it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I ordered the Carrie hoodie precisely because I did want something that was like a casual comfy zipper sweatshirt. I don't work in an office so I don't have to consider that aspect like Triskellion does. I also liked the sort of bumpily texture of the boucle.

Robyn, DebW- YES, I could do lunch with you both on Sunday Feb 3 at the Arcadian Shop! But....are they ready for us? Might be too much for them! :eek: :D

[Crankin]

Lisa, I will PM you with more information about 2/3.

Robyn

[sandra]

OK girls, I need wool. :eek: We had snow yesterday. We have snow once every 6 - 10 years. I have a good base layer and one jacket, the Cirque Jacket (which was great today), but I'd like to get one more jacket and a pair of bottoms of some sort.

I've not paid close enough attention because I never thought I'd be saying this, but YES, I need more wool. Of course, by the time I order and it gets here, it will probably have warmed up to much to wear it. I still want a couple more pieces for next year while things are on sale.

Soooooooooo. If you were going to get one jacket and one pair of bottoms, what would it be? The Shak? the Carrie Hoodie? or would something else be better suited for weather in the 30's. Favorite bottoms?

Lisa, your thoughts for me please? Sorry for the repetition.

[Triskeliongirl]

Sandra, of all the pieces I've seen recently, I just love my full zip shak. I like it cuz it works for cycling, other sports, casual use, or professional use, in other words its a really versatile piece, and very slim fitting so it layers nicely under all my shells. But, its not a jacket, its a sweater. Its also on sale at Uncle Dans right now. As I mentioned, I have on order the Icebreaker 260 midweight bottom that is at a good price at sierra now (see links in one of my recent posts). I have a 20% off code, I don't know if it is tied to my account but if you PM me I would be happy to send it to you and you can see if it works (min. purchase $75). You could also order an Icebreaker 260 zip T mid-weight base to layer under it. A cheaper option for your top are the nice bases Knott posted about recently at LLBean. Also, if you run searches for merino wool at both LLBean and sierra, a lot of nice things come up. I went with the icebreakers cuz I wanted the zips for ventilation, but the bean tops look nice too.

I hear you, we too are having that cold front, and the rest of my stuff will also arrive wnen its gone!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra- for you and your situation, i would say yes get a black full zip Ibex shak. It's about $94 right now at Udans.com....I don't see it anywhere any cheaper. It will have a dozen uses and will excel at all of them. It's sleek, elegant, warm, but not bulky or too heavy. You can wear it over base layers and turtlenecks or under jackets and vests...really whatever you want!

Bottoms? I stick with my heavy wool tights and my usual black leggings of various kinds, but most women are not so comfortable walking around in black leggings alone. You might want to try the Ibex Loose Tights. They look so fabulous on my friend but just don't hang right on my figure. They are a great slim relaxed wool pant that is soft and stretches when you move.
A lot depends on whether you want something in wool to wear alone as a pant, or to wear under some pants as a wool long john?

[Triskeliongirl]

Sandra, another idea for your bottom. I picked up some really nice wool pants at amazing prices on sale at Ann Taylor Loft. They just reduced their clearance merchandise by another 40% which amounts to a total discount of ~80%. So, if you have one near you check it out. I am so glad I did.

[sandra]

I have a pair of wool "long john" type bottoms to wear underneath. They are not Ibex, but are Woolskins by Terramar. I got them from Sierra Trading Post earlier in the year. They are very soft and worked great today for walking. I wore a pair of Danskin organic cotton/spandex yoga type pants over them. I need something else to wear on top, but not anything dressy. Something for walking in, etc.

I wonder if the sizing for the Shak is similar to the Cirque jacket that I got.

[Triskeliongirl]

You guys have told me that Ibex will not shrink or pill. What can you guys tell me about shrinkage and pilling of the icebreaker 260 zipT bases and the LLbean merino wool t-necks Knott pointed out yesterday?

[KnottedYet]

My Icebreaker 260 has never shrunk nor pilled.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You guys have told me that Ibex will not shrink or pill. What can you guys tell me about shrinkage and pilling of the icebreaker 260 zipT bases and the LLbean merino wool t-necks Knott pointed out yesterday?

I don't know nuthin' about Icebreaker or LLBean merino (except that some of it seems to come from China?-which i try to steer clear of).
I can't that Ibex will NEVER shrink or pill. I bet if you abuse it it would- like a long time in a hot dryer, etc. Wool needs to be treated with respect to keep looking good. So far my Ibex has been washed and dryer dried many times without shrinking or pilling. I don't throw my outer wool vests and jackets in the wash so can't say much about those shrinking or pilling.

Sandra- the shaks fit pretty standard. I take a medium if I am wearing it alone or over just a thin base layer. I take a large if I'm using it like a cartigan sweater over something. Like I said before, when it's really cold (20's, 10's) I wear a thin merino base layer, then medium half zip shak and a large full zip shak over that. If I put my dense loden merino wool vest over that, I can walk my 5 miles in 15 degrees (1 1/4 hours or so) no problem as long as I keep moving. Goes without saying plenty of warm stuff on my legs, head, hands and feet as well!

[sandra]

It may not be a jacket where you live, but here we would consider it a jacket. I'd wear it over other things. When you wear a Large in it over stuff, I wear an XLarge. And I notice that the XL's are harder to find. None at Uncle Dans. :( My cirque jacket is also an XL and it fits like I want it to over other things. (My arms are long and I am big busted.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It may not be a jacket where you live, but here we would consider it a jacket. I'd wear it over other things. When you wear a Large in it over stuff, I wear an XLarge. And I notice that the XL's are harder to find. None at Uncle Dans. :( My cirque jacket is also an XL and it fits like I want it to over other things. (My arms are long and I am big busted.)

The large is somewhat loose on me. Even if you have 2" more bust and 2" longer arms than me, it would probably fit you fine.

[Triskeliongirl]

Sandra, I did notice the Organic Sweater is avail. in XL on sale at the Ibex site. Mine is arriving tomorrow and I can give you a report on it. Maybe if you are patient they'll put the shaks on sale in your size too.

If you want it for active sports (you mentioned outdoor walking), while not wool, I can highly recommend the PI gavia jacket as a lovely piece. I got it for a really good price at sierra. I think I remember you querried about them at steep and cheap once. Did you manage to snag one?

[sandra]

If that was me, I don't remember it. :eek: I did not get one. I'm going to see how your sweater compares to your shak before I do anything. Thank you.

[GLC1968]

Ibex Vertigo jacket on SAC right now....lots of options (black, purple, green) at the moment...

[Blueberry]

You guys have told me that Ibex will not shrink or pill. What can you guys tell me about shrinkage and pilling of the icebreaker 260 zipT bases and the LLbean merino wool t-necks Knott pointed out yesterday?

Haven't washed my Beanie's, but will report when I do. Their cashmere has held up pretty well (but I hand wash, roll in towel, hang to dry).

I can tell you they're SOFT!

CA

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

(My arms are long and I am big busted.)

This reminds me of that old Johnny Cash song:


My bills are all due and the babies need shoes but I'm busted
Cotton is down to a quater a pound and I'm busted
I've got a cow that went dry and a hen that won't lay
A big stack of bills that get bigger each day EE
The County will haul my belongings away I'm busted!

I went to my brother to ask for a loan I was busted
I hate to beg like a dog for a bone but I'm busted
My brother said there ain't a thing I can do
My wife and my kids are all down with the flu
And I was just thinking of calling on you I'm busted!

Lord I'm no thief but a man can go wrong when he's busted
The food that we canned last summer is gone and I'm busted
The fields are all bare and the cotton won't grow
Me and my family's gotta pack up and go
Where I'll make a livin' the Lord only knows but I'm busted!


Maybe Sandra's version could go something like:

My arms are too long so I sing this sad song I'm big busted
The weather's so cold and a Shak's good I'm told but I'm busted
That organic sweater it hasn't come yet,
My size will be gone when I order I bet,
And Lisa says I need a whole sweater set- but I'm busted!

The Steep & Cheap's gone 'cause I waited too long oh I'm busted
My Cirque it is sweet but I want more wool treats and I'm busted
When wearing merino I feel so sublime
The Woolweenies say I can stop anytime
But I will be spending my very last dime -til I'm busted!

:)

[mimitabby]

This reminds me of that old Johnny Cash song:



Maybe Sandra's version could go something like:

My arms are too long so I sing this sad song I'm big busted
The weather's so cold and a Shak's good I'm told but I'm busted
That organic sweater it hasn't come yet,
My size will be gone when I order I bet,
And Lisa says I need a whole sweater set- but I'm busted!

The Steep & Cheap's gone 'cause I waited too long oh I'm busted
My Cirque it is sweet but I want more wool treats and I'm busted
When wearing merino I feel so sublime
The Woolweenies say I can stop anytime
But I will be spending my very last dime -til I'm busted!

:)

great lyrics Lisa!

[sandra]

:eek: I just got here and I'm busted. That song is hilarious Lisa! :D

[Triskeliongirl]

I am sooo excited, my Ibex organic sweater arrives tomorrow. As I think about it, it may be better for you Sandra than the shak. The shak is very form fitting, and I know when I was heavier that style was not flattering on me. I stopped the shipment of the small black shak, decided that I really need something a little larger to layer over my small thistle heather shak and my heavier ribbed cotton sweaters, so I think the medium organic sweater is gonna be perfect. The shak fits very much like a fitted cycling jersey, its weight is just a little heavier. I love it, but given where I live and that I have plenty of cycling gear, one is enough.

Sandra, if you do a search for merino wool at LLBean there are also other very nice sweaters available you might like at excellent prices. If you take out their credit card, shipping is free and they'll give you a $20 credit towards a future purchase. A reminder, Lisa pointed out that the organic sweater isn't merino wool, but I will give a full report tomorrow when it arrives. I hope I like it...... Its still available in XL.....

I also ordered a few of those LLbean bases, the price is so good, with the idea that I will only keep a subset of the bases I ordered, but I'll be able to compare them all. I find I have the best luck internet shopping this way, I ordered overlapping pieces in both small and medium, so I can try them on with my other clothes, and keep only what I love. I'll be able to compare Ibex, LLbean and Icebreaker all at once. At least I also get free shipping on both bean and sierra by using their credit cards, and I think the return shipping charges are cheaper than the time and gas of going to the mall (and the mall doesn't even carry this stuff).

[snowtulip]

Hi Everyone,
As you know, I have been loving my Ibex bra and undies, I can ride and sweat forever and be nice and comfy and I haven't had stinky bra syndrome with them.

I had promised an update on the bounce factor with the bra, sorry this is so late, but I've been sick and haven't had a chance to run until yesterday.

The verdict, sorry ladies, those more endowed than myself will have issues with high impact sports. I had a little more bounce than I like.

But I absolutely love it for biking and hiking, it stay dry, warm and stink free! I've asked for another pair for my birthday.

Sorry for the delay!

[Tokie]

Hi Tulip! (Speaking of being busted)What size would you think would get good support with the ibex bra?(I'm a 32 A cup and I prefer my breasts held to my chest when I ride). Did you buy the matching underpants, and if so, how do you like them? I worry that the boy shorts would creep up. Thanks! Carol

[Triskeliongirl]

CORRECTION, it turns out the Ibex Organic Sweater we have been discussing IS made from merino wool, read about it here:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/organicwool/yarn/prweb421478.htm

I still can't give a report on the sweater cuz its not here yet, but it is due to arrive today, just in time for a cold front that is blowing back in tonight...... I so hope that it fits me and that I like it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

CORRECTION, it turns out the Ibex Organic Sweater we have been discussing IS made from merino wool, read about it here:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/organicwool/yarn/prweb421478.htm

I still can't give a report on the sweater cuz its not here yet, but it is due to arrive today, just in time for a cold front that is blowing back in tonight...... I so hope that it fits me and that I like it.

