WoolWeenies Club [Archive] - Page 9 - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Crankin

12-16-2008, 03:38 AM

OK, they arrived. I am not sure if I am going to keep them. The waist actually fits, because I like to wear my pants lower, below my waist. They are loose, but not bulging out in the back. It's the bottoms of the legs I am not sure about. I tried them on in socks and they are down to the bottom of my feet. Almost on the floor. I have to try them on with my hiking boots and my x country boots. However, the velcro on the bottom of the legs has me puzzled. They are already wide legged and the velcro was not fastened to the tightest part. When i went to tighten the velcro,the pant bottom looks awful. I am not sure why it's there.
After I try them on with shoes, I will make my decision. It looks like it would be expensive or hard to hem because of the velcro/hem on the bottom. My husband has similar Ibex pants, but his have zippers on the legs. I always wanted some like his, but now I don't know if I can justify the expense; I don't think I would wear them outside of sports activities.

Triskeliongirl

12-16-2008, 06:43 AM

Well I am sorry they are so long on you. The 4 was soooo short on me I am really surprised they are that long on you. But if you don't love them, which it sounds like you don't, just send them back.

It is unseasonablly cold here, so I don't know what I would do without them. They really cut the wind, which I noticed is a major difference between them and my wool dress pants.

Cataboo

12-16-2008, 06:47 AM

I guess I'm usually just happy to be warm and don't really worry all that much about how it looks.

Crankin, you could try pulling the pants in at the back so that it's higher at your waist and see if it fixes the bottoms of the pants.

Or just send them back.

Crankin

12-16-2008, 08:14 AM

I haven't tried them with the shoes yet, but when I tried to pull the tabs on the waist, it totally bunched up and looked awful.
Trisk, I think we are just used to cold more! Generally, when I am wearing wool dress pants, I would just be walking from my car into a building. If it's really cold or I have to walk, I will put my long underwear on. I actually thought the Alpstars would be more "wool" looking on the outside.
Yea, I am really short. But, I will try them on with the shoes and report back.

Crankin

12-16-2008, 11:38 AM

I tried them on with all of my boots; while they weren't dragging on the floor, when I went to do the velcro tighter at the bottom, there was so much extra material that they were ballooning out. Not good. It's too bad because I really liked the way the top fit. But for $166.00, they should be perfect. I am going to contact Jonesware about custom wool pants.
Thanks!
OK, an update, instead of another post from me! I ordered the Jones Ware hiking pants. They're 107.00 and for 10.00 extra they customize the inseam and waist. Perfect for me. I ordered the x smalls and had them do a 28.5 inseam instead of 29.5 and made the waist 25-26 instead of 24-25. The smalls would have been too big, so this is perfect.

Triskeliongirl

12-17-2008, 04:53 AM

Well I am glad you found something you like. I did not spend as much as you on them ($147) but obviously they fit me better and I feel I need them more than you (I am wearing them again today w my woolies under, I was so cold yesterday w my wool dress pants).

ENJOY the Jonesware pant. The custom fit sounds perfect for you!

I know I've said it before, but our major problem are interiors. The last few days have been in the 30-40s, and they were blowing cold air conditioned air on us at work. I can't get my home much warmer than 50 when its in the 30s outside w my gas radiators, and then when we go outside we have 20-30 mph winds (and I need to stand there waiting for my husband to pick me up on days its too cold to ride and we car pool)............ But I am now so used to how to dress for this that I go crazy when I go to boston and feel the interiors are overheated.

Crankin, as an aside, I know you guys have snow coming in. Should I worry my kids will have a hard time getting out of Logan on Saturday? I timed us to all land within 10 minutes of each other in Lisbon, but that assumes no flight delays.

Crankin

12-17-2008, 07:46 AM

Trisk, we are supposed to have a big storm Friday, with some "snow showers" on Saturday, although Saturday looks mostly clear. I would be mildly concerned. What time does their plane leave? International flights usually leave here at 6PM or so; if it's then, they will be fine.
Just wondering, why does your house only get up to 50? Are you purposely trying to keep it cool to save energy or is it something else? I agree with the AC thing in public buildings, though. I mean, I can't live without it when it's hot, but living in AZ had me used to keeping the house at 82 (well when it's 110 out that is cool). We keep our house at 78 in the summer and a lot of my friends come here and say they are hot. People here seem to keep their houses at 70 and even lower in public buildings.
Out heat is set at 68 and it goes down to 58 after 11 PM to 4 AM. Sometimes I am cold at that temperature in the winter, but I will put on another layer if I have to. I couldn't stand having my house be 50; my hands would be cold. I guess generally, though when people go to work here, they do not wear long underwear or layers, although they may put on a heavier wool sweater, etc. I do remember being in Portland, Maine, though and noticing a lot of wool and thermal tights and other winter stuff being sold in the summer, getting ready for winter. These things were out among the "pricey" skirts and tops in a lot of the boutiques I went in.

OakLeaf

12-17-2008, 08:10 AM

Ha... I just got two long sleeve medium weight Ibex T's for the gym. :rolleyes: It's crazy when it's 75 degrees and humid outside. I keep hinting to the owner that he needs to put a lock on the thermostat, but so far no dice. There are a couple of individuals who set the thermostat in the aerobics room at 55° (no I'm not exaggerating... and who only knows the temperature of the air coming out of the vents in the low ceiling).

Triskeliongirl

12-17-2008, 09:12 AM

Crankin- my kids flights aren't scheduled to leave until 10pm on sat., so hopefully they'll be OK. Thanks for interpreting the weather forecast for me!

You asked why our house is only ~50 degrees inside. The problem is we live in a historic neighborhhood (for real, its on the national historic registry) in a home that was built 100 years ago. Charming, yes, always practical, no! It does not have central heat and air, and whenever we have tried to get an estimate for it to be installed the contractors never even complete making the estimate (it will not be easy in other words). Each room has an individual air conditioner and a gas radiator. The good news is you only heat or cool the rooms you are using, when you are using them, so energy costs and consumption are low. Most of the time, we have mild winters, and if its 50 outside we can get the inside temp as high as we'd want. But when it drops to the 40s and even 30s, which does happen just not every day, they are just not strong enough to get us much above 50. So, I wear my woolies, alpstar pant, an ibex midweight base, shak and fleece, and sit under a blanket when indoors. Last night it was so cold I just climbed under my down comforter in my bed after dinner and went to sleep (it was one of those *very unusual* days in the 30s).

Work is another matter. Why they insist on running the air conditioning on 30 degree days I simply do not understand, so I need the same layers indoors, minus the fleece. I have ibex short sleeve polos and even tank tops to wear under blouses in summer, cuz it is so freakingly over-air conditioned. And I have an ibex ecru boucle sweater I keep in my office to wear in summer even when it might be 105 deg outside!

So, now you see why I am so confused when I travel. Here there is often not that big a diff between our indoor and outdoor temps, so all I will add when I go outside is a goretex shell to block the wind, and a hat and gloves, even when its really cold out (although yesterday I tested my down sweater and hmmmmm, what a good purchase).

Portugal will be worse, the only source of heat in my in-laws home is a wood stove. Again, it works cuz its usually mild, but still winters run in the 40-50s with no central heating.......... So we will be sleeping in bedrooms with no heat at all.

Crankin

12-17-2008, 10:12 AM

Well, I guess that's the down side of having an historic home. We looked at a few of those, too, before we bought this house 3 years ago. In the end, we decided that there was too much work involved with renovations, etc. Little did we know how much we would spend on this house! But, the heating/AC have had minimal problems. At times, though, I wish we were living in the historic district, because it is FLAT... my driveway is already iced over, from a little 2 inches of snow and some drizzle. It's not enough for the plow guy to come. Oh well.
Have a good time in Portugal. I taught in a system that had mostly Portuguese students (or Brazilian) and it looks so pretty from the pictures. My friends did a cycling trip there a couple of years ago. The hills looked challenging!

Triskeliongirl

12-17-2008, 10:35 AM

Thanks Crankin! Well we planned on selling our house when we became empty nesters, and getting something smaller and more modern, but as you well know its just not a good time to sell a house right now.

We have 2 weeks of vacation in Portugal w DH's family, and then 2 weeks of travelling including professional visits to Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Lausanne. Kids stay with us almost to Lausanne, and then we send them off on their own with 2 week eurail passes. Not the season to bring bikes unfortunatey, although someday we'd love to do a european family bike tour.

Thanks to the wool weenies both DD and I are well prepared!

Its funny when I had 35 lb more fat on me, I didn't even need to know about wool! Boy can fat be insulating!!!

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-17-2008, 11:01 AM

I bet also that Triskelion's house, being in Texas, is not well insulated like our NE houses are. So when it's unseasonably cold and windy, I bet it's hard to keep the temps up inside with just some dinky radiators.

Triskeliongirl

12-17-2008, 11:09 AM

Yeh, in fact we have walls of mostly glass (i.e. windows), which functioned in the pre-AC days to give lots of cross ventilation, with ceiling fans everywhere. I was sitting in my study the other night, trying to work but feeling a horrible draft coming off the window next to my desk.

The radiators are small, and you fill them with water and then light the gas pilot,which heats the water and generates a wimpy amount of heat.

I bet also that Triskelion's house, being in Texas, is not well insulated like our NE houses are. So when it's unseasonably cold and windy, I bet it's hard to keep the temps up inside with just some dinky radiators.

Crankin

12-19-2008, 09:00 AM

My Jones Wears pants came today! Really quick. I ordered them on Tuesday?
They fit perfectly. They are just plain merino wool stretch pull ups with 5% lycra. They are pretty thick, but lay flat. I will definitely be wearing these for all types of activities. With long underwear, they will be very toasty.
You guys should really look at this company.

Natasha

12-19-2008, 03:59 PM

Hey WoolWeenies,
REI has some Ibex stuff on sale, including Women's Full Zip Shaks ($89.13 after the 15% discount.
How many Shaks are too many for one person?

Cataboo

12-19-2008, 06:43 PM

I was pretty tempted by those. I had an ibex green polo shirt arrive today & some ibex knee warmers, so that might be today's wool fix.

I was cleaning and hanging things up earlier and noticed that I have 2 ibex carries, 2 ibex vertigos, 2 ibex mollie's, 1 ibex switchback full zip, 3 ibex switchback pullovers, 2 icebreaker ravens, 2 icebreaker allstars, 1 ibex cinch, 1 icebreaker jetter, 1 smartwool route, at least 4 icelandic design wools..... 3 ibex shak zip necks, 1 hooded shak.

And erm. an ibex neve, ibex cirque jacket, and.... I'm not getting into any of the rest of the sweaters.

And there's only 1 of me.

I have serious shopping issues.

Biciclista

12-19-2008, 07:55 PM

yes, Catriona, I would agree with you. I would love to have what you have but I just can't seem to spend the money.
I guess I'm too cheap. The few pieces I have, I love.

Cataboo

12-19-2008, 08:00 PM

Oh - I didn't pay anywhere near full price for any of it. Which is how I end up with multiples. However, if something's 70% off - then I buy a couple since I'm unlikely to find it again. And it becomes very easy to rationalize why I need two of them.

Biciclista

12-19-2008, 08:06 PM

you've got to let me/us know when any of this stuff is 70% off.

Cataboo

12-19-2008, 08:16 PM

Will do.

Crankin

12-20-2008, 03:57 AM

Thanks, Catriona. I just bought my black full zip Shak! My husband works near an REI, so he will pick it up there.

OK, no more wool for me, except for the micro weight long underwear I need.

Cataboo

12-20-2008, 10:02 AM

Icebreaker body fit 260 crew is on sac right now for $32 (60% off)

OakLeaf

12-20-2008, 11:43 AM

okay.... step away from the keyboard... it's 70 degrees outside and I've bought two SmartWool tops and two Ibex tops in the past month... I do not need more wool...

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-20-2008, 11:45 AM

fidlfreek

12-21-2008, 07:27 PM

Hey, I bought some SmartWool glove liners last month and LOVE them. Super super warm and soft. But they are starting to ravel out at the thumb! OH NO!!!!!! Has this happened to anybody else???

