L/S jersey's - how useful are they?

[sulis]

I just got the long sleeved SmartWool brand "Zip-T's" from TE. They are thin soft merino wool with a little turtleneck with front neck zipper.
I wore one yesterday (the jade green) in the cold rainy wind, a 40 mile ride. I really liked it, it breathed so I didn't feel suffocated or too sweaty, yet kept me nice and warm all day on the ride. I got the plum color too. Very versatile item.

I've never owned any SmartWool or Merinowool but definitely need a good base layer for the fall riding coming up. These sound perfect. However, I have not traditionally done well with wool. Are they itchy?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've never owned any SmartWool or Merinowool but definitely need a good base layer for the fall riding coming up. These sound perfect. However, I have not traditionally done well with wool. Are they itchy?

I don't find them itchy at all- they seem very soft- they are Merino wool- the softest wool there is. But hey you might be extra-itch sensitive, so your mileage may vary!

[pooks]

I don't find them itchy at all- they seem very soft- they are Merino wool- the softest wool there is. But hey you might be extra-itch sensitive, so your mileage may vary!

I have smart wool socks and LOVE them. I even wear them in summer.

I'm now coveting one of those zip-Ts.

Pooks

[DirtDiva]

I've never owned any SmartWool or Merinowool but definitely need a good base layer for the fall riding coming up. These sound perfect. However, I have not traditionally done well with wool. Are they itchy?

Merino is great. I could clothe an army in the amount of merino I wear in the winter. I don't own any other kind of woollies. A good knit (a la SmartWool) shouldn't itch, should last forever and will be really washable. And it won't smell unless you've literally worn it for days. Might be worth using a washing powder/liquid for sensitive skin with 'em, if you've had problems with wool beeing itchy, though...

Personally, my winter ensemble typically involves a long-sleeved synthetic thermal (largely because the ones I've got are long enough to get tucked in and stay tucked in), a merino t-shirt and a wind vest or jacket (I've got one of the ones with the arms that zip on and off - brilliant concept, why aren't more made that way?).