Hmm...just says that the company is announcing a line of organic merino wool knitting yarn for knitters. I can't see exactly where it says your sweater is made from merino organic wool. I don't think all their organic wools are merino. Check the label when it arrives, it should say if it's merino. In any case you know it's good quality wool, whether merino or not. And you won't be wearing it against your skin so it might not matter whether it's merino or not.
We'll all be waiting for a full report! I bet it will look wonderful on you... :p

[Triskeliongirl]

Lisa, I am pretty sure it is merino wool, at the ibex website it says its made of (O-Wool™) which it defines at a different part of the website as this wool spun by that place in VT I just posted the link to where that it says is spun from organically fed australian merino sheep.

The two sweaters they state at the Ibex webiste are made from this (O-Wool™) are the puzzle sweater and the organic sweater.

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=868&VID=10092&Product=Puzzle-Organic-Sweater

The puzzle sweater says under info: 100% organic merino (O-Wool™)

The organic sweater just says: O-Wool™ 100% certified organic wool

but since both say (O-Wool™) which they defined as wool spun from organically fed australian merino sheep I think its safe to conclude that it is merino.

BUT alas, I must send it back because it is much too big on me! The medium, even layered over a kate, thick cotton top, and my small shak, has oodles of room still left. To be honest, it fits me like a large would in most brands, even the shoulders hang off my shoulders, so its a very generous cut. Its a very nicely made piece, but its also quite heavy. I would call it more of a jacket than a sweater. GLC asked about the shade of charcoal, I would say while its not purply like the thistle heather, it would definitely coordinate with it, so its on the lighter end of the charcoal grey scale. It would go with all shades of grey, black, purple, etc. no problem.

For me the problem was it wasn't available in small, and given the way the Medium fits me, I would say I need even an XS in this item. Also, for where I live its much too heavy. For my trip, I can just layer my PI gavia jacket over my shak, or a fleece, if I need another layer.

So, now the question is if I want to reorder that small black shak. Do I want to, heck yes. But will I, sadly no, cuz at this point given where I live I can make due with the pieces I have. But if that strato sweater goes on sale in small...........

I think the base layers I have on order are more suitable for where I live, to layer under the things I have already on those days when more warmth is required. Even though I would love to toss my existing wardrobe and it replace it all with merino wool, I just can't afford to do that right now.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh well you do seem to be right about the merino question- you sure did a lot of research! :eek: ;)

Too bad the sweater is not right for you. :(
But...it seems you did get a few other pieces of merino that will be quite useful and cozy, so that's ok. :)
Sometimes I think it's the inner layers that are the most important. If one is wearing a luxurious merino or cashmere base layer, to me it feels kind of chic to throw a favorite worn baggy thrift shop sweater over it. :cool: Of course, baggy isn't so good for biking, but it's nice around the house or going to the supermarket.

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, Lisa, you were right that the black full zip shak is a better choice than the organic sweater! I realized that I really do need a second sweater (I need something to wear while its drying....), so I re-ordered the small full zip black shak from Udans. Somehow seeing how badly the organic sweater fit made me realize what a truly nice piece the black shak is, and its even on sale. The organic sweater is more like the sweater of yesteryear, big and chunky whereas the shak is sleek and slender. I didn't know I could be so warm without bulk. I just love the shak/kate pair.

So... after dinner I went back to that store with the ibex 50% off sale and picked up the 2 small kates in green. In the beginning I thought they were too lightweight, and while I have some mid weight stuff on order, I am also realizing how perfect they are for where I live. They are dressy enough to wear without the shak when it warms up, but really add warmth when I need it. Like today, I wore my black kate and thistle heather shak to work (no coat). It started to warm up inside so I removed the shak and the kate looked nice. Then it started to cool down so I put the shak back on, and then tonite even though it was cold outside I was able to go out in the pair and be comfy both walking from my car to the store and inside the store. The kate is also a nice base under my cycling jerseys.

I tried a midweight base on with my shak in the store, and was overheating in the dressing room. I also got to compare how the 17.5 merino felt against my skin vs the 18.5, and it really is more luxorious. I'll keep the tags on the new kates until the mail order stuff arrives so I can compare everything and decide, but I wanted to grab them before they sold out. The stuff was pretty picked over this time. Most of the ibex was gone. This time the clerk that checked me out was more knowledgable, said, wow you snagged some 17.5 Ibex at an amazing price, I didn't think we had any left.

So, while it sounds like I've bought a HUGE amount of wool, so far what I am definitely keeping are 2 shaks and 2Kates. I'll probably keep the 2 new Kates, one set of mid-weight icebreaker260 (top and bottom), and a bean t-neck and/or the ibex ribbie, but I'll decide after trying everything on. I find while I can wear the shak everyday for a week without washing, I do need a fresh base daily, even trying to air them out at night. I worry the midweight bases will be overkill where I live, and on cold days I just need to layer my terry vest or PI gavia jacket over the kate/shak combo, or add a cotton sweater under. To cycle, I just need to layer my PI vagabound jacket/vest or craft rain jacket over the kate/shak. Its amazing to me, pieces that work for both cycling and work, over a wide range of temps. I can tell these are pieces I'll have for a good long time, long after those cotton sweaters are ratty and gone.

[Triskeliongirl]

I just wanted to post one more tid-bit on the organic sweater. As I packed it up to send back I did notice the label said 'hand-knit' so it really is a nice piece for someone who lives in a cold place looking for a chunky warm generously cut piece. While it didn't suit my needs, it is a very nice sweater.

Advice on bases please. I ordered a bunch of mid-weight stuff, but now I am worried it will be too warm for layering where I live. But, I like to be able to take off my outer layer and not have it be see through. My kates are OK, but how are the ibex woolies, or the icebreaker 150 or 200 tops?

[Brandy]

I'm stuck on wool as well right now. I've been riding in Woolistic Body Base base layers and a Woolistic wool jersey. Keeping me nice and cozy!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Triskell- I think you will do very well with combining your thistle and your black shak with your black and your green Kates in various ways. You will get a lot of mileage out of just those two type items. :) Both are also elegant enough to wear alone.

As to needing a fresh base layer daily...we are all different, but I would like to mention something that I discovered several years ago and like very much:
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/086449300093.html
This "crystal" spray deodorant is really wonderful. It has no odor at all, and seems like plain water. What it actually is is a solution of mineral salts in water. It does NOT have aluminum salts, but has other mineral salts like perhaps magnesium salts, etc that are harmless. How it works is that it creates a PH environment on your skin that the underarm bacteria cannot thrive in. Odor happens when those bacteria multiply over the day. The mineral salts create a pH that the bacteria have a hard time breeding in. So in a way this deodorant works the very same way as the wool does- creating an underarm environment where bacteria will not thrive and multiply much.
I really like this stuff and it is much more natural than most commercial deodorants. It leaves no residue and does not have any perfumes at all.
It also comes in a crystal salt "rock" form that you wet and glide on, but I like the little pump spray myself. (non-aerosol of course, so doesn't hurt the environment) :)

[Triskeliongirl]

Well thanks for the tip Lisa! Do you usually mail order it, or do you find it in health food type stores?

My skin is very sensitive so I usually avoid underarm deodorants, but something like this may do the trick for me, and save me on washing out my bases so frequently!

But, please, answer my question on how see through the other 'light bases' are like the woolies or LW ribbed shirt if I decide to exchange my middies for lighter ones.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well thanks for the tip Lisa! Do you usually mail order it, or do you find it in health food type stores?
I buy mine at our local health food store. But i do see it is cheaper on the link I sent, but I don't know about shipping. It doesn't go bad, so if you liked it I suppose you could order like 6 bottles online and save a bunch that way.



But, please, answer my question on how see through the other 'light bases' are like the woolies or LW ribbed shirt if I decide to exchange my middies for lighter ones.

I can only answer about the ones I know.
I once bought a very lightweight base layer on sale from Ibex in a "maize" pale yellow color. I found it to be way too see through to wear alone, even with a light colored bra. It would be ok as a base layer under stuff.
I have the Ibex "woolies" base layers in black and in a melon color. The melon is a bit too see through to wear alone, but the black is no problem to wear alone at all. Same thing with my Smartwool microweight base layers- the blacks are fine alone, the light colors are just a bit too see through for my liking to wear alone.
I think that even though they are the same weight, that both the Ibex and SW lightweight base layers are more open weave than the Kate, which I did try on the other day. Maybe they are supposed to "breathe" more with an open weave since they are marketed as base layers, whereas the Kate is a "shirt". The Kate seems more silky and closed weaved even though it's lightweight too.
I wear my black Ibex and SW lightweight base layers alone all the time, no see-through problems. So sticking with a dark color might help there.

[Dianyla]

But, please, answer my question on how see through the other 'light bases' are like the woolies or LW ribbed shirt if I decide to exchange my middies for lighter ones.
All of my various lightweight base layers (e.g. Icebreaker 150 weight, and the lightest Smartwool and Ibex categories) are somewhat transparent. For example, if you wear a white sportsbra under a black base layer, it will gleam through. It's rarely a problem because I rarely wear these layers by themselves, but occasionally on a very hot summer day I'll wear one and just make sure I've got a flesh-toned bra underneath. Normally the thinnest layer I'll wear standalone (nothing over or under) is a midweight wool, in summertime.

Someone asked about pilling a few posts back - Icebreaker recommend throwing a pair of hard denim jeans into the washer with your woollens. I tried this out and it does actually work to remove light fluffing that's starting to pill. Hard mature formed pills must be shaved off, as with any other garment.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

All of my various lightweight base layers (e.g. Icebreaker 150 weight, and the lightest Smartwool and Ibex categories) are somewhat transparent. For example, if you wear a white sportsbra under a black base layer, it will gleam through. It's rarely a problem because I rarely wear these layers by themselves, but occasionally on a very hot summer day I'll wear one and just make sure I've got a flesh-toned bra underneath.

This makes sense. I usually wear black bras anyway, unless I'm wearing really light colored tops. And I always would wear black bras under my black base layers, so there is no "gleam through" at all that way. :p
Gleam on! :rolleyes:

[Triskeliongirl]

WOW, all I can say is that if yesterdays ibex package was a letdown:mad:, today’s FAR EXCEEDED expectations.:D This is what arrived and this is what I think about it (all pieces on sale in outlet section of ibex site):

1. Mulberry Ribbies Crew: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=547&Outlet=1&VID=10488&Product=Ribbies-Crew

This piece looks more casual in the picture than it really is. Its weight is substantial, can easily wear it alone as a rather elegant sweater top. The color is very rich and it goes beautifully with my charcoal grey wool suit and it’s a keeper for my DC professional meeting. The color also goes well with my thistle and black shaks. It looks nothing like long underwear.

I can see wearing it in san antonio layered under my shak inside my underheated house on a cold day, and alone in my well heated office on a cold day.

Small fit well, just like the shak and kate.

2. Knee warmers:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=515&Outlet=1&VID=5532&Product=Knee-Warmers

I simply cannot believe these are the quality they are for $20. I bought and returned so many leg warmers cuz the thigh band was too loose and/or they were too long (in unisex small). These fit better than anything else I’ve tried (unisex small), and are so well made, they have a mix of lycra and wool, substantial weight. While called knee warmers they fit long enough on me that with tall sox I could cover my entire leg if I wanted to. They are a tiny bit loose (perhaps an xsmall would have fit even better but that wasn’t an option) but hopefully they’ll stay in place when I ride. I can really see packing these on a tour when one is trying to keep pieces to a minimum.