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-22-2008, 06:06 AM

Just last night I darned a big unravel spot in my wonderful old cashmere wool glove liners. I think it's fairly common to have wool gloves start coming apart in one spot or another. They are not as tightly woven as heavy socks. Either ask Smartwool or the store to replace them, or else just get used to darning little holes and loose seams in wool. I'm kind of used to darning little wool holes and unraveled seams spots at this point. The trick is to get them when they are just starting. Use a single thread so it's less bulky, and don't pull the wool together so much as to pucker it needlessly.

fidlfreek

12-24-2008, 08:04 PM

I am handy with a needle. Do I just use normal cotton thread? What about the knots?

Cataboo

12-24-2008, 09:26 PM

Not bad for starters. :D :eek: ;) ;) :cool: :eek:

Don't encourage me :) I'm working on returning to a sane amount of clothing and divesting of all the stuff I don't need.

Natasha

12-24-2008, 09:29 PM

REI has marked their Ibex and Icebreaker stuff down even further. A full zip shak for less than $60 and a Carrie Hoody for a little over $63. A food variety of icebreaker too.

Natasha

12-24-2008, 09:31 PM

That should read a good variety of Icebreaker. I guess the REI 15% discount ends tonight, on top of the lower prices.

Cataboo

12-24-2008, 09:50 PM

Despite my previous post about divesting, I have to indulge.

Cataboo

12-24-2008, 10:36 PM

I'm sitting on my hands and forcing myself to look at my credit card balance from christmas shopping and other indulgances... not to mention the previous list of wool I've posted.

Self restraint is winning. sort of.

Crankin

12-25-2008, 04:31 AM

My black full zip Shak came last night! I am going to wear it hiking today.
So, no more wool for me, unless something unusual comes along.
Of course, we can still meet up for the sale at the Arcadian Shop next month...

RTW

12-27-2008, 03:16 PM

OK, thanks to you guys, I'm thinking about getting an Ibex Full-Zip Shak. I have an Icebreaker Conquest Hoodie that I love and wear everywhere, but I have trouble layering it under some of my coats when I'm not wearing the hood, because the hood hangs down and gets under the collar. The Ibex Full-Zip Shak is the only wool cardigan-type sweater that I can find without a hood. But I'm not sure how it fits -- relaxed, fitted, designed to wear over sweaters, etc.? FWIW, I take a medium in most Icebreakers and also in my Ibex Kate, but in Patagonia, I'm a small in all outerwear (though not in shirts). I also found that the Ibex Backcountry pants are slightly too large for me in medium. My theory is that I take smaller sizes in anything that's meant as outerwear, and anything that's relaxed (I usually need petite clothing in general). Any advice?

And thanks to you guys, I'm also tempted by the Carrie Hoody, which -- unlike the Shak -- I *don't* need, but that never seems to stop me. Any advice on whether to size up or down in that one?

Thanks for the advice (even though you're making me spend *more* money on my wool addiction)! :o

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-27-2008, 06:12 PM

We could probably give you better fit advice if you gave us your height and weight and maybe an approx. bust size. :)

Also, do you want the Shak and/or the Carrie to wear UNDER overcoats or do you plan to wear them OVER regular tops, like jackets or cardigans, on the outside? In other words, do you want them to fit like a jacket with room to spare, or like a form fitting turtleneck sweater?

RTW

12-27-2008, 06:40 PM

Zen

12-27-2008, 07:14 PM

Icebreaker body fit 260 crew is on sac right now for $32 (60% off)

Snagged me one :)
It's grey:(but I like the thumbhole thingies

Selkie

12-28-2008, 04:59 AM

Snagged me one :)
It's grey:(but I like the thumbhole thingies

Grey is actually not a bad color.

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-28-2008, 07:30 AM

You want my weight? That's classified information!

Um. 5'3" and 130 lbs. I have no idea what my bust size is. In general, I'm MP or size 8P in most shirts, but S in Patagonia jackets (and 6P in Ann Taylor's jackets, sometimes 8P at J. Crew).

I'd be wearing it as a midlayer in late fall/winter or as an outer layer in spring through fall, just the way I wear my Conquest Hoodie. I've been known to wear the Conquest over garments as thick as a thin wool (of course!) sweater or even a twinset, and under my winter coat. It's snug and fitted but doesn't look too tight. I think the Carrie is a little thicker than the Conquest (320), being boucle, but am not so sure about the Shak.

ETA: Oh, and forgot to mention, I have an Ibex Cirque and take a small in that.

Well knowing all this I would advise you to order a small AND a medium in both the shak and the Carrie, and send back the ones you don't want.
I'm a little taller and 20 lbs heavier than you, and I take either the med or large in both- depending on if i want to wear them as an outer layer over things. I actually have a medium half zip shak that fits perfectly and I wear a large full zip shak over that, like a sweater set.
The Carrie is soft but is more jacket-like, due to the terrycloth-like wool material and the hood and the cut. The full zip shak can actually look great as either an outer cardigan or under stuff...it's a bit more sleek and form fitting than the Carrie, so it can be worn under things better without any bunching. Carrie has more practical pockets.

RTW

12-28-2008, 08:59 AM

Thanks so much for the advice Lisa! Well, it turns out REI is sold out of the Shaks in medium, so I just ordered one in small and will see how it works. I'm still vacillating on the Carrie however — you know, it's just hard to justify spending more to get another cardigan when I've already got one hoodie that I love, and the Shak may meet my needs better anyway. Besides, haven't I sworn off new wool purchases repeatedly over the last year? I've got a deep drawerful of wool (mostly Icebreaker, some Ibex and Patagonia), and there's no way I could wear it all unless global warming gets reversed really soon.

Grog

12-28-2008, 10:32 AM

Based on my experience, the Shak is a bit more fitting than the Carrie. Based on your size I wouldn't be surprised if you were a M in Shak and S in Carrie.

I'm a true S in the Shak and I can't find a Carrie that fits me well. (I'm 5'4" and a bit under 120 lbs, with pretty much no bust.) I wear the Shak (or the Boucle...) on top of another layer and I can even fit two form-fitting layers underneat if it's really needed (like a sleeveless top and a tight t-shirt with or without long sleeves).

GLC1968

12-28-2008, 03:41 PM

RTW - I would tend to agree with Grog's assesment of your sizing, but if you like things to fit somewhat closer to the body, the small shak might be just right.

I have two full zip shaks and two carrie hoodies. All 4 of them are mediums and they all fit well for what they are. The Carrie is slightly roomier, but it's not exactly a full size bigger. I tend to wear it layered over all kinds of things and often as a outerwear jacket. The shaks are more sleek in style (as Lisa mentioned). I wear those usually over thin baselayers and then will often wear my Pingo jacket over them (where the Pingo doesn't fit as well over my Carrie hoodies).

I do have one other shak in a small (bought it a few years ago when I was smaller) and I can still wear it if my base layer is very thin or sleeveless. For reference, I'm your height - but I outweigh you by a LOT (though, to be fair, most of my weight is in my lower half). Everything I own from Ibex is a medium or a small (way more mediums than smalls).

Oh, and I want to add that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my carrie hoodies. I have another one in my cart at Ibex right now just waiting for my next payday! They are warm, cozy, good looking...they don't shrink with washing and drying and when I throw the hood up when I'm out doing chores in the rain or cold, I am 100% completely comfortable. The boucle fabric does seem to hold dog hair more than the smoother shak material, but I also think it wears extremely well. One of my carrie hoodies gets a ton of use and has been machine washed a bunch of times...and it still looks brand new. My green shak, which has had similiar wear is obviously not as 'crisp' looking as it used to be.

GLC1968

12-28-2008, 03:45 PM

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-28-2008, 03:55 PM

Ibex 405 warning!
I don't know if anyone else has the full zip 405 from Ibex...but if you do, don't wash it!!!
I finally washed my red one for the first time last week and it totally shrunk! I washed it in cold in the machine, and then laid (layed?) it flat to dry. When I went to hang it up next to my blue 405, it was at least 2 or 3 sizes smaller. I can't wear it anymore. :mad: It sucks, because I really, really liked the red one the best, too.

Wow, thanks for that warning!- I have the red full zip 405 as well, and I really love it and wear it a LOT. Haven't washed it yet (doesn't need it) but now I will dry clean it when it finally gets grubby. It fits me perfectly but wouldn't if it shrank at all. so THANKS! I'm bummed for you about yours. :( It says right on the label machine wash gentle cold, lay flat to dry. So maybe you could get a refund or a credit if you call Ibex?

I too love my Carrie hoodie (in that great intense emerald moss green color that everyone comments on when I wear it)- it's really comfy and casual and practical.

RTW

12-28-2008, 05:27 PM

Wow, thanks for all the sizing advice! Yeah, the Shak will probably be too small, but I don't really have a choice, so I'll see how it is when it arrives. Nice having an REI nearby...

One unforeseen consequence: Now you make me want to get the Carrie after all, after I'd gone to so much trouble to talk myself out of it. Not only that, because I can't decide which color is best, I could well wind up ordering two.

Or four, if I go with the suggestion of ordering two sizes to try them on.

You're all evil influences, you know that?

P.S. GLC1968 — you saw the REI sale on Carries, right? Only a few colors, but you can't beat half-price. Still kicking myself about missing the sale Natasha mentioned...

Triskeliongirl

12-29-2008, 05:57 AM

RTW, it may not be too small, although it just may depend on how you want to layer it.

All my ibex is small, and I am usually a 4 on the bottom and a 6 on the top. The fit of the shak as others have said is sleek, which is what I like about it. I ordered it in both s and m and returned the m. It is true that the m would layer over more or heavier layers, but then the arms would be too long, and the armpits hang too low, etc. So, I don't really use it as on outer layer, but as a sleek mid layer. It layers nicely over a medium weight base layer. If I want more, I add a patagonia down sweater (small layers over it just fine) and/or my arc-tyrex goretex shell. Mostly I wear it with just the gore tex shell when I go outside.

OakLeaf

12-29-2008, 07:24 AM

wow, we should buy suits together, I'm usually a 6 on the bottom and a 4 on top. :rolleyes:

I got two Ibex Zepher T's when TE was having the sale, but they're really too long for my 5'3" frame. Are their other things shorter?

GLC1968

12-29-2008, 08:51 AM

RTW - I did see the sale. And I'm placing my order today! I totally want the dark cranberry color and they still have it in my size...YAY!!

Lisa - 405 update: it actually shrank in length more than it did in width, oddly enough. I think that once I lose my extra weight, it'll still work for a summer/warmer weather jacket (it's basically cropped now...and it won't layer over the things I used to wear it with...hence the 'summer' thought). I am going to contact Ibex - but since I bought it from backcountry.com, I don't know if they'll do anything to help me out. If they can't, I'll keep it - UGH...I wish I'd washed the blue one first...the red was my favorite!!

Oh, and I had to mention that my x-mas gift from my H finally arrived over the weekend (stupid bad weather) and he bought me a collection of 'woolies'! They are beautiful in the dark cranberry!! I got the bottoms, zip top and a striped crew top...I can't wait to wear them!

Triskeliongirl

12-29-2008, 02:10 PM

Cathrine, backcountry.com has a very liberal return policy, even for worn items. I am sure they would take it back if you are not happy.

Natasha

12-30-2008, 04:27 PM

Has anyone tried any of the Sugoi wallaroo tops? I've been eyeing the 1/2 zip top, but wondered if any had bought one.

fatbottomedgurl

01-01-2009, 04:48 PM

I just started my wool adventure- bought an Icebreaker base layer and loved it, ordered one with a half zip, and waiting for delivery. So now that I am hooked on the wonder of wool I am looking for a bra so I don't have cold and clammy boobs. I am small- an A cup so don't need a ton of support.

I see the Ibex one on TE- How thin is the fabric on the cup? Has anyone tried the I/O Biocompatible? It's only $29 bucks- more in my price range.

