WoolWeenies Club

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

....BUT before I order. I need to ask a question. The items say that they are a base layer item, all 1/4 zip top. I thought I wanted to wear something like underarmor next to me then this top. I am under the impression that this is a no go correct? I use this wool as my baselayer and then what do I put over that (see below first)? If they are a base layer, how heavy are they? I am in the wool-less club here. I am looking at these items for x-c skiing, walking, and perhaps snowshoeing. I usually wear a heavy biking jersey and a soft shell jacket for walking/x-c skiing and find it okay and haven't had any problems. Would I use the wool top instead of my biking jersey? I have read the advantages, I just need to be sold now. i know- too many questions.

Hi,
I'm afraid I am not familiar at all with Icebreaker stuff- can someone else help Shelly with the style/thickness question about the Icebreakers?
I only know about Smartwool and Ibex items.
I tend to wear the thin 17.5 micron "base layers" underneath, next to my skin. Then in cold weather I might put a heavy mid-weight wool layer on over that. You *could* wear a jersey over your wool base layer too. Usually two wool layers are enough. But if I'm biking in 35 degrees or less, then I'll put a 3rd layer on- either a jacket or another wool mid-weight or maybe just a vest.

The Smartwool lightweight base layers and the Ibex "Woolies" base layers are quite thin and soft, and best as an underlayer, or for warm days, or for sleeping in . The mid-weight stuff in both brands are more appropriate for wearing alone with just a bra, or over the base layer.
The "shak" line from Ibex that I like now is a thicker-midweight that feels good either alone or layered.

I personally don't recommend wearing your wool over a polyester/manmade base layer like Underarmor. Why?- because the wool works with your skin to keep it ventilated and insulated- put a fake layer between the wool and your skin and the wool will not be doing what it does best. Also, the man-made stuff will smell under the arms. If you put wool first, THEN the other layers, you will smell less after a workout and save some laundry energy! 100% wool can be worn several times before it gets smelly.

For leg layering however- I do sometimes wear an Underarmor winter tech or a chamois legging, then I pull my Ibex wool tights over that because they stretch softly and easily over anything I have on already- no tugging. And I don't need to consider the underarm odor factor for bottom items. It's just an extra layer that's soft and easy to get on and off.
When I'm not biking in the cold I like to wear my wool tights alone- they feel so good on the skin!

[madscot13]

I love Icebreaker. Fit wise I think it is pretty normal it I am an xs small in clothes form REI I am an xs from icebreaker. The once caveat is their next to skin line, which I would buy in a s small next time. the next to skin line material is akin to the ibex superfine merino 18.5 line- a bit on the see through side. The oasis crew,of which I own 3, are pretty thick material. Warmer than a cotton long sleeve, but not something I wear on their own in the winter. I think they are great for layering since it has a pretty close/ flattering cut. I usually wear a tank top under them because I think it is more comfrotable- not necceassily a warmth issue. the ignition top is my favorite of all my clothing articles. I love the theumb holes and how well it fits. it even has a drop tail for bicyling. In the winter I don't leave home without it.

For my winter sports I wear, an oasis crew with the ignition zip over it (the pinnacle, tipper, and classic zip are sort similiar but I think the igniton is tighter and more wind resistant- but don't quote me on the last part). I wear my wind proof fleece until I am warmed up and then I take that off and I'm pretty toatsty for the rest of my adventure. layering up like this lets me avoid those periods where I am freezing cold and wicked hot.

I wear wool for my outdoor activities because I can be just as warm without the bulk. personally if I am going to be doing an endurance activity where I layer I prefer 1/4 zips. fewer bulky zippers and I can let off some steam easily.