3. Arm warmers:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=515&Outlet=1&VID=5532&Product=Knee-Warmers

Another impeccable product. I almost didn’t order them cuz I do have PI arm warmers but they were on sale for a great price and they match the leg warmers so I thought I’d give them a try. My only hesitation is that the PI armwarmers are XS and these only S, so while the band feels OK, its not super snug so I hope they don’t fall down. Unlike my PI arm warmers, they really gave me the impression of adding sleeves to a short sleeve jersey. By that I mean rather than being skin tight to my wrist, some air (but just a little) can get in at the wrist, so I expect they’ll ventilate better. They are also quite long, they go all the way to my armpit, but that’s OK as long as they don’t end up falling down. If they do, you’ll see them for sale here after Ibex has sold out of their on sale ones!

So for me, these are all keepers along my shaks and kates.

Tomorrow, the icebreaker order comes, and the LL bean order is due on Monday, but I may end up sending the rest back just cuz I am starting to have enough stuff. I am also realizing that the mid weight bases may simply be too substantial for where I live, but I can see possibly keeping one more top if I really it, and possibly a set of icebreaker long janes/zip T for skiing, at least I’ll get to size myself in these other brands and inspect quality firsthand. My inclination is to stick with ibex though, since no one has yet reported pilling except of the switchback which they admitted had a defective weave. I’ve heard a lot of reports of pilling now on the icebreaker.

Last night I picked up some Express lycra tights w a coupon I had to add another bottom layer, as my daughter thinks I’ll overheat indoors with midweight long underwear on under my lined wool pants.

[mimitabby]

oh that ribby crew is tempting. it looks like Magenta is darker than Mulberry?
how could that be?

I usually wear medium. I wonder if i need small in that; i have to check my Ibex zip sweater at home. (like i REALLY need more wool)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Since Triskell reported on her Ibex arrival today, I will report on mine! I too was very pleased with the things I got today. :D

I got the mulberry ribbie too, on the same day as you! :p
I like to layer them though, or sometimes wear one as a pajama top, so I got one medium and one large. (we get a lot colder here, so layering is good). I do this with my 2 Larkspur blue ribbies and it's a good technique for me. The price was fabulous for such a heavy weight base layer, and I like the mulberry color. Purples don't really do it for me, but this is more like black-raspberry sherbet. What really looks gorgeous now is layering a larkspur and a mulberry ribbie together- a beautiful color combination when you see the neck peeking out and fold the cuffs up on the outer one. :p

The other thing I got was the Carrie Hoody on sale in green. I had tried it on in a store previously. The green is like a really rich sparkling deep emerald green- same color as mounds of emerald moss in a forest. Doesn't look like the same "warm green" of the new shaks at all.
It fits me nicely and is so snuggly. It's pure merino but has a sort of rough terrycloth outer surface in a way. But soft. Lighter than my loden wool jacket for sure, but heavier than the shaks. It's not so dense as loden so it will breathe well and I can wear it while fitness walking I think. The Large fits me beautifully, sleek but with room for a couple of layers underneath.

Very pleased with these bargains.

Hey Triskellion, let's both wear our mulberry ribbies tomorrow, ok? We can be Mulberry Ribbie Sisters for a day! :p

P.S. Mimi- the mulberry color is a bit darker in reality than what my computer screen shows...it's like a medium dark raspberry. I have no idea what their "magenta" color looks like- can't imagine it is like that weird pale lavender-pink that the photo shows. You might call them to ask which is darker and more intense.
Size: I'm 145 lbs, 36A, 5'5"...the medium ribbie fits me well, but is quite form fitted- good for wearing under stuff. The Large ribbie fits more relaxed and looks good when wearing it alone over pants. If you are smaller than me in 2 out of the 3 ways above, then get the medium I'd say. If you like your tops loose, then get a large. These ribbies seem to run just a bit smaller than usual.

[Triskeliongirl]

Mimi, I would say it depends on how you want it to fit. The small is snug on me, but I like it that way to tuck into pants and wear under a fitted wool suit. If you aren't sure, you could order both sizes and send one back, I've been doing a lot of that lately. You can see how I look since I lost weight here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=273475&postcount=30

In the after pic I am wearing shebeest tights and top in small. I am between a small and medium depending on the item. Sometimes I size up to M for length, but the small ribbie has good length both overall and in the arms.

Sure Lisa, we can be Mulberry Ribbie sisters tomorrow :)!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, look at all that weight you lost!- You look fabulous!! You must feel so good now! No wonder you have to buy new clothes!
Very amazing and impressive. :)

Ok, I will wear my mulberry ribbie tomorrow and think of you. Maybe I'll take a picture! :D

[Natasha]

Do the Carrie hoodies have flat-lock seams? Do you find it itchy? How is the sizing? Has anyone gotten to see the charcoal color?
Thanks.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Do the Carrie hoodies have flat-lock seams? Do you find it itchy? How is the sizing? Has anyone gotten to see the charcoal color?
Thanks.

Yes, flat-lock seams everywhere. Very soft on the inside, kind of nubbly-like on the outside, but not itchy....but you wouldn't be wearing it over bare skin anyway- it's more like a hooded jacket, but not heavy. It seems a bit too jacket-like to wear like a sweatshirt around the house. I'm going to wear mine while fitness walking- my heavy wool jackets are too warm when exercising. The Carrie would breathe and it moves and stretches with you.
I like the material as a light sweater/jacket.
Yes, I tried on the charcoal color- very nice! The charcoal is quite slimming visually and it's what I was going to get originally, but in the end I couldn't resist the green color even though the charcoal made me look thinner! ;) Like Sandra, I'm a sucker for green. I tried the oatmeal one on too, but the light color made me look heavy (I have large hips)- if you are thin I imagine it would look great.
It has 4 generous pockets- 2 outside and two inside.
The hood is not skintight, but it fits pretty close to the head, so it's useful, and I think it could fit under a helmet.
Sizing- see my measurements in the previous post. The Large Carrie fits me perfectly over 2 base layers and a shak. I think I could fit the medium if I only wore a base layer under it. The XL was just too big and loose on me in the store.

[GLC1968]

Yes, flat-lock seams everywhere. Very soft on the inside, kind of nubbly-like on the outside, but not itchy....but you wouldn't be wearing it over bare skin anyway- it's more like a hooded jacket, but not heavy.
The hood is not skintight, but it fits pretty close to the head, so it's useful, and I think it could fit under a helmet.
Sizing- see my measurements in the previous post. The Large Carrie fits me perfectly over 2 base layers and a shak. I think I could fit the medium if I only wore a base layer under it.

I have to ditto Lisa on the above. I have this in a medium and it leaves plenty of layering room underneath. (I'm 5'4" and normally wear a 6 on top) The hood does fit under a helmet (I tried it, though I haven't worn it on the bike that way yet) and I do wear mine around the house as a sweatshirt type top. Mine's the thistle heather with the charcoal stripes. it's one of my favorite Ibex items, yet!

[Triskeliongirl]

Wow, look at all that weight you lost!- You look fabulous!! You must feel so good now! No wonder you have to buy new clothes!
Very amazing and impressive. :)

Ok, I will wear my mulberry ribbie tomorrow and think of you. Maybe I'll take a picture! :D

Thanks for noticing Lisa! Yeh, so maybe now you understand why I have been so shopping happy this year. I have had to entirely replace my wardrobe. On top of that, l lost all my 'insulation' which is why I appear to have no clue to how to dress for winter! My weight loss is sort of a long story, I found out that I am a type 1.5 diabetic which means I don't make enough insulin. To normalize my blood sugars I had to go on a high protein low carbohydrate diet, but the net result is that by restoring hormonal balance it normalized my body weight too!

[mimitabby]

I tried to buy the ribby but it didn't give me the free shipping that the post card they sent me promised. So i will call tomorrow if i'm still in the mood. I would have liked to have bought the green but it's only in large. the beige and the blue are not to be considered. but the berry is nice

[KnottedYet]

As to needing a fresh base layer daily...we are all different, but I would like to mention something that I discovered several years ago and like very much:
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/086449300093.html
This "crystal" spray deodorant is really wonderful. It has no odor at all, and seems like plain water. What it actually is is a solution of mineral salts in water. It does NOT have aluminum salts, but has other mineral salts like perhaps magnesium salts, etc that are harmless. How it works is that it creates a PH environment on your skin that the underarm bacteria cannot thrive in. Odor happens when those bacteria multiply over the day. The mineral salts create a pH that the bacteria have a hard time breeding in. So in a way this deodorant works the very same way as the wool does- creating an underarm environment where bacteria will not thrive and multiply much.
I really like this stuff and it is much more natural than most commercial deodorants. It leaves no residue and does not have any perfumes at all.
It also comes in a crystal salt "rock" form that you wet and glide on, but I like the little pump spray myself. (non-aerosol of course, so doesn't hurt the environment) :)

All aluminum compounds (including alum, which is in the Crystal products) make me itch like a crazed flea-ridden beast. And I'm a major stinky-sweat monster. My friend's mom taught me a trick that works well and doesn't make me itch. (I think she did it out of self preservation!) Use a regular ol' stick deodorant, dip it in baking soda, and then put it on. The little bit of baking soda does the same thing as Crystal deodorant, with out the itchy alum. Awesome! (cuz I'm really really not fun when I'm stinky)

I've accidentally smeared the deodorant/baking soda mix on just about every wool shirt I own, and it seems to come out just fine in the wash.

Edit: the Crystal I tried was the solid alum chunk. I don't know if the alum in water spray that Lisa uses would be less itchy. I haven't tried the spray.

[mimitabby]

and Trisk, you look wonderful, cute even!! congrats on losing all that weight!

[KnottedYet]

Trisk, I just looked at your pics! Wow, you look great! Congratulations, and yes, you get all new woolie clothes for a job well done! :D

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks guys..........:o I thought everyone knew already from the other thread, but I guess everyone doesn't read everything. Yeh, its been *very expensive* to replace my wardrobe. But what feels good is that I know I am not going to gain the weight back cuz this time I really did finally fix the underlying problem. When I talk about my weight normalizing I really mean it quite literally. Did I diet and exercise? Sure, but I have always dieted and exercised, and still gained weight cuz my hormones were out of balance. As long as I restrict carbs, my apetite and bodies needs mesh, so as long as I listen to my body, and exercise just moderate restraint, the weight came off and is staying off pretty easily.

And, what would I do without wool?? All I can say is that it looks a heck of a lot better than my old insulating material!!!

The hard part now will be deciding which of the pieces that are still to come get to stay and which have to go back. But at least I am getting a handle on what I like with the pieces I've got already. Its so amazing to me how soft the Kate is, the 17.5 micron wool really does feel amazing on my skin, so I am really glad I snagged those pieces. The ribbie is definitely not as smooth, but oh so pretty and oh so warm.... It will be interesting to see how the Icebreaker and LLbean compare.

[Natasha]

Was there a free shipping code on the Ibex postcard? I got a card, but I must have missed the free shipping code.

[sandra]

Trisk, GREAT JOB! Way to go girl.

ALERT: half zip shak jersey on sale for $85. Is it worth it? or would it be better to spring for the full zip. Anyone seen the warm green? I'm a sucker for a pretty shade of green.

[mimitabby]

There isn't really a code on this card, you go to a "personalized website"
mine is mimitboothby.ibexwool.com and all it is is a gateway to a short survey.

i did it and it did not give me the discount. I called and the lady said she'd "check" to see if they received my survey.. what the heck did they leave the "website" up if they were done with the promotion? and how come it didn't tell me when it expired????

so i'm still waiting for her to check..

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi wrote:

and Trisk, you look wonderful, cute even!! congrats on losing all that weight!

Major cute! :p

[sandra]

Major cute! :p

what?