OakLeaf

01-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Susan Otcenas

01-01-2009, 06:42 PM

It's more supportive than I thought it would be, but it wouldn't be enough for anything high impact. Certainly plenty supportive for hiking, cycling on bumpy roads, etc.

For Spring 2009, Ibex is making 2 new versions of the wool bra that are more "constructed" than the existing version (which will also carry forward). The newer versions are for higher impact activities. The samples looked quite nice when we saw them. I think we are expecting delivery in February.

Hope this helps!

Susan

divingbiker

01-02-2009, 04:47 AM

OK, I can now compare my Neve sweaters to the Ibex Shak.

I've got two Neve sweaters--the Larissa (http://nevedesigns.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=245&cid=8&o1=1294) and the Annabelle (http://nevedesigns.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=276&cid=8). I wore the Annabelle home for Christmas and got many compliments on how nice it looked. Both of these fit the same. I also got the old version of the Trudy (http://www.steepplanet.com/proddetail.php?prod=Neve-Trudy-Sweater-Women&cat=340); I love the design, but it is cut much, much smaller than the other two, and I am going to have to send it back. I wear a large and it fits like a smallish medium, I think.

I also got a black Shak full-zip (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1208&VID=14403&Product=Shak+Full+Zip) on sale at REI. I'm wearing it today for the first time.

The Neve sweaters are a looser knit than the Shak, and feel a bit heavier. They're fuzzier due to the looser knit, and much dressier looking than the Shak. The Shak is very comfortable, but I think the pocket zipper makes it look pretty casual.

Size-wise, the Shak in a large is just a bit tighter than the Neves. Weirdly, the full zip Shak in a large fits me the same as the Shak jersey (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1207&VID=14382&Product=Shak+Jersey) in an XL.

Natasha

01-02-2009, 06:08 AM

I found the styles of Shaks to fit differently from each other also. I wear medium in the full zips, but found the half-zip to be quite a bit tighter in medium. I ended up with a large in the hooded shak (it is kind of big, but I like it much better than the medium fit). I didn't like the fit of the half zip and returned it.
I have 4 full zip Shaks, and 2 of them fit much tighter than the other 2. This is before being washed.

Grog

01-02-2009, 07:19 AM

I got the Ibex bra during the Thanksgiving sale, just wore it today in fact. :) The fabric is the same density throughout (cups and straps), but I don't know what to compare it to. Considerably thinner than the Ibex Zepher T's, maybe just a touch heavier than my microweight SmartWool. It's more supportive than I thought it would be, but it wouldn't be enough for anything high impact. Certainly plenty supportive for hiking, cycling on bumpy roads, etc.

I'm an A to A-minus cup and I find the Ibex Balance bra to be plenty supportive for running. I reach for it when it's on the cold side though (so that I don't get bothered by a wet bra). Otherwise I'll go for something a bit more "flattening"... :eek:

OakLeaf

01-02-2009, 07:26 AM

Yeah, we're all so different. :) I'm a B-/A+ cup but very bouncy, so for running I want a serious masher bra. In my running bras, my belly will stick out almost as much as my b00bs, and I don't have that much of a belly. :rolleyes:

I can't wait for the new Ibex bras! :D

Triskeliongirl

01-02-2009, 03:36 PM

I am in Portugal, and have a laundering question. I always hand wash and rack dry my ibex. But it is very damp here and I don't have time to get my things dry if I wash them tomorrow and hang them to dry. The tag says machine wash, but dry flat. Have you guys ever tried putting your ibex in a dryer? I don't wanna ruin them (or shrink them), but it would be nice to get everything clean tomorrow before I start a lot of travelling (pieces in question are shak, kate, razzle, zepher and norgie crew).

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-02-2009, 05:13 PM

(pieces in question are shak, kate, razzle, zepher and norgie crew).

I have put all those pieces (except the razzle which i don't have) into a dryer set on LOW heat and then taken them out after 20 or 30 minutes and hung to finish drying overnight. After the brief time in the dryer they have been 'mostly' dry, and after hanging are quite dry in the morning. They haven't shrunk any noticable amount with this gentle treatment. You can always finish them in the air fluff (no heat) dryer setting if the machine has one.

fatbottomedgurl

01-02-2009, 10:02 PM

Okay I'll wait for the new Ibex- a little more structure sounds like a good thing. If I buy one of the Biocompatible I will post a review.

Triskeliongirl

01-03-2009, 07:18 AM

Thank you so much Lisa! I am having a great time. Layering my ibex is working out perfectly. Its just hard to launder on the road, but I think drying on low occasionally will be perfectly fine. The only piece I am disappointed in is my alpstar pant. It was already a little loose when I bought it, and then it stretched out a lot after wearing and laundering didn't bring it back in. But, I have other things to wear so I'll be fine.

We have been in Portugal since a few days before christmas visiting family. Tomorrow we head out on the next stage of our adventure, which includes professional visits to Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Lausanne.

The only bad thing is that I MISS MY BIKE, but its too wet here for it to have made any sense to bring it.

Crankin

01-03-2009, 04:53 PM

I am in love with the Ibex underpants! I used them on my x country ski trip and they made a big difference as to how warm my azz was. Definitely need more pairs.
Today I wore my hooded Shak skiing, with a Craft base layer and my Go Lite jacket. It was perfectly fine, at 15 degrees with a brisk wind. I found the Smart wool base layer to be the best for winter activities, but when I wore it with the Shak, the whole thing felt itchy. It must have been the combination of the 2 things, because I love the Smart Wool base layers. Need more of those, too!

GLC1968

01-04-2009, 12:56 PM

Trisk - I don't know if it's too late or not, but I wouldn't put the Kate or the Razzel in the dryer. My Kate shrunk (mostly in length) when dried and my Twizzel (which I think is similar in fabric to the Razzel) shrunk a LOT. In both cases, I tried to do what Lisa suggested (mostly to get off the dog hair!) but I forgot them and they dried the whole way and shrunk. I still wear them, but they aren't as nicely fitting as my other stuff.

I have fully dried one of my shaks, my zepher 1/2 zip and my norgie crew with no shrinkage at all.

redrhodie

01-04-2009, 01:22 PM

I went to dinner last night with a very fashionable friend, and she had on these fantastic boots. In the dim light, I couldn't quite see what they were, so we went into the light, and they were a very tall, plain gray version of these:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/travel/04foraging.html

I just googled "Russian wool boots" and found this article. I don't know if you wool weenies have discussed them before, but I thought some of you would love to see them!

Triskeliongirl

01-04-2009, 02:04 PM

Thanks GLC, but its too late. The kate and razzle did shrink a little, but they were already a tad loose so they still fit fine. The shaks seem totally unchanged. I really didn't have a choice traveling. I just couldn't get them dry any other way and I really needed to start this leg of my trip with clean clothes.

emily_in_nc

01-04-2009, 04:29 PM

Well, thanks to (enabler) Triskeliongirl, who clued me in on the REI sale on Ibex full-zip Shaks, I now have my first Ibex garment (Shak in black) on the way. I hope it fits, and I hope I love it as much as everyone else who has one seems to! I'm very excited... :D

Tokie

01-04-2009, 04:54 PM

Wow Redrhodie, those Valenki boot are cute! Do they have a leather or hard sole? Looks like the Russian answer to Ugg boots! Tokie

malkin

01-04-2009, 05:44 PM

I love the valenki!
Some have soles and others are just wool. You can get a pair of "galoshi" for the wool ones.

malkin

01-04-2009, 06:01 PM

There are some on ebay, but check the shipping before you bid...some are shipping from Russia, eek!

Tokie

01-04-2009, 09:21 PM

Here is an animated discussion of the merits of "the valenki"!http://shoeblogs.com/2006/01/11/the-valenki/ Silly : - ) Tokie ( I too can imagine skinny women in droopy gauzy blouses and skirts wearing the Valenki in 68 degree southern california weather! perception of cold is relative.)

redrhodie

01-05-2009, 04:46 AM

My friend wore them with skinny jeans, tucked in. They looked really cute, very tall, almost to her knees. She had the galoshi over them. She said she paid about $75, including shipping from Russia! It looks like they're more than that now. The website she ordered from is gone, apparently.

Crankin

01-05-2009, 09:23 AM

Emily, I hope you love your Shak. Lisa got me hooked on Ibex at about this time last year. I now have 2 full zip Shaks (black and brown), 2 Shak hoodies in red and black, an Icebreaker full zip black hoodie my husband bought me, an Icebreaker quarter zip top, and some Smart Wool micro weight base layers.
Yesterday I ordered 2 more pair of Ibex boy shorts underwear and another Smart Wool base layer from TE.
Oy, I better be done.... but I am thinking about an Ibex bra for x country skiing.

Biciclista

01-08-2009, 04:39 PM

REI has some stuff on sale!
wool arm warmers! less than 7 dollars

and a sleeveless wool bike jersey (Men's small) for 23 dollars.
a little bird told me.

crazycanuck

01-09-2009, 02:38 AM

Oooh!!! Ohhh!!!!

I found Smartwool socks here in Perth & bought myself a pair!!! ooooo!!!

Crankin

01-09-2009, 04:10 AM

Oh no! My Ibex/Smart Wool order from TE came Wednesday and the boy shorts were the wrong size. They were large and I ordered smalls. I re-ordered in medium, since they were out of the smalls and the smalls I have are a bit snug anyway.
The Smart Wool microweight was fine, though.

Cataboo

01-09-2009, 12:04 PM

I was packing for a trip yesterday and was struggling because of having too many choices.

I found 2 small ibex norgies with tags that I've never worn - one's the green tonic color, the other's orange persimmon... I got them on SAC a few months back. I think they were about $40 each - so if anyone wants them for that + the cost of shipping them to you, let me know.

Crankin

01-09-2009, 12:38 PM

Just got an email from Ibex.
I am bad.
But, the stuff was 50% off. I ordered 2 Kates, one in the green that Lisa has and one in cranberry.

Help me get over this addiction.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-09-2009, 12:48 PM

My Ibex/Smart Wool order from TE came Wednesday and the boy shorts were the wrong size. They were large and I ordered smalls. I re-ordered in medium, since they were out of the smalls and the smalls I have are a bit snug anyway.

You, a MEDIUM? What would that make me, a XXXL???? :eek: :cool: ;)

Just got an email from Ibex.
I am bad.
But, the stuff was 50% off. I ordered 2 Kates, one in the green that Lisa has and one in cranberry.
Help me get over this addiction.

I only have one Kate- a black. (shouldn't you have a black one too?) :D

I am tempted to order another 405 on sale- I wear the one I have like ALL the time now.

Natasha

01-09-2009, 02:26 PM

I have been thinking about getting an Ibex Kate, but am concerned that the fabric weight may be very light. Does the scoop neck come down very far?
Thanks for any input.

Grog

01-09-2009, 02:30 PM

How is the Kate sizing?

I'm hesitating between S and XS... Any input?

Crankin

01-09-2009, 03:20 PM

Lisa, I guess you were talking about the green in something else...
I tried the Kate on at the Arcadian Shop last year (it's been a year guys. Do I feel another road trip coming on?). It was pretty true to fit for an xsmall, except the sleeves were a bit long. But, that's par for the course for me, unless it's a petite.
On the boy shorts, well they always fit me weirdly. My bum is a lot smaller than it used to be, but it's never going to be firm... but it's more my cycling thighs. The smalls sort of ride up a bit because my thighs are bigger than they used to be. They fit over my azz, but I think the mediums will fit better.
I wanted the Kate precisely because it is light weight. I will probably wear it under my sweaters or Shaks. Just think, I now can have an Ibex "suit." A Shak, a Kate, and a skirt.

GLC1968

01-09-2009, 03:52 PM

I have three Kates. I love them and wear them all the time!

They are very true to size. I'm a Medium...like I am in all Ibex stuff. Because I wear them for layering, I do have one that's a small and it still fits fine (a little tight over my big 'guns' :p). I agree the arms are a little long, but all Ibex stuff is too long in the arms for me.

