WoolWeenies Club

[Dianyla]

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

Out of the box, yes. I've found that my Icebreaker pieces do shrink upon first wash/dry, while the Ibex pieces do not shrink (with the notable exception of the Switchback). Also, my only complaint about the various Icebreaker garments I have is that they sometimes shrink irregularly.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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

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

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

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

[Triskeliongirl]

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

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

[madscot13]

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

[Dianyla]

really you think that icebreaker runs larger than ibex?

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

[RTW]

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

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

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

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

But Madscot, if you're looking for a wool hoodie, Icebreaker does make two hooded tops. The Nomad (1/4 zip) is actually currently available in XS, S and L in black on Sierra Trading Post, and I have a two-day 20%-off coupon for all women's apparel if you want -- that would bring it down from $85 to $68, compared to a list price of $130. Buy it soon, because it says the the XS is "almost gone." Uncle Dan's also has the Conquest hoodie in XS in black and pink for $124 and free shipping. The differences are that the Nomad is 1/4-zip while the Conquest is a full-zip, and the Nomad is woven in a looser, non-windproof knit while the Conquest is a more wind-resistant knit. I found a post on another (hiking) forum that compares the Nomad, Conquest and Shak from a male backpacker's point of view.

Am I a wool enabler?

[RTW]

Oops. Link doesn't work -- to see the Nomad, go to the STP site and enter item code 13886, or try this link. Sorry!

[KnottedYet]

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

That's been my experience, also.

[DebW]

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

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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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

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

[Triskeliongirl]

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

[Triskeliongirl]

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

XS hooded shak on sale right here: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...ct=Hooded-Shak

Does this make me a wool enabler?

[GLC1968]

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

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

[DebW]

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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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

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