[Triskeliongirl]

I think she means the green shak. I have not seen one except in pictures, but I agree its a *very pretty* color. So pretty that today I was having doubts as to whether I should have ordered the green rather than black. But, since I want to use it for professional use, I think black is more of a 'power color' than the light green, but I think both the light green and light blue are very nice. I guess color choice also depends on the other clothes you plan to wear it with.

Green and purple and gray really layer nicely together. I was trying on stuff for my trip last night, and couldn't believe how pretty my green Kate looked under my thistle heather shak with my charcoal gray pants. I would advise you to just think about what other clothes you have, and how many different outfits you can make.

What I like about the full zip shak is how much it can be ventilated indoors since I live in a warmer climate, but when its cold outside its great in full zip mode. I also think it looks more chic for professional use. I think when I pair the black full zip shak with black wool pants, it will look like a casual suit.

[Natasha]

Triskeliongirl, I agree with you about the shaks. I prefer the full zip because of the ventilation factor that you mentioned.
I have a black full zip and wear it with pretty much everything. It looks professional enough to wear to work. The green is beautiful, but would not go as well with other colors. I am considering the green Carrie hoody as everybody's description of it sounds beautiful.

[Triskeliongirl]

Natasha, I know the Carrie Hoodie is a very popular piece. I tried it on in the store, and while its a very nice piece, be advised that it is a lot more casual looking than the shak, and made from a rougher scratchier feeling weave. In terms of sizing, all they had was a medium in charcoal with a thistle stripe, and it did layer very nicely over my small thistle shak without feeling like it looked too big. I didn't buy it cuz I wanted pieces that would go from work to cycling. While a nice piece, I didn't think I could do either with the carrie hoodie.

[Grog]

My husband wears his full-zip black Shak to the hospital (he's a medical student) over his shirt and tie! It's formal enough.

Mine is the hoodie version, not-so-formal...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Random notes:

The Carrie hoody seems a bit too casual to wear to an office. It also doesn't strike me as a particularly perfect biking jacket. But it's comfy and easy fitting and moves and breathes nicely. Though it has a fine nubbly/terrycloth like texture on the outside, I wouldn't call it scratchy though- it's not like burlap or anything, more like a fine towel texture. Hard to describe.

The "warm green" of the shaks is kind of a soft pea green, not a bright lime green. It looks pale on my computer, but is less pale in real life. Some people would just love the green, others not....everyone has different taste in color.

The full zip shak has a slightly more elegant/sleek look than the 1/2 zip jersey does. It's also more versatile I think, as you can wear it alone or over stuff like a cartigan sweater jacket, and take it off and on quickly. I like wearing the 1/2 zip under stuff, and also under the full zip.

Mimi- Ibex has gotten themselves into a bit of a mixup with all the sales and coupons and codes lately- apparently one can only use one code per order, plus some codes do not apply to sale items but that wasn't made clear. I think they are trying to straighten things out at the moment. You have to call if your code doesn't work.

Ribbies: they run somewhat small, so the medium ones I have fit me like they were small/medium, and the large ones fit me as though they were medium-ish. The ones on sale are now running low.

[Triskeliongirl]

So my icebreaker order from sierra came. I gave links in a previous post, they were all described as icebreaker 260zip T and long john. I have mixed feelings about these items.

1. What I like is that the wool is very soft, softer in fact than my ibex 18.5 wool, as soft on my skin as the 17.5 although not textured quite as finely.

2. I was worried that they would be too heavy, but I would describe them as between ibex light and heavy weight. They are not see through even in light colors like my green kate, but not as dense as my ribbie. They layer nice under my shak, and I don't think I would overheat in them in a normally heated room (tops that is) like I am worried I might in the ribbie.

3. Sizing. I found the small top fit like my small kate, and a somewhat looser than my small ribbie (although the sleeve length was shorter/better for me), although I can make both work. Medium top is definitely cut larger than medium kate, way too big on me.

I found the small bottom too big on me. According to the Ibex size chart I should be an XS on the bottom, but I didn't believe them since I have never been and XS in anything ever. I also decided these are overkill for me, and that I will just go with heavy lycra tights as my inner layer on the bottom. I also didn't like that they weren't gusseted. they just looked and felt kind of sloppy to me, but that may have been a size thing. Again though, it may depend on intended usage. To wear under a goretex shell for cross country skiing they are fine, but to layer under dress pants too baggy and heavy.

4. I was disappointed that the tops were not as pictured. From the attached picture would you guess this shirt has grey racing stripes along the sides of the bodice and arms, and thumbholes in the sleeves? The result is that it is too casual for professional use, unless I were to keep my suit jacket on. With that being said though, both the blue and red look terrific under my suit with the jacket on, especially unzipped with the lapels overlapping.......

I think the tops would be great as cycling shirts, and if I didn't already have enough shebeest drifit cycling tops they'd be keepers since they are nice garments, nice weight, well made. I am still thinking to keep just one top, perhaps the light blue since it does match well my bike as well as a lot of other things, and does look great with my suit in jacket on mode. And since I am a scientist and not a beurocrat, I could get away with it in jacket off mode too......in fact the rebel in my likes it, it dresses down my suit making me feel more comfortable wearing it. So, I will possible keep the blue and/or red tops, but decided to wait until the LLbean order comes on monday before deciding. Those tops were cheaper, and if they look more professional it may be hard to justify keeping the icebreaker.

FYI, the labels indicate the tops were made in 2005 and the bottoms in 2004. That's OK, that is typical of sierra, but just thought I'd let people know.

Lisa, sorry I didn't wear the mulberry ribbie today. While it looks sooooo niiiice, I am a tad concerned about how it feels on my skin. Remember, I could never wear wool on my skin until I tried the kate. While I loooove the way the mulberry ribbie looks and fits, I worry about my allergies since the icebreaker stuff and kates feel so much better on me. And, I do need to make a return package to ibex anyway with the organic sweater. This is the one item that I wish I did double order in medium (and only one that I didn't) just to see if it were cut looser if it would feel better on my skin. While it doesn't pull or anything, it is a very body hugging fit.

So, my LLbean order arrives on monday, and then I'll decide what stays and what goes.

I also need to ask you guys about wool care. I just noticed today that while my shak isn't really 'pilling' there are fuzzy things on it (not from washing, just wear I think, I washed it once by hand in woolite, but it looked fine after washing, but I've worn it nearly everyday for like 2 weeks straight). Should I use a lint brush to remove them? Is this normal? Do I brush in the direction the fuzzies go or away from them? I bought one of those new lint brushes with the disposable sheets. It worked great for getting dog hair off my new wool pants. Is this what I should use on the shak?

[GLC1968]

Another Carrie hoody picture:

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-IMG_0085.jpg

This my group at work when we took our coworker from Beijing to lunch at Hooters. (It was a Friday, so we were casual).

I LOVE this top!!

[sandra]

GLC, that looks great on you. I love that color on you.

[Triskeliongirl]

Wow, it looks a LOT better on you than me Catherine!! I think the medium I tried on must have just been too big, cuz it kinda looked like a dumpy sack on me. Its really weird. Even though I have stopped losing weight, I think by how my clothes are fitting that I am continuing to get more compact. Really weird, but then it makes me scared to buy clothes (cuz this isn't the first time I've had to replace my wardrobe since I lost my weight, but I thought I was stable enough now to go ahead and do it completely). I just noticed trying on my size 4 pants today that they are looser than when I bought them, but at least they give me room to tuck shirts in now that I hadn't really thought about when I bought them. I didn't think I would ever be smaller than a small, so felt pretty OK buying stuff in smalls. Maybe I just need to send everything back, and stick with my small kates and shaks for now.

[mimitabby]

no, Silly Trisk, we're talking about YOU!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Duh............Ok, thanks!

But I am so shopping impaired you guys must be so sick of listening to me. I so wish I had a local store that I could visit, try on everything, and then shop around for sales on the web. Having to do so much by mail order is sooooo frustrating for me. I never know what size I am. I was pretty surprised to find that store that carries Ibex, and they told me they are not doing it again, didn't do well at all here (hence the 50% off sale....). You can't imagine what its like to buy wool in san antonio. I was amazed to even find wool pants here this year. You also can't imagine the shock your body feels when you live in a warm climate and have to travel to a cold one. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised by the LLbean t-necks. They desribe them as longish, but I hope they aren't too long to tuck in. Has anyone gotten theirs yet?

[GLC1968]

Thanks, Trisk and Sandra!

OK, one last Ibex question and then I need to lay off the wool purchases for awhile!

Does anyone have the Ibex Outback shirt? I have one that I got from SAC about a year ago and I totally love, love, love it. It was my first Ibex piece and even though it was thinner than I expected from the description, it's a wonderful top. The fit is beautiful, the color is gorgeous (plum) and the weight of the top works in so many situations for me. My question is, if anyone has this top...what top would it compare to for current Ibex styles? The Ribbies crew, maybe? Or the LW Ribbed Crew? (though the Outback is not ribbed at all...)

This is the outback:
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0074/Ibex-Outback-Shirt-Long-Sleeve-Womens.html

Any help is greatly appreciated! :)

[Triskeliongirl]

I asked this earlier but it got buried in all my verbiage.

Can SOMEONE please tell me if its normal to see fuzzy things on my shak? It doesn't smell but does that mean its time to wash it, or does it need a lint brushing, or is something really wrong? I wouldn't really call it pilling, its just starting to get covered in small fuzzy stuff. If I lint brush it off, which direction do I go. Someone had posted that it is normal to see this stuff, and to wash it with jeans to get it off, but I have been hand washing alone with woolite, isn't that safer, or is that what I have to do????

[mimitabby]

Trisk, i'll let the experts answer you. I don't have a shak.

Announcement

It looks like i'm going to be the first to try one of those ahem sports tops undergarments... Cost a fortune, but with free shipping and the mulberry ribby...
I will write a review on my first woolen brassiere when it arrives. (such an odious word)

[Natasha]

Trisk,
I haven't had that happen to any of my shaks yet. I have heard though that woolite is kind of harsh. Try using something like a mild dish detergent such as dawn. I tend not to wash my shaks very often, as they don't get smelly.

[Triskeliongirl]

I only washed it once, and it didn't happen immediately after washing just after use. I am confused. I used woolite precisely cuz I thought its NOT harsh, designed for hand washing woolens. I don't mean big pills, I just mean tiny pieces of fuzz are starting to accumulate on the surface as I wear it day in and day out, waiting for my second one to arrive.

I guess it can't hurt to try the lint brush while I wait for the experts to answer me...... I am starting to worry that this is something bad though......


Trisk,
I haven't had that happen to any of my shaks yet. I have heard though that woolite is kind of harsh. Try using something like a mild dish detergent such as dawn. I tend not to wash my shaks very often, as they don't get smelly.

[mimitabby]

Trisk,
don't forget to call Ibex's 1-800 number.
I throw my Ibex stuff right in the washing machine with everything else. It does not need to be pampered. i think woolite is fine!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Trisk- I launder my shaks in the machine as well, on cold, gentle cycle, with some Woolite. Then I tumble dry on LOW for the smallest time possible, with a dryer sheet because that's the only way the cat hair comes off my clothes.

If you wash by hand, be sure to NEVER make scrubbing motions to wash it. Just swish it in the water like a tea bag and press gently to remopve water- no wringing. Put fresh water several times to rinse, and never scrub or wring the wool. Then press the excess water out gently (or put in the machine gentle spin cycle for a minute), and lay out to dry.

My advice?- use a lint brush in whatever direction works. I think you should expect all wool to develop some sort of minute fuzzy "patina" surface. It's wool, remember- woven from natural fur fibers. I wouldn't call it pilling though, it's just a softening/fuzzing of the surface. That's as much as I can guess.
I do notice little teeny fuzz balls occasionally accumulate along the flatlock seams of my shaks, but they just pull off easily and there are not that many of them at one time to be a problem.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Lisa.... I think that's all it is, I just wanted someone to tell me its normal and not gonna get worse or turn into real pilling! Most of it did come off with the lint brush. It did need laundering, so I have it soaking in woolite now. I still feel better doing it by hand, but I do handle just like you described.