Because of the fit and the fabric, the Kate is a little dressier than my other light weight wool tops. It can totally be worn just as is - it's not see through at all and it drapes really nicely. The scoop is very discrete - totally work appropriate. And soooo soft!!

I think I might need to order one in the cranberry color. :o Edited to add: nevermind - sold out in my size. Phew!

Unfortunately, I just noticed last night that my green Kate has little needle holes across the bottom front of it. I have no idea why unless my stupid work badge is snagging it or something. Grrr...:mad:

Tokie

01-09-2009, 09:12 PM

Fellow wool weenies and Ibex fans! I bought the Lena skirt last year and really love it. I bought a small, and it looks really good on me, even though I have a bit of a "bubble butt" ( a bit lordotic). I would like to get the Pizzi skirt in black, but all I can find is an extra small. Can anyone speak from experience how the fit is on the Pizzi compared to the Lena skirt? I must be getting over my cold - I'm shopping again! Tokie

Crankin

01-10-2009, 04:38 AM

I have the Lena skirt. It's a small, and it fits well. Usually, I wear an xsmall petite (size 2) in regular clothing and I wear Ibex xsmall in tops. But I have found the Ibex stuff to run much smaller in the bottoms, or at least they are not cut to fit someone with a body like mine. I am 5' 1" and I am very slim on the top and waist. My hips and thighs are within the size proportions that Ibex has on its website, but on the outer edge of the measurements. When I tried on the x small pants, they would not get over my calves!

Tokie

01-10-2009, 07:46 PM

Crankin, I think we have a similar shape. I may call Ibex on Monday to ask them if the XS Pizzi is as large as the S Lena in the hip area. I save alot of money by waiting until something is on sale so long that my size is sold out. Will I ever learn!:o Tokie

Grog

01-10-2009, 08:22 PM

Ordered a black Kate and a black Qu T!

... but got it delivered at my parents' in Florida, so it will be ten weeks before I get them.

RTW

01-10-2009, 10:02 PM

So after all the sizing advice the other week (thanks!), I thought I should post an update. I was able to go to REI today and pick up the Shak (S) and Carrie hoodies (S and M) that I ordered the other day. All of them fit; the smalls were snug, but I don't think they looked excessively tight. The funny thing is that I thought the Shak in S actually worked better than the Carrie in S -- maybe it's stretchier? I ended up liking the fit of the Carrie better in M, even though it's a bit broad under the arms (I have that problem in all clothes, including my beloved Icebreaker Conquest; I guess I have a narrow ribcage), but I might try on both sizes over various sweaters tomorrow to help me decide for sure. (FYI, I tried all of the sweaters over an Ibex Kate layered over an Icebreaker tank.) I'm not sure about the Shak...it's possible that I'd like it more in a medium, even though the S fit; the other issue is that the zipper is pretty prominent, more so than on my IB Conquest, making it perhaps too casual for the office. I'll have to sit on it for a bit and consider.

I do really like the look of the Carrie, though -- I see why you're all so sold on it!

In the meantime, I ordered *two* of the pointelle camisoles (both in black) from Ibex. I probably only needed one, but I rationalized that the extra would would make good PJs. :-) When you're addicted, you can invent an excuse for any indulgence.

divingbiker

01-11-2009, 02:32 AM

The funny thing is that I thought the Shak in S actually worked better than the Carrie in S -- maybe it's stretchier? I ended up liking the fit of the Carrie better in M, even though it's a bit broad under the arms...

I'm not sure about the Shak...the zipper is pretty prominent, more so than on my IB Conquest, making it perhaps too casual for the office.

That's funny, the Shak in a L fits me, but the L Carrie is just too sloppy through the shoulders and armpits (and I have broad shoulders). I ordered a M to see if it would work, but it may be too small. I can't really figure out Ibex sizing; it seems like every piece fits differently.

I agree about the zipper making the Shak look casual. Luckily my office allows casual dress all the time, but I may limit the Shak to Fridays.

Crankin

01-11-2009, 04:46 AM

I think the Shak is fine to wear at work, if you work in an environment that doesn't require suits. I wore it teaching and to my admission interview at Lesley University (with a wool scarf to dress it up).
I guess if you work in a bank, it wouldn't be OK.

RTW

01-11-2009, 08:54 AM

So after reading your posts, I went back this morning and tried all three sweaters on again in the daylight, over Icebreaker tops in 320 and 190 weight. And yeah, I think that after all the Carrie in M is too big. It felt comfortable because it's loose, but you can see the arms are too big and the bottom hem stands away from my hips. Still thinking about the Shak -- I may wait till a friend visits and gives me an outside opinion.

Re Ibex sizing in general, yeah, it does seem to vary a bit. My Ibex Backcountry pants feel half a size bigger than my Ibex Loose Tights, which themselves run a bit loose, while Ibex underwear fits well. Overall I find Ibex slightly looser than Icebreaker.

Biciclista

01-12-2009, 06:10 AM

http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2009-01-12.gif

Grog

01-12-2009, 10:13 AM

http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2009-01-12.gif

But WHERE did you get that?

Hilarious!

Biciclista

01-12-2009, 10:26 AM

check out the URL in the bottom right hand corner of the picture. He makes a new cartoon every day.

Grog

01-12-2009, 11:27 AM

check out the URL in the bottom right hand corner of the picture. He makes a new cartoon every day.

It's awesome. I just added it to my newsfeed! :)

Kelly728

01-13-2009, 08:33 PM

Anyone have the Ibex Serrano Wool Jersey? I'm thinking of getting this off TE since it is on sale and I need some items I can layer up.

How warm is it (which I realize is subjective, but a few opinions should help)? How is the sizing? I generally order mediums in everything, but I do have a 34D chest. Would the medium be ok or should I size up?

Also I'm looking at the Meru hat. Does it cover the ears? My ears get cold if I just think about going outside!

Crankin

01-14-2009, 06:46 AM

Wearing my Kate today. It fits perfectly! Even the sleeve length and hem are perfect for my short body. It's like it's cut the same as a petite top.
Heaven..

KathiCville

01-14-2009, 03:42 PM

Also I'm looking at the Meru hat. Does it cover the ears? My ears get cold if I just think about going outside!

I can't help you with questions about the top, but I own the Meru hat and love it. I wore it today under my helmet for a 13-mile ride in the high 20s and was very comfortable. It covers my ears, but is thin enough that it doesn't make my helmet too tight.

Kelly728

01-14-2009, 03:45 PM

I can't help you with questions about the top, but I own the Meru hat and love it. I wore it today under my helmet for a 13-mile ride in the high 20s and was very comfortable. It covers my ears, but is thin enough that it doesn't make my helmet too tight.

Sounds perfect :D

(and how long is TE shipping....?)

madscot13

01-14-2009, 05:02 PM

you guys make me want to go on a wool splurge- oh wait I already have.

I picked up the Nomad hoodie. I wish I could find an EXP hoodie because I have a zip zip in the same fabric and it is great for the winter. I'm worried that the 320 fabric will be too close to the zephyr zip zip I have (well I think it is a zephyr).I prefer Icebreaker because the stuff is more form fitting and I know I am an extra small in everything the have. Ive tried the shak hoodie but my shoulders made the xs to small and the s is too lose on me.

I am also going to try out the icebreaker line of jackets, the Coastal Mayfair Jacket to be exact. I will report back in a week.

J crew has a wool coat that I really like the look of and for only $120 on sale. Except it is no refunds or exchanges on final sales.

Grog

01-14-2009, 05:07 PM

Sounds perfect :D

(and how long is TE shipping....?)

Fast.

OakLeaf

01-14-2009, 05:09 PM

Kelly728

01-14-2009, 05:20 PM

Fast.

Sounds good :D
My order is growing so I will not read this thread.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-14-2009, 06:05 PM

Sounds good :D
My order is growing so I will not read this thread.

Before you run off.....
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_15204.html
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_15204_1.html
These are the solid merino wool tops that I find I wear more than any others- thicker than a base layer and so warm, yet very very SOFT and I've laundered them a hundred times already with no damage. I just love the black ones for every day wear, so versatile combined with just about everything i own. :cool:

madscot13

01-14-2009, 06:25 PM

My Ibex Zepher crews stain so easily. :mad::(

Both of them have big stains now just from the dust on the clothesline. One of them just got stained today, but the other one's been washed three times since it got stained, and it won't come out. (If I'd realized where the stain came from, I wouldn't have hung the other one out.) My clotheslines aren't that dirty, none of my other clothes are stained. :mad::mad::(:( Yeah they're just base layers, but still.

My zepher has a stain on it ( big ol' bike grease stain). I got grease on the sleave and some how transferred some of that to right below the zip. I washed it twice and pretreated it for the second wash. After the second wash, the chest stain went away and the sleeve stain is mostly gone.

Kelly728

01-14-2009, 06:48 PM

Before you run off.....
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_15204.html
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_15204_1.html
These are the solid merino wool tops that I find I wear more than any others- thicker than a base layer and so warm, yet very very SOFT and I've laundered them a hundred times already with no damage. I just love the black ones for every day wear, so versatile combined with just about everything i own. :cool:

Hahah.. Thanks. Just deciding on which color I want, but I took out the wool jersey.

RTW

01-14-2009, 07:06 PM

OakLeaf

01-15-2009, 02:42 AM

My zepher has a stain on it ( big ol' bike grease stain). I got grease on the sleave and some how transferred some of that to right below the zip. I washed it twice and pretreated it for the second wash. After the second wash, the chest stain went away and the sleeve stain is mostly gone.

Thanks, I'll try pre-treating them next time.

Crankin

01-15-2009, 05:35 PM

Here is my wardrobe for my night on the town tomorrow. Predicted temperature: between -5 and 5, with windchill making it feel worse. We have to walk about 1.5 city blocks from the parking lot to the theatre and restaurant.
long underwear- silk
thin SmartWool ski socks
regular short black boots
Ibex Kate
Ibex Shak
wool dress pants
wool dress coat, 3/4 length
merino scarf
wool hat
not sure which gloves, but probably my thick fleecy ones because I think the Cabelas will be too much, let alone, I don't have a purse big enough to put them in.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-15-2009, 05:38 PM

Make sure you don't wear dress boots that might slip on hidden ice patches on the dark sidewalk. Wear good tread. Elegance is not worth a broken hip! =8-o

(i worry)

Crankin

01-16-2009, 06:44 AM

I thought about that and will make my final decision tonight. I really don't have any other boots except my Uggs, which would be OK, except my pants would be dragging on the ground, definitely causing me to trip. Same thing for my Merrell Mocs. Most of my dress pants are meant to be worn with slightly higher heels. Not high heels, but maybe 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches. The sidewalk where we will be walking is in a heavily travelled area around Northeastern U., so it is usually all cleared.
I can always insist that Steve let me hang onto his arm, taking him down with me, if I fall! (I won't tell you about the "accident" he had with an exercise ball, necessitating a meeting with the chain ring of my bike that is on the trainer).

GLC1968

01-16-2009, 09:27 AM

RTW - I have two of the pointelle tanks and I love the length (I have a long torso) but I hate how long the straps are... quick solution - throw it in the dryer! It shrunk up to regular length. :D I have a few cotton ribbed sweaters that I like the style of but that leave me cold. I've taken to wearing these tanks under them and it makes a huge difference in my comfort (and no one can tell I have them on). They are super cute just as is, too. I often wear them out gardening because they breathe better than my cotton tanks and stay looking nice all day.

And for those with stains - I've found that hand rubbing the stain with olive oil soap (the pure stuff) does a great job getting out grease stains (or any type of oil-based stain). I just rub in in with cold water, lather it up on the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes or so. Then throw it in the wash with your other wool stuff. It works on most things I've tried. :)

Aggie_Ama

01-16-2009, 09:57 AM

I try not to read this thread so I don't catch the fever but I must give a shout out to my Alpaca wool Cannondale beanie. It is so comfy and even after sweating up a storm mountain biking, it doesn't stink. You ladies may be onto something here!