Also Lisa, do you think if the ribbie feels rough on my skin, its cuz its too small (but it looks nice, snug and close to my skin but its described as form fit which I think that means, its not pulling or anything), or its cuz that paricular weave doesn't agree with my sensitive skin? Maybe I've been spoiled by my Kates, but the Icebreaker stuff also feels very soft to me. I like the ribbie so much, but I am not going to spend another $11 on shipping just to see how the medium fits. I think their shipping rates are outrageous.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Also Lisa, do you think if the ribbie feels rough on my skin, its cuz its too small (but it looks nice, snug and close to my skin but its described as form fit which I think that means, its not pulling or anything), or its cuz that paricular weave doesn't agree with my sensitive skin? Maybe I've been spoiled by my Kates, but the Icebreaker stuff also feels very soft to me. I like the ribbie so much, but I am not going to spend another $11 on shipping just to see how the medium fits. I think their shipping rates are outrageous.

My large ribbie is a bit roomier on me than my medium ribbie (which is pleasantly snug, like yours), but they both feel exactly the same on my skin. The ribbies definitely have more of a texture, because of the tiny ribs. I happen to love the way that feels on my skin- it feels like a nice massage all day, like a baby washcloth. But some people might find it irritating, I can understand that. Ever wear those shoes that have dozens of teeny rubber knobbies on the insole, to massage the bottom of your feet?- that how I feel about some of these wool items. Of course there are limits- a coarse spun Bolivian raw wool sweater would be too much against the skin even for me! :cool: I have a feeling that after wearing your current merino items for a month or two, you will begin to enjoy the sensation of wool on your skin more than before. That's what happened to me- I suspect it's kind of addictive, like a new exotic food one is not used to at first. I could be wrong though- you might always hate it! :o

GLC- nice to see those photos!! :p

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Lisa! I decided to try it on again after taking a shower, and just see how long I could stay comfy in it. At this point I am still wearing it so I decided its a keeper. So, now the tags are cut and we are mulberry ribbie sisters for the evening if you still have yours own. I will think of you now whenever I wear it. I love the color, it goes with both my shaks and my two colors of wool pant. Yeh, it doesn't feel as soft as the other pieces, but its not giving me an allergic reaction either (wool that I am allergic to gives me raised red welts!). I do like it more than the icebreaker, but the pieces are different.

I will probably keep the blue icebreaker zip-T too, but I am waiting for the bean order to make my final decision. While I wish it didn't have the gray stripes, it does look nice under my suit, layers great under my shaks, it would work for cycling or skiing, its really soft and comfy, and it even matches my bike. But I did also order it in other colors that I'll probably send back along with the bottoms. If I end up hating the bean stuff or got the sizes wrong, then maybe, just maybe, I'll keep the red icebreaker zip-T too.

[Triskeliongirl]

Announcement

It looks like i'm going to be the first to try one of those ahem sports tops undergarments... Cost a fortune, but with free shipping and the mulberry ribby...
I will write a review on my first woolen brassiere when it arrives. (such an odious word)

Well Mimi, I would love to join you, but alas they don't appear to make them in my size (34D). Looking forward to the review, and an expansion of the size range!

[RTW]

Hi Triskelion,

Yeah, a lot of Icebreaker things have some little touch on them that dresses them down -- the racing stripes on the sleeves of a bunch of items, a contrasting collar or trim, or flatlock stitching on raglan sleeves. Sierra Trading Post doesn't do a good job of describing their Icebreaker items, unfortunately; you have to know which item is being sold, and then go look it up on the website or online. You should try to see if you can find the Upstate (zip-neck or "polo," which really is a turtleneck); although it does have thumbholes and flatlock stitching and raglan sleeves, it does feel a little more dressed up because it's one color and has ribbed panels. I've been told the Glider is also good because it has set-in sleeves, but the contrasting collar has stopped me from getting it. The Stella V-neck would be dressy enough for work, but get it a size down because it's "relaxed." The Tech Lite Tees (140 g/m2) are another item that could be worn in more situations than a typical sports T.

Um, yeah, I'm totally a wool addict (and I know the Icebreaker line FAR too well -- I could probably answer questions on a third to a half of their current items). I got started on Icebreaker because over on a backpacking/hiking forum, people thought that it was softer and cut closer to the body and more consistently than Ibex. But lurking on this forum is making me really tempted by the Shak and the polos as well. Thank goodness I have no more money left to buy more wool with!

[Triskeliongirl]

Hi RTW, and welcome to our forum and thanks for all the great info on the Icebreaker line. I don't even mind the raglan sleees or flatlock stictching, I just wish they didn't put the racing stripes on. I like stuff thats multi-functional, and the racing stripes just put it over too much into the sporty category for me.

Why don't you introduce yourself in the getting to know you thread?

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, you gals are amazing -- this is the most active thread I've seen for awhile! :D

Anyway, my LL Bean merino top came today -- it's the base layer, long-sleeve, round neck in teal. It is gorgeous! It's very soft, very professionally cut, almost dressy looking, so it would be great with a suit (but I don't wear suits -- my job is very casual). It is rather thin, so I will have to check the see-thru angle when I try it on (I haven't actually made it to that point yet, but it is an XS, so I can't imagine that it won't fit). I often wear the suntan color VS bras, so don't usually have to worry too much about them showing through. The color is even prettier than shown on the Bean website, and it coordinates so nicely with two wool cardigans I have (one is a Patagonia chunky cardigan I bought at the infamous Terry 50% off everything sale!) I plan to wear it tomorrow.

Emily

[KnottedYet]

Thanks, Trisk and Sandra!

OK, one last Ibex question and then I need to lay off the wool purchases for awhile!

Does anyone have the Ibex Outback shirt? I have one that I got from SAC about a year ago and I totally love, love, love it. It was my first Ibex piece and even though it was thinner than I expected from the description, it's a wonderful top. The fit is beautiful, the color is gorgeous (plum) and the weight of the top works in so many situations for me. My question is, if anyone has this top...what top would it compare to for current Ibex styles? The Ribbies crew, maybe? Or the LW Ribbed Crew? (though the Outback is not ribbed at all...)

This is the outback:
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0074/Ibex-Outback-Shirt-Long-Sleeve-Womens.html

Any help is greatly appreciated! :)

Try the "Norgie" crew? Similar pattern. http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=839&VID=9546&Product=Norgie-Crew

Where is this half-zip Shak for $85?

Edit: never mind, I found it. I had it (in thistle) and a pink-n-gray twizel (I have a green one already and love it) in my cart and ready to go... then found I'd be charged tax.

Suddenly financial reality reared its ugly head, and I cancelled.

Damm.

[GLC1968]

Knot - just go to Ibex's main page and there is a little 'sale' box at the bottom in the middle. Just click there an it should take you to it (it worked for me earlier today). Or, just go to mid layer tops and I think the sale price is now posted there, too. Or...just click here:

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=845&VID=9599&Product=Shak-Jersey

Edited to add: I just see that you found it! And I have to say, I have the twizel in the blue/green combo and it is one flattering top. I LOVE it and wish I could justify another one!


I was wondering about the Norgie crew. I might have to give that a try even though it looks a bit more 'sporty' with the two colors than my Outback. Cool, thanks!

Emily - thanks for the LL Bean info. It sounds like it will be exactly what I was hoping for!

[KnottedYet]

Anybody got an Ibex discount number they don't need?

(I still want that Shak and 2nd Twizel... )

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Anyway, my LL Bean merino top came today -- it's the base layer, long-sleeve, round neck in teal. It is gorgeous! ...I plan to wear it tomorrow.

Emily

Hi Emily!
I'm just curious about where the LLBean merino items come from- does the label say where it's made?

Knot- Too bad about the tax! I thought Ibex was in Vermont?- I live in NY and I don't get charged tax on my orders from them. What is up with that? :confused:
Oh, and it was explained to me on the phone that you can't use a discount coupon code on items that are already on sale- it's a bit confusing.

RTW- welcome to TE! :)

[sandra]

I want that Shak, AND a full zip shak

and a carrie hoodie. :p

[KnottedYet]

I'm doing an order from TE, an order from LL Bean, and I really can't justify an order from Ibex.

Well, unless the Roaster Boxers were on sale, then COWABUNGA! I want a couple more pair, then I'd just have to get a Shak, and would hardly notice the cost of that gorgeous gray and pink Twizel.

Oooh, just remembered I get PAID tomorrow!!!!!!! Hmmmmm:rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

oooh, look! Spiffy wool biking jersey, on sale, right here on TE!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=29043

[Dianyla]

Oh you guys, I'm such an idiot!! I've been following the Shak discussion for the last few pages thinking "Gee, that sounds really cool maybe I should check that out". I just now got around to looking it up online, and...

I'm currently wearing a Shak. Right now. 1/2 zip, in Space Blue. I have so many woolly items that I can keep track of all of their names! :eek:

I absolutely love the durable feel of the tight weave. My only complaint is that it is rather heavy, so I don't ever take it backpacking. I haven't had any pilling or fuzzing, and I wear and wash it (in the washer) fairly often.

I think, after the Pico Zip T, the Shak is my favorite item. And now I know that that's what it's called. :rolleyes:

[Triskeliongirl]

Please don't misunderstand. It was just some minor fuzzing that as Lisa explained I think is normal, which I think came from wearing it for 2 weeks straight. Its on the drying rack now, and I bet it will look as good as new when dry. If not, I'll definitely file a new report!



Oh you guys, I'm such an idiot!! I've been following the Shak discussion for the last few pages thinking "Gee, that sounds really cool maybe I should check that out". I just now got around to looking it up online, and...

I'm currently wearing a Shak. Right now. 1/2 zip, in Space Blue. I have so many woolly items that I can keep track of all of their names! :eek:

I absolutely love the durable feel of the tight weave. My only complaint is that it is rather heavy, so I don't ever take it backpacking. I haven't had any pilling or fuzzing, and I wear and wash it (in the washer) fairly often.

I think, after the Pico Zip T, the Shak is my favorite item. And now I know that that's what it's called. :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

Someone needs to talk me out of buying a thistle Shak and a gray/pink Twizel. And maybe a pair of (FULL PRICE) Roaster Boxers.

I have no self control.

I get paid tomorrow.

I just got a raise, too. (65 cents an hour pays for some wool, right?)

Edit: too late, I ordered! Whooo-hoooo!

[Dianyla]

Edit: too late, I ordered! Whooo-hoooo!
Whoopsie!

[Dianyla]

Please don't misunderstand. It was just some minor fuzzing that as Lisa explained I think is normal, which I think came from wearing it for 2 weeks straight. Its on the drying rack now, and I bet it will look as good as new when dry. If not, I'll definitely file a new report!
That makes sense. Possibly it's also because yours is fairly new? Also, water hardness, detergent, and use (or lack thereof) of dryer sheets/fabric softener might all play a part.

So far the Shak has been the most durable wool item that I own. It's quite resistant to cat claws, which have unfortunately caused some minor snags in some of my other favorite items like the Collo T-neck. And I have had (minor) fluffing/pilling on my Skyline top. This sort of thing is simply unavoidable for the specific knit texture for those garments.

Dang. I was just thinking how awesome a pair of pants made out of the Shak fabric would be.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Dang. I was just thinking how awesome a pair of pants made out of the Shak fabric would be.