Grog

01-16-2009, 11:15 AM

You ladies may be onto something here!

We are.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-16-2009, 11:23 AM

RTW - I have two of the pointelle tanks.....They are super cute just as is, too. I often wear them out gardening because they breathe better than my cotton tanks and stay looking nice all day.

Ok you just made me buy one to try out. :cool:

RTW

01-16-2009, 02:21 PM

Ok you just made me buy one to try out. :cool:

I know, we twisted your arm. ;)

GLC, will try your suggestion of throwing the camisole in the wash -- if the straps are long on you, imagine how low the top sits on short-statured me!

melissam

01-16-2009, 05:05 PM

Hi, I'm Melissa and I'm a WoolWeenie.

<Hi, Melissa!>

Hi everyone. I never thought it could happen to me. I came of cycling age in the '80's, and wool was for "other people." It was hot and itchy, and retro, before being retro was cool. I was enamored with lycra and other technical fabrics. I guess the signs were there, though. I had a lugged steel bike with friction shifters on the downtube well into the new milenium. I thought I was safe when I bought a carbon fiber bike with brifters and built up my cycling wardrobe with an Amici Veloci jersey and some socks.

Ah, but trouble was just down the road. Jobob invited me to join her on a brevet in October, and rain was in the forecast. When I asked her about staying comfortable while riding in the rain, she suggested wool socks.

It all started on a nice fall day in REI, where I bought my first pair of SmartWool socks. It quickly went downhill from there. Chainlove had a great deal on a longsleeved Merino wool Swobo jersey; I figured it wouldn't hurt anything to have another longsleeved jersey, so I bought it.

I rode in my Smartwool socks and Swobo jersey, and what can I say? It felt glorious! Comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, and not itchy in the least. And stylin', in its own way.

Next thing you know, Chainlove had another long sleeved Swobo jersey on sale in a different color, then dachshund gave me a couple of pairs of Smartwool socks, and there was a short sleeved wool jersey up on Chainlove, and then I had to try the Healy Hansen wool baselayer. Wool is taking over my closet and sock drawer.

All of my rides since October have featured at least one wool garment. I fantasize about wearing my wool cycling jersey to work and having it pass as regular clothes. I mean, come on -- it'd be perfect! It could accommodate the warm temps we've been having outside and the blast of air conditioning we've been getting at work.

I know, I'm a sick woman. So that's why I'm here. Is there any hope for me?

- Melissa

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-16-2009, 06:11 PM

....I fantasize about wearing my wool cycling jersey to work and having it pass as regular clothes. I mean, come on -- it'd be perfect! It could accommodate the warm temps we've been having outside and the blast of air conditioning we've been getting at work.

.....Is there any hope for me?

\

Yes, there is hope Melissam... The merino Kate tops are on sale right now at Ibex.com ...and they would be classic enough to wear to work- Ibex Kate (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1204&Outlet=1&VID=14358&Product=Kate-17.5-L/S)
Or, just secretly wear a merino camisole underneath your work tops:
camisole on sale too (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1287&Outlet=1&VID=15316&Product=Pointelle-Camisole)

:cool:

Crankin

01-17-2009, 04:59 AM

While I was perfectly dressed for the cold temperatures in Boston last night, the theatre was so warm, I had to take my Shak off and watch the play in my Kate.
And I looked as nice as my friend who was wearing a wool suit and a turtleneck!
No bad icy sidewalks, either.

RTW

01-17-2009, 05:13 AM

Help...me...resist....

Altrec.com has the Icebreaker Nomad on sale with a coupon for $84. I know I don't *need* it, but that's a really good price. Someone make me stop shopping for wool!!!!!

ETA: Oh no. They have a lot more than that on sale. Cannot resist...

(Looking at the Quantum Pants and City Lily Pants. Anyone have experience with Icebreaker's pants?)

Kelly728

01-17-2009, 10:25 AM

Bleecker,
Got my TE order today and thanks for telling me to get that smartwool midweight zip.... it is indeed seriously comfortable! I tried it on and haven't taken it off since! :p

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-17-2009, 10:34 AM

Bleecker,
Got my TE order today and thanks for telling me to get that smartwool midweight zip.... it is indeed seriously comfortable! I tried it on and haven't taken it off since! :p

You're welcome! :p

Now you'll need a second one for when the first one is being laundered....because you'll want to wear them every day.

I'm assuming you know the basics about merino wash-safe items:

You can wear them more times than you'd think and they won't get smelly like cotten or poly- just hang them out to air overnight. Washing them after every wearing will just wear them out too soon. They are wool- they don't get stinky for a while. ;)
When you do wash them- gentle cycle, gentle temps.
To dry- lay out to air dry is best, but you can dry them in a dryer if you set the temp on LOW and take them out as soon as possible. Sometimes I half-dry them in the dryer (to help get the cat hair off) then lay them out to finish drying by air.

Have fun! :)

Kelly728

01-17-2009, 12:44 PM

You're welcome! :p

Now you'll need a second one for when the first one is being laundered....because you'll want to wear them every day.

Shhhh we already know I'm a push-over!

Aggie_Ama

01-17-2009, 02:54 PM

Alright weenies I am tempted by your dark side. How does Ibex fit? And yes I realize you have probably answered this 10x in the 180 pages but searching is hard!

I got $100 left from Christmas and with our mild yet a bit chilly for me Spring coming the El Fitos looks tempting. I am a large size 8 or small size 10 (meaning I am stuck between the two in my weight loss at the moment!), in most cycling clothes I wear a medium now because large is getting just a tad too big. Does Ibex fit all Euro where I need to go big or like American brands (PI and Cannondale are the majority of my things) where I am a medium?

KathiCville

01-17-2009, 05:24 PM

Aggie....I grabbed a pair of El Fitos a couple of months ago when TE sent me a 20% coupon. LOVE them! Like the wool tops we all love, they keep me wonderfully warm, but the fabric breathes, too.

I'm 5'3", pear-shaped and generally wear a 4. The Small is perfect on me, unlike the Smalls of some other brands (Gore, Castelli, Descente). If you're not sure which size would work best, it might be worth ordering pairs in different sizes and just send back the one that doesn't suit you. :)

RTW

01-18-2009, 05:56 AM

For those who remember my questions about the sizing of the Shak and Carrie and so on....I've decided to keep the Carrie in S and return the Carrie in M. But before I do that, I wanted to offer it up here (since the REI price was a really good deal). If anyone here is interested in the gray Carrie hoodie in M, send me a PM -- it would be $74.93 plus shipping.

Will most likely keep the Shak, though if I change my mind, I'll also let you all know first. Thanks for all the advice!

emily_in_nc

01-19-2009, 05:42 PM

So I just picked up my Ibex Shak full-zip (thanks to Triskeliongirl who pointed out that REI Outlet had my size in black in XS only for an excellent price), and I wore it today for the first time. I absolutely love it! Why in the world did I wait so long? :rolleyes:

Now the company I work for has filed for bankruptcy protection, and until I know if I'll still have a job in a month or three, I don't feel like I can spend any money....so I'll have to make do for now, but I sure would like some more Ibex someday. A girl can dream... :D

Jolt

01-19-2009, 06:41 PM

Wow, I think the black full-zip Shak should be the official TE uniform--seems like most of us have them (yes, I got one from that sale at REI too)!!

emily_in_nc

01-20-2009, 04:22 AM

I saw some more Ibex I'd love on sale at backcountry outlet, but no more spending for me. Hopefully soon I'll find out I have a "secure" (or relatively so, in this economy) job and can buy a few more pieces...

Crankin

01-20-2009, 06:25 AM

Emily, hope your job situation improves. So glad you got hooked on Ibex. I have been living in my black and brown full zip Shaks. Then on the other days I wear my Shak hoodies or my Icebreaker stuff! Well, next week I go back to classes at the university, so I will have to rotate my clothes a little more.
I don't know what I would have done without Lisa hooking me on this stuff!

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-20-2009, 08:02 AM

I don't know what I would have done without Lisa hooking me on this stuff!

Well, you could have been vacationing in Tahiti or something, with all the money you would have saved. :cool:

I do think the Ibex full zip black Shak has to be the ONE item that most encompasses the WoolWeenie spirit....it should be our flagship. :p

GLC1968

01-20-2009, 09:23 AM

I do think the Ibex full zip black Shak has to be the ONE item that most encompasses the WoolWeenie spirit....it should be our flagship. :p

I agree. Here's a challenge for everyone who has a black full zip shak...

Take a photo of yourself wearing it (or post one if you already have one!) and post it here! Let's put together a wool-weenie collage! :D

divingbiker

01-20-2009, 02:39 PM

I do think the Ibex full zip black Shak has to be the ONE item that most encompasses the WoolWeenie spirit....it should be our flagship. :p

Yeah, my black Shak got me through some chilly airplane rides and evenings in Mexico over the past 5 days. I love it.

Not sure if anyone got a picture of me in it.

Laru

01-20-2009, 02:41 PM

Hi Weenies,
I come to publicly prostrate myself before the Wool God and profess my undying love and devotion to all that is wool. I love wool. Wool is the Way. I care not for un-wool things. Let the Wool shine down on me.
Ah-men

quick question: can anyone help me with a fit issue? I got an Ibex woolie crew in size L. It fits great except its too short for me. I do kinda have a longer torso, I suppose. I wonder if I try an XL is the length going to increase much? I could use a good 2 or 3 inches more in length and I like the fit otherwise....

Eden

01-20-2009, 03:13 PM

I'm not sure I put myself in the weenie category, though I'm rediscovering it now that there is washable wool (I love wool socks if that counts...), but I pulled a good coup yesterday. $1.99 for a Neve sweater - soft, warm, cozy and good looking. :cool:

Biciclista

01-20-2009, 03:18 PM

Eden

01-20-2009, 03:21 PM

Thrift store find - my other best find is a pair of brand new Kenneth Cole shoes for $10

Crankin

01-20-2009, 03:23 PM

Here's my picture:

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-20-2009, 04:00 PM

Wow Robyn, that shak fits you perfectly! Nice fireplace. :)

Laru- I bet if you call Ibex they will be all too happy to measure the length difference for you right over the phone- they are very helpful women over there.

Grog

01-20-2009, 05:17 PM

I only have a full-zip in the Boucle. My black Shak is a hoodie.

What do I do? Does that mean I'm not woolweenie?! :eek:

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-20-2009, 05:29 PM

I would say any kind of Ibex SHAK would qualify- full zip, half zip, hooded....any color.

And if you have no shak, it does NOT mean you are not a wool weenie! A wool weenie just loves any kind of wool.
If anyone wants to issue a call for pix of any other item they think others might have too- feel free to do so!

We are one! :D

Triskeliongirl

01-20-2009, 06:27 PM

OK, here goes. Here is one my son took of me in portugal last month in my black shak. Notice I also discovered SCARVES on this holiday. The one in the pic was a xmass gift from my kids. This one is not wool, but the kids also bought me a beautiful wool one I wore a lot as me moved to colder places. The pose was my son's idea too, not quite sure what it means but he liked it, something about being a 'cool mom'.

OakLeaf

01-20-2009, 06:36 PM

I don't own a Shak... and I'm not a big fan of zippers on close-fitting apparel. But here's me last year in my Duofold wool crew - and I'm glad I pulled out this picture, because this is right after the finish of the same race I'm doing Saturday, and inspiration for a better time this year.

Cataboo

01-20-2009, 07:01 PM

I just picked up my brown shak fullzip from REI tonight, I haven't gotten around to looking at it - just came back from a ski trip.

Some of the guys over on goingprepared.com are reporting finding icebreaker ski and hiking socks at TJmaxx lately. Apparently on Jan 22nd, it's going to be 15% off purchases at Tjmaxx or Marshalls nationwide (they're the same store). A friend I saw in Salt Lake had found a really nice smartwool v neck sweater with striped arms at a Tjmaxx in Salt Lake. I let her wear my ibex backcountry pants one night in Jackson Hole, and barely managed to pry them away from her.