My heavy wool Approach tights from Ibex last year feel a lot like the shak weave, but stretchier with a bit of Spandex added I think. I think this year's equivalent is the Ibex Energy tight. Definitely not on sale right now though! :eek:

Natural materials like wood, wood, leather, etc, take on a subtle patina of use when they are worn and well loved. I tend to like this effect, and prefer my natural material items to reflect the fact that I wear them a lot. For instance, a new Brooks saddle does not look nearly as beautiful when it's brand new as it does after a couple years of riding. Same for leather shoes. When I get occasionally a brand new calfskin banjo head, I simply cannot stand its pristine stark whiteness...I immediately brush some coffee mixed with dirt on it to make it a bit more comfy and loved looking. :D
Of course I am not referring to obviously major defective issues like rampant pilling, irregular shrinking, or unraveling, etc...that's more a quality control issue.

Hey here is a good question for this thread....
What is your most very favorite one piece of clothing right now in your life?- the one piece you would choose to keep if you had to give up all the other clothes you own? (not including shoes here)
Boy that's a hard one! :eek: :o Oh....and it doesn't have to be wool.

[mimitabby]

Right now? It's the cerulean green sweater my churchmouse son bought me second hand for christmas.

very soft wool, a turtleneck.

[madscot13]

my icebreaker merino wool ( as if I had to say it) ignition zip zip. I actually practically gave up all of my other clothes and wear this everyday anyways!

[Dianyla]

My heavy wool Approach tights from Ibex last year feel a lot like the shak weave, but stretchier with a bit of Spandex added I think. I think this year's equivalent is the Ibex Energy tight. Definitely not on sale right now though! :eek:
Oh, the enablement!!! I'll have to file this mental note away for later. And pray that these show up on SteepandCheap.


Hey here is a good question for this thread....
What is your most very favorite one piece of clothing right now in your life?- the one piece you would choose to keep if you had to give up all the other clothes you own? (not including shoes here)
Boy that's a hard one! :eek: :o
Ooh, good question. I'm having a hard time deciding between most favorite and most irreplaceable, which are very similar but not quite the same thing. I think, right now, it would have to be my winter jacket - The North Face "Inconceivable" brand. (I always hear Fezzini in my head lisping "Incontheevable!") It's a beautiful combination of light blue and dark blue, it's fully gore-tex, it's lightly insulated, pit zips, the works. And, it fits my body shape fabulously!

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Emily!
I'm just curious about where the LLBean merino items come from- does the label say where it's made?

Hong Kong, unfortunately. :( But I love it, and I just couldn't afford Ibex at the moment (have to buy a $1400 sail for our boat :eek:)

I wore it today, and it was really nice! The XS fit great -- perfect in the shoulders and sleeves. I normally wear petites (tho' occasionally find them too short in the sleeves, so trying on is best), so it might be a wee bit short in the sleeves for someone taller than me (I'm just under 5'2" but with longish arms for my height, I think). The length was nice (could tuck it into low-rise pants, but it's not a tunic), the fit was easy (not skin-tight), and it didn't itch. It was also not see-thru in the teal with a suntan bra. It was definitely a good buy.

Emily

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey guys, I wanted to report that the small fuzz completely washed out of my shak after brushing with a lint brush and laundering. So, I am sure it was a combination of newness, and overuse, nothing more. She looks as smooth and beautiful as new now. I was on the phone with my sister today who lives near Boston, and she suggested wearing silk bases under my merino ones to prolong the time between washings on the wool and get a bit more warmth out of the lighter bases in a cold place. Good idea (and I actually have some that are 20+ years old that fit me too)! She also talked me into making another LLBean order, convinced me that I deserved a warm coat that was my size so I ordered a few to try on, as well as few more merino pieces after hearing Emily's rave review (thanks Em!). It didn't hurt that the reason for the phone call was arranging for her to pick up my dear daughter who caught bronchitis and walking pneumonia upon her return to the harsh boston climate after her xmass holidays here in south texas. I really don't want that happening to me. I orderd both a primaloft and a down coat. Any opinions? Primalofit is supposed to be warm without as much bulk as down, but my son think down is the way to go for Boston in winter. Remember, my body is not going to be used to the cold.

At this point I think the entire sierra/icebreaker order is going back!

I wore my ibex ribbie today, and I am definitely used to the ribs. While not as soft as the Kate, no itch or irritation, and it was oh sooooo waaarm on a very cold day in south texas.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My favorite (not most irreplacable though) clothing item to wear these days is my Ibex Cortina loden merino vest in Apple Green. I want to wear it almost every day! The apple green wool makes me feel good.

Trisk- we were mulberry ribbie sisters today! :)

[Crankin]

Trisk, I really don't think you need a down coat for Boston. Northern N.H., maybe. The temperature varies so much. The normal winter daytime temp is usually 25-38. I think prima loft with other layers underneath would be sufficient. I have a wool dress coat that's fine and a regular EMS parka type thing for regular wear. I use a Go lite jacket over my layers of fleece, wool, and silk when I'm x country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking. Some of the layers come off when it's in the 40s.
So even though the nighttime temperatures are in the teens or single digits now, the days are around 30. Just gt good gloves and a hat!
Robyn

Sorry your daughter got sick! This is the first winter I haven't had bronchitis, since I moved here. Maybe since I'm not around those nasty kids anymore...

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the advice Robin. My sister told me she wears a primaloft coat. The third type I ordered is one of the 3 in 1 style parkas with a zip out fleece. Do you think this would be warm enough? It does have the advantage as a travel coat of versatility.

[Crankin]

If you think the 3 in 1 would meet more travel needs, then buy it. The fleece lining will keep you warm enough, especially with a wool piece underneath. Is it a long coat? It really helps to have the legs at least partially covered, esp. if you have to wear a dress.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Robin. I really appreciate the help. Actually in view of your comments I stopped the order cuz I have a very old Columbia 3 in 1 ski parka that while its a bit large on me (its a medium and I am now a small) with the waist cinched it looks fine (and I think sizes have changed over the years) and its probably better quality than the new stuff I ordered (breathable waterproof, high tech features, etc.). It is long (32"), which I like, sometimes an advantage of Mediums over Smalls. The zip in fleece liner is too big on me, but if I just layer one of my old small fleeces over my ibex shak and ibex ribbie, I think I'll be just fine. I like this idea cuz it will be easier to adjust depending on the exact weather while I am there and my activity. The worst case scenario is I'll pick up something locally.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Robin. I really appreciate the help. Actually in view of your comments I stopped the order cuz I have a very old Columbia 3 in 1 ski parka that while its a bit large on me (its a medium and I am now a small) with the waist cinched it looks fine (and I think sizes have changed over the years) and its probably better quality than the new stuff I ordered (breathable waterproof, high tech features, etc.). It is long (32"), which I like, sometimes an advantage of Mediums over Smalls. The zip in fleece liner is too big on me, but if I just layer one of my old small fleeces over my ibex shak and ibex ribbie, I think I'll be just fine. I like this idea cuz it will be easier to adjust depending on the exact weather while I am there and my activity. The worst case scenario is I'll pick up something locally.

I think this is a wise way to go. Despite what the locals might claim, Boston is actually not Antarctica! :rolleyes:

How are you doing with your "itchy" mulberry ribbie? Have you slept in it with nothing under it yet? That's the test of fire.... :cool:

[Triskeliongirl]

Well Lisa, while I have not slept in yet, I am wearing it again today and it does not bother my skin. I tend to not sleep in long undies so not sure I'll ever do that! Itchy is the wrong word. Textured perhaps is a better word, in contrast to my kate that feels like silk on my skin. BUT I have worn it for 2.5 days straight with nothing on under it, so that says something! Thanks so much Lisa for teaching me about layering. I think my ibex, coupled with my old LLbean fleece, silk, and columbia shell, give me every possible combo I'll need! I also plan to bring my goretex bottoms just in case it snows. They too are medium, but that means I can layer them over jeans or dress pants as needed.

[KnottedYet]

I wore a nice thick cotton turtleneck Thursday. Y'know, the kind that seem more like a sweater than a mere shirt? I was miserably chilled. I put on my office sweater (cotton sweater that lives in my office) AND my Mountain Hardware fleece, but I was still clammy and chilled.

When I got home at the end of the day I finally realized it was because I wasn't wearing wool! I've been wearing wool against my skin every day for so much of this winter that cotton felt clammy! I immediately put on my Ibex Qu-T and Ibex Switchback and felt muuuuuch better. :p

[mimitabby]

Knot, you need a woolen office sweater!!!

do you have snow yet today?

[KnottedYet]

Yup, we had snow, but it melted.

I'm wearing a wool t-neck and my Switchback and wool long undies and wool socks. Wool on my skin is niiiiice.

Edit: wandering through Terry's sale pages http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=5134

[RTW]

Hi RTW, and welcome to our forum and thanks for all the great info on the Icebreaker line. I don't even mind the raglan sleees or flatlock stictching, I just wish they didn't put the racing stripes on. I like stuff thats multi-functional, and the racing stripes just put it over too much into the sporty category for me.

Why don't you introduce yourself in the getting to know you thread?

Thanks for the welcome! Actually, I'm such a newbie that I'm not sure I'm ready for a self-introduction post -- I know much more about wool than biking (which is why I'm here and not on the get-to-know-you thread). But I did just make a couple of purchases that I think might be the beginning of a more bike-intensive phase: I got two bright reflective vests (one for day, one for night; both necessary since my clothing color of choice is basic black), and just today at the REI garage sale, I snagged a pair of Shimano Sport Shoes (http://www.rei.com/product/735356#) for <$20 — someone apparently returned them because there was a light mark on the toe box of one shoe. So when (if?) I ever try cleats, I'll be prepared.

OK, that post had nothing about wool. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing...;)

[Crankin]

OK, you guys are getting to me. When I was in Vermont, I saw my first "Shak" full zip. Not on sale and not my size. I signed up on the Ibex site for the free Shak contest. I've seen a few half zips on sale, but I really didn't feel like spending the $.
Today I went wool crazy. I ordered an Icebreaker sweater, 2 long sleeved wool base layers, and 2 short sleeve base layers from STP. All before 8 AM.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Save some money for when we meet up at the Arcadian Shop next weekend! They have Kates and shaks and Carrie Hoodies and everything! :eek:

[Crankin]

Well, I got 10% off of all of the stuff, which was already deeply discounted. Steve got a hooded sweatshirt, and we got free shipping. I think I ended up paying 65.00 for the Icebreaker, which is about half price.

I am coming with all credit cards in hand next Sunday!

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, my last package came today, and I am SO SPOILED BY my Ibex I just finished packing it up and sending it all back.

With that being said, its not awful or anything, I just didn't *LOVE* it. I ordered the sale merino wool t-necks, and I just didn't care for the quality or fit. I didn't like the way the sleeves and bottom are unfinished. I didn't like the way the bottom rolls up when tucked in. On me, the sleeves were a tad short, the overall length a tad long for tucking into normal waisted pants (size S). The machine stitching just didn't look as solid as on my ibex, and I worried how they'd hold up to washing (state dry clean only), and they looked sort of frumpy on me. I was also annoyed that one item shipped in the wrong color just rolled up in a plastic bag like it had just come back from a return. I also thought LLbean had better quality, but maybe that's the bean stuff I still have from a different time. On the plus side, I will say the wool was soft, and while lightweight as described not paper thin.

So, with all my posts what did I end up KEEPING (all Ibex, bought either at my local 50% off sale, uncle dan's or online ibex outlet):

2 full zip shaks, 1 thistle heather and 1 black
4 kates, 2 black and 2 green
1 mulberry ribbie
1 pair knee warmers
1 pair arm warmers

Everything I kept mixes and matches with stuff I have already to give a lot of different looks with a min. number of travel pices, and works well on or off the bike, and can be paired with casual or professional pieces.