I found a smartwool bike jersey for $25 at the REI superclearance in Salt Lake... I also dropped into the patagonia outlet in salt lake which was doing a 30% off everything sale and was quite upset to find an empty rack with a "merino wool cardigan $30" sign over it. But I got a lot of the nice patagonia organic cotton & hemp stuff to make up for it.

Time to wash all my wool, it & I did pretty well skiing.

Crankin

01-21-2009, 07:36 AM

Trisk, I got hooked on scarves when I went to Europe, too. It was damp and rainy when we got to Siena, so I bought a pink pashima there. Then when we went to Prague, before the cycling tour, it was also cold, so I bought a blue one. Too bad that they are both so long and wide that I rarely wear them. I am also a dunce when it comes to tying them. I can do one "style."
When Steve went to London in November I had him search for a wool scarf that fits the dimensions of a great cashmere one I have that was my dad's. I have no idea how I ended up with it, but it's perfect for a short person! The one he bought me is the same length, but it's just too wide.
I will keep searching.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-21-2009, 08:14 AM

Me in my black full zip shak....DH got a kick out of taking this picture this morning. :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3215930836_2978022706.jpg

GLC1968

01-21-2009, 09:04 AM

You all look great! Trisk - I love the scarf!

I cannot believe that I don't have a single photo of me in my black shak! I have one of me in my green one taken in China, but it's really blurry and not worth posting.

I'll have my H take one of me in the black shak tonight. :)

Crankin

01-21-2009, 10:45 AM

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-21-2009, 11:44 AM

I need to remember to make my pictures smaller. My husband told me not get my silly smile when I look like a deer in headlights, so the one I posted ended up looking rather like I was ready to kill someone.
Can you practice being photogenic?
Today is the first day I haven't worn a Shak in 5 days!

You have a lovely smile- don't be afraid to show it!
Here's the pic I took at Ralph's, with you in the red jersey (ignore the fact that no one is wearing wool in this picture!) :eek:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2743082936_5046953d0e.jpg

Crankin

01-21-2009, 01:13 PM

Well, I am just one of those people who really is un-photogenic. Once in awhile I get a good picture of myself, but it's random.
On the other hand, my hair is so long now, compared to last summer. I am happy with it, but it will be h*ll once cycling season comes. I am hoping to grow it to chin length and be able to pin it back with barrettes under the helmet. Or find a buff that is small enough for my head and wear it all summer.
Back to wool.

DebW

01-21-2009, 06:47 PM

The Arcadian Shop in Lennox, MA now has an online store and currently has all their Ibex at 25% off. They seem to have the full line of Ibex in stock in most sizes. Check it out at http://www.arcadianshop.com/.

Robyn and Lisa, I'll be the Berkshires on Jan 31 and should be hitting the shop around 3 pm.

Grog

01-21-2009, 08:05 PM

The Arcadian Shop in Lennox, MA now has an online store and currently has all their Ibex at 25% off. They seem to have the full line of Ibex in stock in most sizes. Check it out at http://www.arcadianshop.com/.

Thanks DebW for the cue!

I could not bear being a WoolWeenie without a full-zip black Shak. So I ordered one! :p

Crankin

01-22-2009, 03:16 AM

Deb, you had to tell me about Arcadian being on line????

I don't think I'll be able to come out to the Berkshires on the 31st, but I will let you know as it gets closer.

Cataboo

01-22-2009, 06:09 AM

So, this is probably blasphemy... But I'm not feeling the love for my ibex full zip shak that I just got from REI. I keep reading new posts in this forum about how much you guys love yours, and go back to look at mine... and nope, just not feeling it. Maybe it's because I bought the brown color.

But I still love my half zip shaks & hoody.

Biciclista

01-22-2009, 06:14 AM

how much don't you love it? are you my size? :D

Cataboo

01-22-2009, 06:29 AM

how much don't you love it? are you my size? :D

I'm not keeping it. It's a brown small. But it's stretchy!

The ninny who owns the condo above me left the heat off, which led to his pipes bursting and me needing a new ceiling. So I'm gonna be a bit cash strapped until I can get said ninny to repay me - so no keeping things that I don't love. :(

DebW

01-22-2009, 07:18 AM

I have a new love: Ibex Woolies Sleeveless top. Just got it from TE at 25% off. I love my Woolies long-sleeved top too, but this one I can wear under something else without overheating indoors, or alone in the summer. The Ibex site doesn't have these any more, so maybe I should order a 2nd one from TE?

OakLeaf

01-22-2009, 07:43 AM

maybe I should order a 2nd one from TE?

Of course you should. If you only have one, what do you wear when it's drying? ;)

Behold the power of wool:

It was between 35-40°F for yesterday's ride, so I wore my SmartWool crew as a base layer, a synthetic jersey over that, and my PI Vagabond II jacket on the outside. This morning the jerseys were dry enough to throw in the laundry pile, so I gave them a sniff before tossing them down the chute.

The jersey I had on over the wool positively reeks. I'm sure the jacket could use a washing too. I'd already worn the SW once for hanging around the house, but even though it was the closest layer to my skin, it still doesn't smell. Amazing.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-22-2009, 07:54 AM

The jersey I had on over the wool positively reeks. I'm sure the jacket could use a washing too. I'd already worn the SW once for hanging around the house, but even though it was the closest layer to my skin, it still doesn't smell. Amazing.

I notice this all the time! If I wear just polyester jersey...it smells afterwards.
If I wear a merino wool base layer and a polyester jersey over it...the wool base layer doesn't smell at all but the poly jersey still smells!
Apparently the teeny bacteria that multiply and cause underarm sweat to smell just don't like the environment of wool- they don't breed and multiply in it much. But when they get into other fabrics they have a field day and multiply like mad....and then smell. Armpit bacteria does not multiply easily in wool- that's why wool can be worn quite a few times before it gets any odor under the arms. :)

Biciclista

01-22-2009, 09:34 AM

poor raleighdon loves wool but can't wear it next to his skin. so he wears these capilene things that stink upon contact underneath the wool.
phew!

Cataboo

01-22-2009, 09:45 AM

I really don't get all that much smell with wool or with capilene (although, I do have vast quantities of capilene underwear and I always wonder if a fabric that is supposed to hold scents is really the best thing for me to be wearing for underwear.... but I digress)...

But how does the new capilene or the synthetics that have silver impregnated in them to stop microbial growth do in comparison to the old stuff? It's been a while since I've bought nonwool to try.

Biciclista

01-22-2009, 09:58 AM

madscot13

01-22-2009, 06:13 PM

Hey MadScot, hope you enjoy the Nomad. I have one too and used it a lot until I got the Conquest hoodie. Speaking of the Conquest, maybe that's what you're looking for, if you want a hoodie in EXP fabric?

Speaking of my own wool splurge, I got the Ibex pointelle camisoles today. Very soft and fitted, although if I had to be picky, I'd note that the straps are a bit closer together than on my IB camisole, and the top is a bit longer (which is a problem for petites, though not for taller people). Even so, I think it'll be perfect for warding off the Arctic air mass that's making its way across the country right now.

I have a zip zip in EXP and it is great. I usually find some use for it year round although it really shines in the winter. I wore it to inauguration and subsequent parade with my fleece. I also wore my thin biking jacket for the extra back pockets (no bags!) that way I could pack my sandwiches.

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-23-2009, 05:42 AM

Does anyone here have the Ibex Balance sports top?:
sports top (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1184&VID=14143&Product=Balance-Sports-Top)

If so, has it shrunk at all if put in gentle washer and gentle dryer?
Any other comments?
I did read the 4 reviews.
I am an A cup so it wouldn't be too small there for me.

Cataboo

01-23-2009, 06:18 AM

REIoutlet is running a 20% off your entire order coupon.... They have the ibex serrano women's jersey for $90, so it ends up being about $71 after the coupon.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/787622

jennrod12

01-23-2009, 07:32 PM

Some of the guys over on goingprepared.com are reporting finding icebreaker ski and hiking socks at TJmaxx lately. Apparently on Jan 22nd, it's going to be 15% off purchases at Tjmaxx or Marshalls nationwide (they're the same store). A friend I saw in Salt Lake had found a really nice smartwool v neck sweater with striped arms at a Tjmaxx in Salt Lake. I let her wear my ibex backcountry pants one night in Jackson Hole, and barely managed to pry them away from her.

I checked out both TJ Maxx and Marshall's on the 22nd. I got a nice black merino wool sweater at TJM with a trendy grey and maroon argyle pattern on it that looks great! I also got a few pieces of Under Armour Heat Gear base layer - my husband swears by them, so I thought I'd try them out. I wore the sweater to work today, but haven't had a chance to try out the UA since it's been raining constantly since then and I couldn't bike commute.

Jenn

Crankin

01-24-2009, 05:13 AM

Yesterday when I went snow shoeing, it was much warmer than it has been, so I experimented with some of my new wool. I didn't have to wear a jacket, so I went with my Smartwool base layer and Shak hoodie in bright red. I had on a light fleece vest over it for awhile, but it got way too hot for that. On the bottom, I had my Ibex boy shorts undies and the backcountry pants, with wool ski socks. Oh, and Smartwool glove liners, no regular gloves. No hat, either!
I felt so stylish being out there with no one to see me...

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-28-2009, 05:13 PM

Ugh, we are generally having such a miserable cold winter this year, with lots of messy ice and sleet. No biking, and having to force myself out to do fitness walks most of the time. I would be enjoying the cold more if there was lots of fluffy snow to snowshoe in...but noooooo. :(

I am just so thankful for my merino wool clothing items- they keep me cozy and comfy no matter what. Have I mentioned how I love sleeping in my yummy Ibex wool tights and merino woolie or ribbie tops? mmmm.....
And thick wool socks slipping into shearling-lined boots....oooooh.....

My wool is making this winter more bearable for sure. And to think just a few years ago I had little clue about the wonders of wool- I used to layer up bulky acrylic sweaters and then wonder why I was still freezing. :rolleyes:

Biciclista

01-29-2009, 06:19 AM

just got my women's balance boy short from Arcadian.com. they're awesome!
on sale!

and men's el fito's for only 84 bucks a pair!

Crankin

01-29-2009, 07:28 AM

Eden

01-29-2009, 08:17 AM

I also got a few pieces of Under Armour Heat Gear base layer - my husband swears by them, so I thought I'd try them out. I wore the sweater to work today, but haven't had a chance to try out the UA since it's been raining constantly since then and I couldn't bike commute.

Jenn

Be forewarned - the "heat gear" UA is the stuff meant to keep you cool in the heat! "cold gear" is their winter stuff - yeah its confusing....

GLC1968

01-29-2009, 12:52 PM

Ibex is having their winter sale - good prices on lots of things!

Oh, and I just downloaded photos from my camera and found this one. I'd forgotten that I took it last week to post and then never did! Here's me in my black full zip shak (with a violet haze t underneath):

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-IMG_0565.JPG

BleeckerSt_Girl

01-29-2009, 01:17 PM

Cute! :p

Grog

01-29-2009, 04:22 PM

Can't wait to receive mine!!!! (It is at my parents' in Florida, so it will wait until mid-March. :( )

DebW

01-29-2009, 04:27 PM

Going to the Arcadian Shop is like you died and went to heaven. Just looking at everything takes a couple of hours. They have bikes and snow sports stuff, in addition to clothing, and a great cup of expresso...

I'm going to heaven this Saturday. Arcadian still has woolies crews in warm green. Since Ibex seem to have discontinued that color, I may have to get myself another green woolie while I can. Robyn, can I pick up anything for you?

Crankin

01-29-2009, 04:47 PM

jennrod12

01-31-2009, 09:22 AM

Be forewarned - the "heat gear" UA is the stuff meant to keep you cool in the heat! "cold gear" is their winter stuff - yeah its confusing....

Yeah, I knew that, but had never worn it. My husband wears "heat gear" year 'round, so I thought it would be good. Of course, in the winter, he wears at least 3 undershirts (one heat gear) under his wool jersey.:confused:

Anyway, I did a ride with one of the UA heat gear shirts and... it was like wearing an air conditioner! I immediately returned the unworn long-sleeved black UA undershirt. Now I'm looking for a white one to take it's place, since I like to wear long sleeves in the summer to block the sun. I kept the tank and SS heat gear, but put them away for summer.

Jenn

Selkie

01-31-2009, 10:59 AM

No, thanks, Deb. I am banning myself from any more Ibex until next season. I have gone from last year at this time with one Ibex hoodie to 2 hoodies, 2 full zip Shaks, 2 Kates, one Icebreaker 1/4 zip, another Icebreaker full zip with a hood, and 2 Smart Wool base layers. I'd really like some woolies, but I don't *need* them.

Have fun, though.

How can you resist a woolie? They are my favorite Ibex pieces! I have to admit, I was tempted to get a that Juliet sweater now that it's on sale (argyle) but like you, I don't need it.

DebW

01-31-2009, 02:44 PM

I bought a pair of Ibex Roaster Boxers and a Woolies Zip T-neck, both black. The boxers were a good find, as I think they've been discontinued and replaced with the Balance Runner Short.

Biciclista

01-31-2009, 04:48 PM

they messed up my online order (Arcadian) and they are all over themselves apologizing for it. It was obvious to me that they're not used to making mistakes and that they really value their customers.
My husband didn't like his woolie so my son will profit :D

OakLeaf

01-31-2009, 04:50 PM

I need a wool singlet. Any recommendations? Sleeveless base layer for days like today, but also a fairly low cut neckline for wearing under this 'n that.

DebW

02-01-2009, 04:01 AM

Triskeliongirl

02-01-2009, 05:05 AM

Mimi, I used to think I couldn't wear wool directly on my skin. I started with the ibex 17.5 products, which are the softest (in womens that is kate and razel, in mens the nelson 17.5 which is on sale now but still pricey). I noticed the men's zepher is also on sale, and I would say my women's zepher is also quite soft compared to a woolie. Sometimes its the texture , that is the woolie or ribbie have ribs that can irritate some people, whereas pieces like the zepher or norgie are very smooth which gives a softer feeling on the skin, even though they aren't the 17.5. The smooth 17.5 products are definitely the softest though.

OakLeaf

02-01-2009, 05:13 AM

I actually find that my SmartWool crews are softer than the Ibex Zephers I just got. But the SW's are made in China. :(

Crankin

02-01-2009, 06:29 AM

I noticed that I am a little itchy after I wear my Kates. I can't easily wear the Kate and put my Shak over it, as it causes the itching to be worse. Then it goes away. Of course, I will keep wearing my Kates, but I think I still have a slight sensitivity to wool. On the other hand, the Ibex boy shorts cause no difficulty.
I'm definitely OK with wool as an outer layer.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-01-2009, 07:34 AM

Sometimes its the texture , that is the woolie or ribbie have ribs that can irritate some people, whereas pieces like the zepher or norgie are very smooth which gives a softer feeling on the skin, even though they aren't the 17.5.

The ribbies have tiny ribs which do give a textured feeling when on bare skin. I actually love the feeling from the ribbies- I wear them to sleep in because the teeny ribs feel like I'm getting a skin massage. Some people hate them because of that. I actually got an extra ribbie cheap from a girlfriend who couldn't deal with the texture.
To me it's like those shoes that have little rubber nubbies on the soles that are supposed to massage your feet as you walk....or like drying off with a rough towel after a shower- same kind of thing. Love my night time ribbie massage combined with my Ibex heavy wool tights at night too! :D

Triskeliongirl

02-01-2009, 09:51 AM

Yes Lisa, that is my point. I own one ribbie, and while I love the color, its my least favorite ibex piece due to the ribs. I have woolie bottoms which are great when its really cold, but I wouldn't buy a woolie top due to the ribs. SO, I am just throwing out there that Mimi shouldn't give up if the only product she bought has ribs.

FYI, I own both a smartwool mideweight zip T and the ibex zepher zip T and norgie crew, and I find them all very similar in terms of weight and softness. To me, the problem has been more ribs than whether its 17.5 vs 18 wool. I will say though, that both the kate and razzel are great as dressy pieces that look more like regular dress tops than sportswear.

Tokie

02-01-2009, 07:47 PM

Oakleaf, I have two of the smartwool microweight tanks, bought here from TE. The neckline is not for a plunging neckline shirt, but it is pretty low (like a tank top, not like a crew neck) I really like them, cozy in cold weather - I really don't even feel them when I have them on. tokie

Triskeliongirl

02-02-2009, 07:41 AM

Biciclista

02-02-2009, 08:02 AM

believe me, if he could, he would be wearing wool next to his skin. it drives him crazy that he can't. we've tried the softest stuff and it didn't work.

he also breaks out in a rash if he leaves his keys in his pocket too long
and he can't wear a metal watch band.
solid gold or nothing for him!

GLC1968

02-02-2009, 08:54 AM

Oakleaf, I have 3 of the ibex tanks I got on sale from their outlet last year. The neckline is low and they work great as a layer under blouses. Sometimes I even wish the neckline were higher so they would show they are so pretty, very vibrant colors. It is that slightly ribbed fabric, light to mid weight, but still very comfortable.

Ditto this. I don't know if Ibex still has any of these left, but they are great for this purpose.

I also have two of the lighter, flimsier, pointelle tanks that I wear under my cotton clothing to keep me warm. They seem too flimsy to wear for athletics, but they are great for layering underneath things. They are also low cut, so would not show under other items.

Lastly, Ibex has this balance sport top. I haven't tried it, but it might work for your purposes.
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=1184&VID=14143&Product=Balance-Sports-Top

Cataboo

02-03-2009, 07:28 AM

smartwool microweight shirt on tramdock:

http://www.tramdock.com/?avad=11193_0_cl_0

Biciclista

02-06-2009, 07:57 AM

Finally!

my husband wore his woolie today (after it was washed) and now he loves it.
this is quite a big deal for us. That Ibex woolie has a new convert.

divingbiker

02-06-2009, 09:52 AM

I'm not having any luck doing a search, so could someone compare the Ibex 405 to the Shak? Someone (Lisa?) said they like their 405 and wear it often. Thanks.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-06-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm not having any luck doing a search, so could someone compare the Ibex 405 to the Shak? Someone (Lisa?) said they like their 405 and wear it often. Thanks.

405 is more like a thin felted wool jacket. Looks more 'tailored' like a wool jacket. Has two roomy jacket-like pockets. Someone had one shrink in the wash, so you should dry clean it like you would any wool coat thing.

Shak is stretchier, moves more like a zip sweater. Drapes on you more like a sweater. Only one tiny inconvenient chest pocket in the full zip. Washes very well in the machine (on gentle of course, and gentle temps) and doesn't shrink with this care.

Because the felted wool on the 405 is a tighter density (not thicker, but just denser felted wool), it keeps wind out a bit more than the shak, but the shaks stretch and let you move around better.
The 405 has a more formal look to it and has jacket-like shoulder tailoring.

OakLeaf

02-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Well even though it's high cut, I got a Woolie and just got under the wire on the TE New Year's sale. Got it two days ago, wore it yesterday, slept in it, wore it to yoga today. :D

Now I still need a low cut tank.

Will it stop after I've replaced my entire wardrobe with wool? :o

Cataboo

02-06-2009, 10:33 AM

If anyone wants an icebreaker allstar, size large (full zip) for $40, backcountryoutlet has 1 left. discounted from $200

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/ICE0154/Icebreaker-Allstar-Full-Zip-Top-Long-Sleeve-Womens.html

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-06-2009, 11:09 AM

Will it stop after I've replaced my entire wardrobe with wool? :o

It slows down.

Cataboo

02-06-2009, 11:22 AM

I'm hoping it doesn't mean that I'm going to end up replacing my entire wardrobe with alpaca in another few years.

GLC1968

02-06-2009, 11:35 AM

It slows down.

When?!? :eek:

divingbiker

02-06-2009, 11:45 AM

405 is more like a thin felted wool jacket. Looks more 'tailored' like a wool jacket. Has two roomy jacket-like pockets. Someone had one shrink in the wash, so you should dry clean it like you would any wool coat thing.

Shak is stretchier, moves more like a zip sweater. Drapes on you more like a sweater. Only one tiny inconvenient chest pocket in the full zip. Washes very well in the machine (on gentle of course, and gentle temps) and doesn't shrink with this care.

Because the felted wool on the 405 is a tighter density (not thicker, but just denser felted wool), it keeps wind out a bit more than the shak, but the shaks stretch and let you move around better.
The 405 has a more formal look to it and has jacket-like shoulder tailoring.

Thanks for the info, Lisa. Dry cleaning is a deal breaker for me.

Biciclista

02-06-2009, 11:45 AM

When?!? :eek:

SInce they aren't carrying my colors right now, it's easy for me to say no and buy stuff for my husband instead.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-06-2009, 12:02 PM

When?!? :eek:

It's best you don't know.

SInce they aren't carrying my colors right now, it's easy for me to say no and buy stuff for my husband instead.

Yeah- how come the men get all the great colors??? :mad:
Well, it's saving me money too, Mimi....especially since B. claims he doesn't need anything else. He's a guy who can wear the same sweater 1000 times and not seem to need variety in the least. :rolleyes:

Crankin

02-06-2009, 12:51 PM

Well, Steve used to be like that when I met him. Then he caught on. Now I call him the male Imelda, with all of his shoes. He doesn't have as many cycling clothes as me, but has been buying a steady stream of casual/hiking/wool stuff since someone here introduced him to it...
He's been in Miami for a work thing and he called me to me he bought some new bathing suits, since his were like 10 years old. He said they were "not so baggy." I had to clarify that he didn't get Speedos, or our sons would tease him relentlessly. According to him, his new items are sort of a cross between baggies and Speedos. Then today, a package arrived from Longs Cycles. Hmmm. Not for me, because they don't sell women's clothes.

Jolt

02-06-2009, 01:07 PM

RTW

02-06-2009, 05:22 PM

Well, I'm sad to say that the full-zip Shak is going back -- my sister and another friend have seen me try it on, and they both agree it doesn't look quite right. So back it's going to REI, unless anyone here is interested in it. It's black, size small; I paid $69.93 for it (and yeah, at this price, it's killing me not to be able to keep it). PM me if you're interested -- not sure when I'm making the trip back to REI.

On the other hand, I really love the Carrie hoodie. Sister-approved too. :-) Also the Alpstar pants that I recently ordered, less bulky and better fitting than the Backcountry pants. Tried to convert the SO to wool by buying him the softest shirt Ibex makes (the Nelson in 17.5), but he's resisting so far. Oh well, more wool for me...

Selkie

02-06-2009, 10:55 PM

Thanks to Cat, I'm finally a Shak owner. I understand now why yinz guys love them! The mocha brown one I now have is lovely and versatile enough that I can dress it up for work.

Crankin

02-07-2009, 04:41 AM

Yes, Jolt I guess I will be surprised. He called me from the cruise ship last night and he said he's seen way too many co-workers in Speedos than he cares to...
On my way to Northfield x country wearing my Ibex backcountry pants and icebreaker full zip hoodie. I have my jacket, but I think later I will be able to ski in just the Icebreaker.

Cataboo

02-07-2009, 08:06 AM

Thanks to Cat, I'm finally a Shak owner. I understand now why yinz guys love them! The mocha brown one I now have is lovely and versatile enough that I can dress it up for work.

Great, I'm glad you love it! I so wanted to...

Selkie

02-08-2009, 04:01 AM

You didn't like the color? I really like that cocoa brown. Anyway, thank you!! I got it on my birthday (Friday), so the day was even more special. :)

Cataboo

02-08-2009, 07:12 AM

You didn't like the color? I really like that cocoa brown. Anyway, thank you!! I got it on my birthday (Friday), so the day was even more special. :)

I liked the color, it just didn't look very good on me. Black would have been a safer bet, but I'd decided when I ordered it that I have too much black...