I stuck to my promise to only buy ibex on sale, and the damage on return postage wasn't awful with the return mailers both sierra and llbean provide. Well worth it to me to try on all this stuff in the convenience of my own home!

So, now that I've had a chance to see a lot of stuff, I would rank Ibex > Icebreaker > Bean. At this point I think I have enough wool to last a good long time, but if and when I need wool again, its Ibex on sale all the way!

In terms of sizing I would say Ibex runs a tad smaller than Icebreaker and Bean. I would say Ibex's smalls are really 4-6 smalls while the others are more like 6-8 smalls.

[Dianyla]

In terms of sizing I would say Ibex runs a tad smaller than Icebreaker and Bean. I would say Ibex's smalls are really 4-6 smalls while the others are more like 6-8 smalls.
Out of the box, yes. I've found that my Icebreaker pieces do shrink upon first wash/dry, while the Ibex pieces do not shrink (with the notable exception of the Switchback). Also, my only complaint about the various Icebreaker garments I have is that they sometimes shrink irregularly.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am coming with all credit cards in hand next Sunday!

I heard a rumor that the Arcadian Shop is running a 30% off Ibex sale. We'll just have to see what's happening when we get there! :eek:

Trisk- that's amazing will power you have there, sending that whole order back....I'm impressed!

RTW- your Shimano sport shoes post could have been about wool if you had simply added: "I plan to wear some nice thin wool socks under these shoes!".

[Triskeliongirl]

I actually sent two whole orders back, the sierra one and the bean one. All my ibex pieces have washed beautifully, no shrinkage at all.

Have fun shopping! I was wishing it would be when I am in town, but now I am glad its not. No more shopping for me!!

[madscot13]

really you think that icebreaker runs larger than ibex? I've never been able to get my hands on an xs hooded shak (well that may have something to do with them not making an xs.) wish I could though!

[Dianyla]

really you think that icebreaker runs larger than ibex?
Once the Icebreaker shrinks, it runs about the same size as Ibex.

[RTW]

RTW - your Shimano sport shoes post could have been about wool if you had simply added: "I plan to wear some nice thin wool socks under these shoes!".

Oh yes, that's it! Yes, I plan to wear wool socks with my nice new(ish) shoes. :)

I could add a wool-related question to my newbie post: Now that I have too much wool to count (let alone fit into my drawers), is there any reason to keep a traditional long-sleeved synthetic jersey complete with back pockets and brighter colors? None of my long-sleeved wool tops were designed specifically for biking, so they don't have the pockets. But if you think there's that much advantage to the performance, perhaps it's OK to forgo the pockets and use the wool tops and return the synthetic.

Not being an Ibex owner (in tops at least; I have their Backcountry pants), I don't know personally how their cut compares to Icebreaker. The Icebreaker Chakra top does run small compared to the rest of their items; the Ibex Backcountry pants run rather big in general. I don't think my Icebreaker items have shrunk a lot; well, I've noticed shrinkage in one item right after washing, but it stretches back out after I wear it for a short time.

But Madscot, if you're looking for a wool hoodie, Icebreaker does make two hooded tops. The Nomad (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/9910021,13886_ICEBREAKER-SPORT-320-NOMAD-TOP-LONGSLEEVE-For-Women.html) (1/4 zip) is actually currently available in XS, S and L in black on Sierra Trading Post, and I have a two-day 20%-off coupon for all women's apparel if you want -- that would bring it down from $85 to $68, compared to a list price of $130. Buy it soon, because it says the the XS is "almost gone." Uncle Dan's also has the Conquest hoodie (http://www.udans.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=IBJ145!ICE&csurl=%2FiStar%2Easp%3Fa%3D29%26search%3Dconquest%26imageField%2Ex%3D0%26imageField%2Ey%3D0%26) in XS in black and pink for $124 and free shipping. The differences are that the Nomad is 1/4-zip while the Conquest is a full-zip, and the Nomad is woven in a looser, non-windproof knit while the Conquest is a more wind-resistant knit. I found a post (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/10784/index.html) on another (hiking) forum that compares the Nomad, Conquest and Shak from a male backpacker's point of view.

Am I a wool enabler?

[RTW]

Oops. Link doesn't work -- to see the Nomad, go to the STP site and enter item code 13886, or try this link (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=13886). Sorry!

[KnottedYet]

Once the Icebreaker shrinks, it runs about the same size as Ibex.

That's been my experience, also.

[DebW]

I heard a rumor that the Arcadian Shop is running a 30% off Ibex sale. We'll just have to see what's happening when we get there! :eek:


If that's true, I may well be spending money rather than just looking next weekend. I definitely want to try on the Ibex bike shorts and knickers and some other things.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If that's true, I may well be spending money rather than just looking next weekend. I definitely want to try on the Ibex bike shorts and knickers and some other things.

I saw they had some El Fito knickers, didn't notice about the shorts. I doubt they carry the entire Ibex line of clothes, and we won't know about any sales til we get there, unless you call ahead. I'm excited about meeting up with you guys! :p

[Triskeliongirl]

Deb, I highly recommend the knee warmers and arm warmers, which are deeply discounted right now at the ibex website. The only problem is your limbs may be a bit too slim for them, since the smallest they come in is unisex small (garment measurements are posted here on TE by susan in the apparel section). I rode with them for the first time today. The arm warmers stayed up fine and are quite long, but the leg ones did creep down, although they never slipped out from under the band on my shorts, so I am going to play around with placing them higher to begin with. Great at temp. regulation. It was a warmer morning, but they kept me warm without letting me overheat. A great product!

[Triskeliongirl]

really you think that icebreaker runs larger than ibex? I've never been able to get my hands on an xs hooded shak (well that may have something to do with them not making an xs.) wish I could though!


XS hooded shak on sale right here: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=847&VID=9623&Product=Hooded-Shak

Does this make me a wool enabler?

[GLC1968]

Deb, I highly recommend the knee warmers and arm warmers, which are deeply discounted right now at the ibex website. The only problem is your limbs may be a bit too slim for them, since the smallest they come in is unisex small (garment measurements are posted here on TE by susan in the apparel section). I rode with them for the first time today. The arm warmers stayed up fine and are quite long, but the leg ones did creep down, although they never slipped out from under the band on my shorts, so I am going to play around with placing them higher to begin with. Great at temp. regulation. It was a warmer morning, but they kept me warm without letting me overheat. A great product!

Ditto on the awesomeness of the arm warmers. My husband, who is a cold weather wimp but who has a killer internal furnace (read: he has a hard time regulating his temps), LOVES these. He got the armwarmers with a gift certificate and I have to admit - they are incredibly well made. A super bargain right now!

[DebW]

I'm lusting after lodden wool mittens (but $45 on sale?). And 3/4 Janes and a Norgie Crew. I have arm warmers and leg warmers and knee warmers.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm lusting after lodden wool mittens (but $45 on sale?). And 3/4 Janes and a Norgie Crew. I have arm warmers and leg warmers and knee warmers.

Deb, they have the loden mittens and the Norgies at Arcadian, so you could try them on there. Not sure about the 3/4 janes.

[Triskeliongirl]

Deb, here is a link to some ibex cycling shorts on sale: http://www.westhillshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=235

I also noticed a lot of items are now reduced at the ibex site, not listed in outlet, but in their regular sections. I want one of these in green: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products_Landing.php?LPID=9
But, I will not spend that much money even on sale, and especially not after what I just finished buying.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh Trisk, you really ARE an enabler now!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

By the way, I should mention that I have one of those Skimmer caps, and I don't really like it much. It's not stretchy enough and doesn't cover my ears very well. If you want a wool helmet liner get the Smartwool one which covers ears completely and stretches over the head beautifully. It also has less bumpy seams.

[Triskeliongirl]

Oh Trisk, you really ARE an enabler now!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

By the way, I should mention that I have one of those Skimmer caps, and I don't really like it much. It's not stretchy enough and doesn't cover my ears very well. If you want a wool helmet liner get the Smartwool one which covers ears completely and stretches over the head beautifully. It also has less bumpy seams.

Thanks Lisa, but actually its the Razzel sweater I've been lusting after, I guess the link just takes you to the general page. I just love the 17.5 merino..........

[Crankin]

AHHHH! I bought it.
I haven't seen too many x smalls and the price was right.
I am bad.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

AHHHH! I bought it.
I haven't seen too many x smalls and the price was right.
I am bad.

Bought what?!?


Trisk- those razzels look sweet. They are not like heavy sweaters though- should be nice and soft.....
(you know you want one)

Just in case anyone is missing the parts where they show what's currently on sale at Ibex:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens
AND....
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?Outlet=1&Gender=Womens

[Crankin]

The extra small hooded Shak mentioned before. Sorry, I was so crazed with wool lust I didn't explain myself.....

[KnottedYet]

By the way, I should mention that I have one of those Skimmer caps, and I don't really like it much. It's not stretchy enough and doesn't cover my ears very well. If you want a wool helmet liner get the Smartwool one which covers ears completely and stretches over the head beautifully. It also has less bumpy seams.

I have the Ibex Meru hat (as does Trek) and just love it as a helmet liner. It fits great under the helmet, breathes and wicks like only wool can, and covers my ears perfectly.

Edit: I see the Meru with earflaps is also on sale for $15. Trek420 and I have regular Merus.

[DebW]

Just in case anyone is missing the parts where they show what's currently on sale at Ibex:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens
AND....
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?Outlet=1&Gender=Womens

Does anyone know how long this sale lasts? They have so many nice things on sale, but I want to wait until Sunday after I see things in person at the Arcadian Shop and compare prices.

[Triskeliongirl]

I imagine the Ibex sale lasts until things sell out (I think they are trying to clear winter stock to make room for spring/new items).

You could always make an order, with the expectation that you'll return things later, but then you need to plan for the return postage fees. I will tell you that Ibex at those prices is unusual. Just keep the tags on, and once you try things this weekend (which may hapen before your order arrives) you could even exchange some items you ordered for items you tried on, and I think they'll charge you less postage on an exchange.

One thing I have learned is that you can gather a lot about fit from whether the item is described as form fitting or semi fitting. For me, the smalls in the semi-fit items fit very nice for professional or casual settings, whereas the items described as form fit, fit very close to the body, which is fine, even desirable for activity, but may look too snug for professional use (unless one sizes up).

I was feeling a little bad last night, cuz both the stratto sweater and razzle are now on sale, and perhaps if they were on sale a week ago I would have ordered them instead of the green kate/black shak, but as I sit in my office in my green kate/black shak, while it is 34 degrees outside, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have it paired my black wool pants, and it looks very chic and professional, yet I can pair the same top with cycling tights, throw over a cycling jacket, and bike, or put a goretex suit over and cross-country ski. The full zip shak is an incredibly versatile piece. In fact, I may wear my shaks to my DC meeting instead of a suit jacket, since a suit jacket is actually too formal, the shaks make me look just the right level of professional for a scientist, let me feel comfortable, and keep me toasty warm but not overheating in a normally heated room.

[DebW]

There is a review of the Ibex Balance Seamless Sport Bra at www.backpackinglight.com. This is a subscription site so most of you won't be able to read the whole article. But suffice it to say the Ibex's wool sports bra got an excellent review for comfort and performance in high-output winter activities. The reviewer wore it for backpacking, rafting, and swimming, even for 6 days and nights straight. Only slight downside was that it should not be worn as outerwear when wet.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Only slight downside was that it should not be worn as outerwear when wet.