I went for a bike ride yesterday (god it was beautiful out), in my ibex bike shorts + ibex knee warmers + wool socks + smartwool jersey + ibex skyline full zip sweater (that's become my favorite layering piece recently). I have some kids smartwool neck gaiters that work really well as ear warmers or a headband that I used.

I was quite the wool weenie.

GLC1968

02-09-2009, 09:10 AM

Ha - My H bought two thin merino wool sweaters at the GAP just after Christmas. He accidently threw one of them in the dryer so now I have a new merino wool sweater! :D Actually, I feel badly, because he really liked this one and it looked really good on him. I, on the other hand, don't really need more wool...

Speaking of which, I'm wearing my new dark cranberry full zip shak today and I LOVE it. It's a fabulously flattering color for me (if I do say so myself) and of course, super comfy. :)

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-09-2009, 09:20 AM

I went for a 1 hour ride at about 32F today. I was super comfy and toasty!
Had on my insulated hiking boots with 2 pairs wool socks, Ibex Ribbie and Smartwool midweight zip turtleneck, a screaming yellow lightweight jersey and then a screaming yellow windbreaker on the outside, two winter tights, layered 3 pairs gloves, a thin balaclava and a windstopper beanie under my helmet. It was all just right!- probably would have been fine without the extra jersey though....my core felt a bit warmer than necessary.
This was only my second ride of the new year thanks to the crappy weather. :o

Biciclista

02-09-2009, 09:54 AM

Ibex ought to be paying you royalties for all the stuff of theirs you wear!

Jolt

02-12-2009, 09:13 AM

Apparently in August there will be a wool Buff available http://thegearjunkie.com/gear-junkie-scoop-wool-buff. Sounds good; I just hope they make them in the smaller size as well as the "regular" adult size, to fit those of us with smaller heads!

Crankin

02-12-2009, 04:59 PM

I just bought a buff for small heads... special woman's sizing. From the original buff company, in Canada. A wool one would be good, though.
My head is so teeny that the buff I bought from Terry is like a veil.

Cataboo

02-12-2009, 06:38 PM

I use a smartwool kid's neck gaiter as a headband/ear warmer, helmet liner:

http://www.moabsports.com/web-pid-12P2D962-Smartwool-Kids-Neckgaiter-item.htm

IT's not as long as the buffs, that's for sure... but I haven't quite figured out the advantage of all that extra stuff on the buff. I bought one after seeing that some people on here really liked them.

Selkie

02-14-2009, 05:59 AM

I succumbed. After months of resisting temptation, I ordered Ibex's Juliet.

I blame my Catriona cocoa brown Shak. Wearing it to work yesterday infected me w/a desire for another Ibex piece. I was tempted to get another shak but the black wasn't on sale. Plus I've really loved the Juliet and have pondering purchasing it since it came out.

I suggested that they make the Juliet in a black w/pink diamonds next year. I'd buy that one at full price.

For my birthday, my DH got me a black Ibex Rhyme sweater. I love the sideways zipper!! Haven't worn it yet but plan to next week, when the weather turns cooler.

divingbiker

02-14-2009, 08:08 AM

I was tempted to get another shak but the black wasn't on sale.

Psst, the black shak is on sale here (http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item14935.asp). (I just ordered another one yesterday so I can leave one at the office. And a cranberry one, too.:))

Selkie

02-14-2009, 11:12 AM

Psst, the black shak is on sale here (http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item14935.asp). (I just ordered another one yesterday so I can leave one at the office. And a cranberry one, too.:))

I love you, but I'm really hoping that they don't have it in my size. :p If they do, it must be fate.

oh, no....they do!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaahhh, I bought it!!!!! DH just came in and said, "you bought something? you have that guilty laugh."

divingbiker

02-14-2009, 11:56 AM

oh, no....they do!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaahhh, I bought it!!!!!

Ha! Glad to be of service!

I am such an enabler...:D

Selkie

02-15-2009, 04:37 AM

I went ahead and sent back a pair of Serenity tights I'd just gotten from REI, to appease the guilt. The tights were full price and the Shak was on sale. ;)

Biciclista

02-18-2009, 07:08 AM

anyone here have a Zephyr? Do you like it? does it look like underwear?
(on sale at Ibex)

Cataboo

02-18-2009, 07:40 AM

I've never had a zephyr.

I picked up an ibex serrano jersey last night:
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/787622

I absolutely love it. Very soft, great fit.

Triskeliongirl

02-18-2009, 07:49 AM

I have a zepher. It does not look like underwear, although it does have flat lock stitching which dresses it down a tad. It is similar in weight to the smartwool midweight zip Ts. I like it very much, its very soft. It layers nicely over a norgie crew, and I have a set in the same color I do that with. The absolute dressiest looking top they offer is the Razzel, and the green is a beautiful color. I have it in red too, but its a bit dark for my taste.

BleeckerSt_Girl

02-18-2009, 07:51 AM

anyone here have a Zephyr? Do you like it? does it look like underwear?
(on sale at Ibex)

I had a zephyr zip turtleneck. I traded it for a Ribbie with a friend. It was fine- soft, medium weight, and has a squarish relaxed cut that is not as form fitting as the woolie for instance. It's thicker than a woolie, thinner than a shak. Smooth texture.

Biciclista

02-18-2009, 07:55 AM

thanks ladies. I have (gasp) resisted this time. I didn't want yet another over $100 bill on my visa card .

Selkie

02-19-2009, 01:07 AM

My Ibex Juliet arrived yesterday. It is simply lovely, very soft. Nice enough that I can wear it w/slacks for work. The sleeves are styled in a special way at the wrists. I love it!

My black shak arrived, too. I've resisted getting a shak in cranberry but have dropped serious hints to my DH!

madscot13

02-21-2009, 06:30 PM

Sorry to say but I have a zephyr and I love it. I bought it to replace another blue zip-zip that was getting worn down and had a few bleach stains on it. I get lots of compliments on the color. It is not an underweight thickness.

Biciclista

02-21-2009, 07:10 PM

Don't be sorry; I just have plenty of clothing and lots and lots of wool. Sometimes I look at all my stuff and wonder what's going to happen when a wool eating moth flies in! :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

Zen

03-05-2009, 01:36 PM

http://www.pantalaine.com/vneckelbow.html
;)

Biciclista

03-05-2009, 01:38 PM

i don't like those elbow patches ( i have never worn through the elbows of a sweater!)

Zen

03-05-2009, 02:25 PM

Psst...see that little face with the winky eye?...click around the rest of that site

BleeckerSt_Girl

03-05-2009, 02:41 PM

DH and I like to be about 1" apart for 24/7....but those clothes would be incredibly annoying! :cool:

Biciclista

03-05-2009, 03:25 PM

Psst...see that little face with the winky eye?...click around the rest of that site

the sale ended 2005!

oh what a bizarre website. LOL!!!

Crankin

03-12-2009, 12:47 PM

I scored an Ibex vest at A and J Ski Shop in Stowe. I forget which style.... I considered a Carrie Hoodie, but this was less money. Everything was 50% off. My husband got his first Ibex top, an orangy/red full zip Shak. He's very happy. I also got an Isis shirt and a Terry cargo skort and Eurohalter, all for half off. It made up for the poor snow conditions!

Jolt

03-12-2009, 02:22 PM

I found a nice washable black, white and gray argyle merino wool sweater at Goodwill over the weekend--it was even half price! The only bummer is that when I got it home and washed it, I noticed a small hole in the shoulder area that I missed when looking it over at the store. So, I decided it was time to learn how to darn. This turned out to be pretty simple although the darn is a little more noticeable than I would have liked (darn it!). Another random skill to add to my repertoire...

DebW

03-29-2009, 11:33 AM

I made the mistake of cutting my son's hair while wearing a wool pullover top. I kept putting the comb under my arm while cutting and ended up with a huge amount of hair clippings embedded in my wool pullover. I can't figure out how to get them out - they are firmly attached to the fuzzy wool. Tried the vacuum cleaner and that didn't work. I can try washing it but that probably won't work either. This is an off-white top with dark hair attached to the left upper quadrant. Any suggestions?

Grog

03-29-2009, 12:08 PM

madscot13

03-29-2009, 01:41 PM

Crankin

03-29-2009, 01:50 PM

The masking tape should work. I use those roller things to get hair and fuzz off of stuff; it's essentially a roll of pieces of tear off masking tape. Pretty much the only thing that works to get lint off.

OakLeaf

03-29-2009, 01:52 PM

+1 on tape; Scotch tape is more effective but also runs a higher risk of damaging the wool fibers, so be advised.

No different from pet hair, really. :rolleyes:

Jolt

04-15-2009, 09:40 AM

Ibex is having a moving sale right now--they're moving their headquarters and so are trying to sell off a bunch of stuff. There are some good deals on their website--I ordered a Shak vest and a neck gaiter yesterday morning and they got here this afternoon. The vest fits great! A little more fitted than the full-zip Shak (which means it fits nicely under the full zip). And I was shocked that the "one size" neck gaiter actually fits me and isn't ridiculously huge! The only problem is that they goofed up my order. I had ordered the blue neck gaiter and they sent me a black one; I'm debating whether to exchange it or just keep the black since there's really nothing wrong with black, I just happened to like that shade of blue.

Biciclista

04-25-2009, 04:57 PM

Ibex woolies on sale! at Mountain Gear.com, regularly 60 some bucks each,
they are selling in both men's and women's sizes for $24.00.
Since DH started wearing these, he no longer comes home stinky. they are light enough that you can wear them all day (and protect your skin somewhat)

BleeckerSt_Girl

04-25-2009, 05:09 PM

I'm still sleeping in my Ibex merino. It's cool at night and I love the feeling. :p

DebW

04-25-2009, 05:34 PM

Thank you, Mimi. I couldn't resist another Ibex Woolie at that price. That makes 3 long-sleeve and 2 sleeveless. I was wearing an Ibex sleeveless under my shirts all winter. Was able to wear the same wool undershirt for 4 days straight. They added so much warmth but never made me too hot.

trinena

04-25-2009, 05:57 PM

Thanks Biciclista! I just got my first Ibex woolies yesterday from another site and I've worn it 2 days straight. Now I'll have a second at an even cheaper price. Sadly the woolies for men were out so no first ibex piece for the honey yet. You woolweenies have been a baaaaa-d influence on me but it's for the best. My husband's into saving water - so if ya wear wool you don't need to wash as often! like my logic?:p.

Ibex woolies on sale! at Mountain Gear.com, regularly 60 some bucks each,
they are selling in both men's and women's sizes for $24.00.
Since DH started wearing these, he no longer comes home stinky. they are light enough that you can wear them all day (and protect your skin somewhat)

Natasha

04-30-2009, 09:19 AM

Backcountryoutlet.com has ridiculously low prices on some Icebreaker items right now.

Skierchickie

04-30-2009, 03:19 PM

Sorry guys, I can't resist. :p

I do love my Ibex wool bras, but the idea that they keep you warm when they are wet is a TOTAL MYTH. I wore mine skiing (nordic) for most of the winter, until I finally gave up on being completely and utterly frozen by the time I got home. I sweat. When I'd get home and change, I'd always be fairly dry except my bra and my shirt right where the wet bra was. If I quickly changed everything else, I'd still freeze until I got rid of the thing. It is soft. It is comfortable. It is great for biking, working, walking, okay for running (for those of us who don't need much support), and fine for sit-ups and push-ups. It is really not so great for high-intensity workouts in the cold. I've tried, but I just haven't had the "wool keeps you warm when it's wet" experience.

My problem is, I wear a light jacket until I get warmed up. Unfortunately, I've been going straight from "cold straight out of the car" to "cold because I'm sweaty", and end up leaving the jacket on. :mad:

Okay, ladies - let me have it! I supposed this will get me drummed out of the Woolweenies. :(