Probably true of any bra! :cool: :D

[Triskeliongirl]

I just wanted to update my report on the Ibex Knee Warmers. While I did have problems with them not staying put on my ride in yesterday, I simply placed them higher up on my leg for the ride home and they were fine. It was not a cold day, but windy and the windbreaking front really did its job. Again, for the weather I wore them in I was glad that I didn't overheat. There is one neg. review of them at the ibex site (probably why they are on sale!) but I disagree. I think the fit is great, but you do need to experiment with positioning, as the wool isn't quite as forgiving as lycra if they aren't positioned properly to begin with. I was having trouble to find leg warmers that aren't too long, so I realized with the addition of high cut socks they can easily double as leg warmers.



Deb, I highly recommend the knee warmers and arm warmers, which are deeply discounted right now at the ibex website. The only problem is your limbs may be a bit too slim for them, since the smallest they come in is unisex small (garment measurements are posted here on TE by susan in the apparel section). I rode with them for the first time today. The arm warmers stayed up fine and are quite long, but the leg ones did creep down, although they never slipped out from under the band on my shorts, so I am going to play around with placing them higher to begin with. Great at temp. regulation. It was a warmer morning, but they kept me warm without letting me overheat. A great product!

[KnottedYet]

I have a Shak!
Finally!!!

It is a Thistle pullover. I *love* this color! Purple-y grey! With bits of blue! (Grey/gray is one of my favorite colors, as is purple, as is blue. And this Shak is such a rich grey!)

I am ecstatic over the sleeve length. Sleeves that are actually LONG enough! Got on the bike, and they are long enough to cover my wrists when I ride.

And raglan shoulders just make it fit all the better.

Nice heavy shirt, sturdy dense fabric. I'm wearing it over my dark grey Norgie crew with my gray-blue Woolrich wool vest. (yes, it should be "Norge", but Ibex was having fun with the word) Tried it over my new silver/pink/magenta Twizler, and they match beautifully.

Did I mention that I love the sleeve length? The torso is long enough, too. Hot diggity! :D

[KnottedYet]

Wool triathlon top?
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products_Landing.php?LPID=51

[Crankin]

My order from STP came last night. Everything fits! The Icebreaker half zip really fits well, but it feels a little itchy to me. Well, I will be wearing it with something underneath. The 2 Icebreaker superfine short sleeved T shirts also felt a little rougher than the soft merino I am used to in sweaters. But I am now washing them, as the label said they would soften up with washing. They fit so well, I look forward to wearing them in the summer!
I also got 2 fleece v neck tops that fit perfectly. The sleeves on all of these items in x-small are a pretty good length, considering I usually wear petite sizes in regular clothes.
I am going to test out one or two of these pieces when I ride my Jamis today. Now I feel like a real commuter.

[mimitabby]

I got my new green wool bra last night. I am wearing it today; but probably won't do anything really athletic. Maybe tomorrow I will ride a little. It's very comfortable. When I first put it on my reaction was eyeeew! it's tight. But then it stopped being tight.

I also got my matching to Lisa and Trisk's ribby. It's kind of thin (not as warm as i'd hoped) but Raleighdon loves it and it IS comfy.

[KnottedYet]

I slept in my new Shak. I'm gonna wear it today, too. Maybe with my Ibex Echo T underneath.

Such a nice heavy shirt! Wheeee! (and the SLEEVES! I am in love with the SLEEVES because they are LONG!!!!!!! :D)

[sandra]

I have a Shak!
Finally!!!

It is a Thistle pullover. I *love* this color! Purple-y grey! With bits of blue! (Grey/gray is one of my favorite colors, as is purple, as is blue. And this Shak is such a rich grey!)

I am ecstatic over the sleeve length. Sleeves that are actually LONG enough! Got on the bike, and they are long enough to cover my wrists when I ride.

And raglan shoulders just make it fit all the better.

Nice heavy shirt, sturdy dense fabric. I'm wearing it over my dark grey Norgie crew with my gray-blue Woolrich wool vest. (yes, it should be "Norge", but Ibex was having fun with the word) Tried it over my new silver/pink/magenta Twizler, and they match beautifully.

Did I mention that I love the sleeve length? The torso is long enough, too. Hot diggity! :D


Knot, what size did you get?

[KnottedYet]

Knot, what size did you get?

I got a Large. I have now something like 17 pieces of Ibex, and all are women's Large *except* for my El Fito cycling capris which are medium.

I've found Ibex's sizing to be very consistent.

Now, if I wanted to have a jacket that would fit over a couple layers or over a thick sweater, I'd get an Extra Large. I am sorely tempted by Lisa's method of the "twin set" of a pullover Shak and a matching color zip-front Shak in one size larger.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am sorely tempted by Lisa's method of the "twin set" of a pullover Shak and a matching color zip-front Shak in one size larger.

You and Sandra BOTH need matching shak sweater sets. I can't emphasize enough how wonderfully versatile it is to have them like that.

You know you are addicted when you wear wool both night and day.

Mimi....a green wool bra....now how cool is that? :cool: Oh, baby....

[KnottedYet]

I need to stop looking at this page: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Knot,
stop looking at this page:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?PriceType=SalePrice&Gender=Womens
:cool:

[sandra]

knot, I have a coupon code, you can get 15% off the full zip shak. :D

[KnottedYet]

Oh, you temptresses!

Thanks for the coupon code offer, but I already spent my entire bonus. So now I have to behave.

I sure do like this Shak pullover, though!

[sandra]

sigh. I still have not bought one. I had it in my cart ready to check out, but decided to wait. I have MEN working here today. We got a lot of rain and our sea wall is washing out. I'm going to see what they charge us before I order. :mad:

[Natasha]

highcountryoutfitters.com has some ibex items at half price. Got a Carrie hoody for 77.50. They also have the bella vest at half price. No shaks though. Sizes and colors are limited. I always love a sale.

[KnottedYet]

highcountryoutfitters.com has some ibex items at half price. Got a Carrie hoody for 77.50. They also have the bella vest at half price. No shaks though. Sizes and colors are limited. I always love a sale.

Oh, now I am in serious trouble! http://www.highcountryoutfitters.com/highcountry/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&pf%5Fid=PAOHADCKMGILJNEJ

[KnottedYet]

Oh, I am WEAK!!!!! I just bought this: http://www.highcountryoutfitters.com/highcountry/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&pf%5Fid=PAOHIDPMNAIAJNEJ&mscssid=5ACRHX6UGQW78K2L8DFT5C5BGCW2BPB8

Free shipping!
No tax!!

[sandra]

Darn. I would have bought one too, but my size is gone.

[sandra]

OK, Knot. I'm going in. I normally wear like a 10-12 at the most. I guess a Large?

[KnottedYet]

I normally wear a 12 or 14, and I wear a large in Ibex. (I think I just bought the last Large Carrie hoody from High Country, and it was in Thistle, too!) I have very long arms, so I just tend to buy large enough to fit my arms. But Ibex Large not only fits my arms, it also fits my torso!

Luuuuuuuuv Ibex!

[sandra]

:eek::mad::eek: That was supposed to be MINE.

So, I'm considering the Mollie Jacket, but I'm afraid it might be to heavy for here...and the Bella Vest.

With free shipping, I suppose I can always send it back if it doesn't work.

[KnottedYet]

:eek::mad::eek: That was supposed to be MINE.


If the Carrie Hoody doesn't work for me, you get first dibs.

That Mollie jacket is very nifty, it tempted me also. From what I know of wool Boucle and Ibex's felted wool, I'd expect the Mollie to be just slightly warmer than the Carrie, if anything. (I have a wool Boucle vest, and one of the old-style felted Ibex Switchbacks.)

[sandra]

If the Carrie Hoody doesn't work for me, you get first dibs.



Deal! I'm going for the vest for now then I think.

[KnottedYet]

A medium Carrie Hoody might fit you, if you are usually a 10. Why not get the last medium (in charcoal) as well as a vest?

temptation is *good*! :D

[sandra]

:eek: GULP :eek:

I
:eek:
ORDERED. :eek:

The Mollie Jacket in Crab Apple in a Large
the Bella Vest in Oatmeal Heather in a Large
the Carrie Hoody in Charcoal Heather/Black in a Medium. (it says it is relaxed fit, so it might just work.

Since the shipping is FREE, I can try it all and see what I like and send back what I don't want. I'm taking lessons from Lisa. But, still no Shak. There's always next year, OR they may go on sale later. These were great prices, so I took advantage of them.

[Natasha]

The Mollie jacket is definitely heavier than the Carrie hoody. I thought the Mollie fit was kind of weird though. It ran kind of small. I like the Bregenz much better.

[sandra]

The Mollie jacket is definitely heavier than the Carrie hoody. I thought the Mollie fit was kind of weird though. It ran kind of small. I like the Bregenz much better.

Oh well. I can always send it back.

[KnottedYet]

Or offer it up here on Woolweenies.

[mimitabby]

like throwing a little beefsteak in a pool of Pirhanas

[Triskeliongirl]

FYI, I tried on the mollie jacket, carrie hoodie and bella vest in a store recently. If I were buying them, I would probably go with Mediums to layer over my Small shak, although the store I was at didn't have them in smalls to compare. The Mollie Jacket is very heavy, its a real wool coat, much heavier than the carrie hoodie. I am a 4-6 on the bottom and 6-8 on top (depending on brand). I am a solid small on top on all other pieces I tried in ibex (shak, kate, ribbie), icebreaker, and llbean, but when I want a piece to layer over something heavy I buy medium (like my PI gavia jacket, PI vagabound II jacket, and craft rain jacket).

[KnottedYet]

The Mollie fabric must be a lot denser than the old Switchback fabric. Sandra, if you don't like the Mollie, let's compare sizes and such. Cuz I thought it was pretty spiffy looking and it was my size, and heavy wool is a good thing to have up here.

(so if you decide to send it back, PM me first, please!:p)

[Triskeliongirl]

I forgot to add that I still think the full zip shak is the best piece to have if you are only gonna own one because of its versatility. Uncle Dan's still has them on sale. Its a a good mid-weight sweater. The kate is a light base, the ribbie is a mid-weight base (both layer nicely under shak), the shak is a mid-weight sweater, the carrie hoodie is also a mid-weight sweater more casual than the shak, while the mollie a heavy weight jacket/short coat. I would layer the carrie hoodie over either a base or shak, and the mollie definitely over a shak and carrie hoodie.

Hey New England gals, save something to buy tomorrow! We expect a full report.

[sandra]

Well, shoot. For some reason I was thinking that Uncle Dan's didn't have my size. That was when I was think about getting an XL. They DO have a L.

I may try to cancel the Mollie. If I can't, I'll let you know Knot.

[KnottedYet]

Try it out, first! You might love it!

I find the Shak pullover to be like a heavy shirt, about the weight of a rugby shirt. I'm hoping the Carrie Hoody is heavier than my Shak pullover.

[sandra]

Yes, it looks like I will have to. When you call the number listed it goes to the store and they are "currently helping customers on the floor". I guess they don't have a special number for online orders. I didn't realize they were so close to me. Atlanta, GA. My order should be here in 3 days.

[sandra]

BTW, the Mollie jacket at Uncle Dan's is on sale for $146.50, so at $97.50, I did get a great deal!

[Triskeliongirl]

Try it out, first! You might love it!

I find the Shak pullover to be like a heavy shirt, about the weight of a rugby shirt. I'm hoping the Carrie Hoody is heavier than my Shak pullover.

I have the full zip not half zip shak, and while the weight doesn't feel very heavy, it packs a pile of warmth. I think the weight of the carrie hoodie is similar, its just a very different knit, the shak is much softer, the carrie is that boucle, scratchy if it touches your skin.

[KnottedYet]

Weeeeell, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

(Sandra, we could end up trading! :rolleyes:)

[Natasha]

Sandra,
The Mollie jacket is beautiful. I tried one on in a local store and it just did not fit me well, with very long sleeves. The crab apple color is gorgeous.
You'll probably love it. It gets great reviews on the Ibex website.
Let us know what you think when it comes.