WoolWeenies Club

[Crankin]

I would think woolies should be on the tighter side; too loose and they might not fit under other stuff.
What size I wear depends totally on the brand! Size creep is a wonderful thing. Seriously, I am a true extra small in Ibex tops, but a small on the bottom. However, there some Ibex styles in pants that I just can't wear. The x smalls are way too tight and the smalls are too big. I don't have any woolies, so I can't be specific, but you may well wear an x small.
My red half zip Shak came already! I know you didn't like the feel of it, but it is good for hiking as either an mid layer or top layer. I wore my black one once for cycling in the cold and it was too warm! I also ordered 2 micro weight smart wool tops, but I have to try those on...

[Triskeliongirl]

Dear Wool Weenies, I nearly succombed to the purchase of a patagonia down sweater yesterday. But then, I got a new idea. While double shaking didn't work for me, when I got to work this morning, I saw my ibex full zip boucle hanging up (looks like a full zip shak but made from boucle not shak wool), which I know has a snugger fit than my shaks, even though the size is the same. So, I asked what would happen if I slipped it on between the Smartwool mideweight half zip T I had just gotten from TE (which is lovely by the way despite being a M.........) and my shak, and bingo, I've got my heavier merino layers down!

So, what I am learning, is that sizing in this stuff is CRAZY, even within one line. While I clearly prefer small tops in ibex, I think I am gonna need an XS woolie bottom (which is on order..........). When the med SM midweight full zip arrived from TE, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the fit. I wanted to compare it to a small, so I went to a store nearby that stocks limited SM. What I found is that both pieces fit (I think cuz the fabric is very stretchy), and if I just wanted a very close fitting base layer for sports I would probably go with a SM, but to wear over another mideweight baselayer (i.e. Ibex ribbie, mmmmmmmm), it is perfect, and also for a more professional look with suits it is perfect. I tried their bottoms and their M lightweight bottom fit like my S Ibex bottom, while their S bottom was perfect. So I am hopeful the XS ibex woolie on order will fit like the S smart wool bottom. I did like the weight of the wool a tad better on the ibex than on the smart wool piece. I also like that I can layer my wool blazers over the midweight half zip Ts (with or without another base underneath) and under my goretex shell for professional stuff.

Doesn't this women's sizing stuff drive you crazy??? How can clothes sized 4-8, XS-M, all fit the same body???????????? Guys have it so much easier, they input their waist size and inseam and bingo, whatever they order fits.

Crankin is right though, the ibex hooded shak is a lovely piece, I just think for me I got the wrong size, and the look wasn't what I was going after. But I didn't send it back yet, cuz it may be perfect for my daughter to hike or go around town in chilly boston in, and its her normal size. For me sizing up to layer didn't work, but what I have noticed is that different ibex pieces even that are all the same size, have trimmer vs looser fits, and that is what allows them to be combined in different ways. I aquired my ibex a bit haphazardly, ordered stuff that was on closeout at the end of last season in colors and styles that were appealing. But, I am finding they pair up in ways I hadn't anticipated to really give me the verstaility I am looking for to deal with a range of climates and situations (from mountaintops to no indoor heating to probably overheated interiors.........). I think the only way I'll really figure this out is to take this trip, and see what works when I am in a range of situations.

So, I think I am done shopping. All that's left is to try on what's coming and make the return packages. The worst case scenario is if the woolies XS bottom doesn't fit I'll exchange it for smartwool S bottom.

Thanks again for everyones help and sorry if you are bored to tears reading my naive crazy posts!

[Crankin]

Nope, not boring. I can live vicariously through all of your purchases, without spending a dime!
The Smart Wool micro weight T fit perfectly, a bit long, but not as bad as my Craft base layers. I wore it hiking yesterday, with the new half zip Shak over it, and my Go Light jacket on top. I had to unzip a little about half way through, but otherwise it was a good combo. It was 32 and sunny, but we were in the woods, so not a lot of warmth. Really my first truly cold outdoor activity of the season.

OK, off to the train.

[RTW]

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)!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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]

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.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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.

[Cataboo]

No worries Triskelion girl - I was busy all weekend and today. But it sounds like you've got everything almost under control. Get the x-small bottoms, loose bottoms are kind of annoying.

I know I've mentioned it like 80 times in here, but I've had a lot of my smartwool stuff randomly get holes after 1-2 washes, and have never had that with ibex or icebreaker. A fair number of people in the steepandcheap forums have complained about that as well with smartwool.

[Triskeliongirl]

Catriona, thanks for confirming my ibex bias.......... Other than socks, the midweight zip-T is my first clothing purchase from smartwool. It seems sturdy, but the microweight bottoms made me uneasy and I've read a lot of reports of them tearing, but not of the woolies. I hope the top holds up. the color (orchid heather) looks wonderful over my ibex raspberry woolie........... and under a grey or black suit..............

Hopefully I'll be thrilled with the XS woolies that are due to arrive tomorrow! Zappos had them on sale, plus a 20% off coupon, plus free overnight shipping w free returns, so I'll know soon enough. I have one icebreaker thin base t that is scratchy, and I found their sizing terribly inconsistent, I've ordered small tops that run like mediums and small tops that run like XS, so most of what I've ordered from them has gone back. I also don't find their stuff works as well as 'scientist sheek', looks that I can either give a research seminar in or play in, with subtle modifications...... A little too on the sport only size, with the finger thingies and sport stripes.

I can't wait for wed, the day my children arrive home from college and the rest of my packages come! That way my daughter and I can try on all the goodies in the assorted sizes together. She is one size up from me, so maybe I won't be sending back that much at all if things work out right. I did get good deals on everything I ordered, loads of coupons, etc.

I think I am most excited about the ibex alpstar pant. Maybe it will make an Ibex 'suit' when paired with a shak......at least for a scientist rather than a business person!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Trisk,
You will find that the Smartwool mid-weight zip top is very sturdy and warm and soft. I too have had occasional tiny holes pop up with the microweight SW stuff (easily sewn but annoying nonetheless), but the mid-weight is very durable- I've worn and washed mine dozens of times and no problem.

Incidentally, I've been wearing my SheBeest WindPro tight so much lately in the 20'sF, that I just ordered a second pair so I can rotate them while laundering. They are the warmest solo-wearing tight I have, on days that I don't want to layer 2 tights together.

[Triskeliongirl]

OOh thanks lisa that is so good to know... You are such a great font of information! In fact, my small windpro tight also fits a tad loose, and while I was tempted to send it back for an XS, I figured that was Ok if I wanted to layer it over a shebeest tech tight for cold weather cycling, but I guess I could also layer it over the XS woolies if they fit right.

So, do you go out in just the woolies/windpro tight for a hike, or do you put that under a pant or goretex shell? I thought I could put it under a goretex shell to ski.

I am now realizing that all that stuff I thought was just a tiny bit big is great for layering stuff underneath!

[Cataboo]

*sigh* I wish you hadn't mentioned an ibex sale.

I've had 2 midweight crews and 2 midweight smartwool tights develop the random holes. Probably about 6 of the lightweight shirts have developed holes, and a bunch of the socks. I do throw them in the washer, but I don't put them in the dryer.

I'm not sure if it's a quality control issue or what - because some pieces I can use over & over without developing holes, and others will just develop holes almost instantly. I haven't seen it in any of their heavier weight stuff, but usually those are sweaters or zip ups that I don't wash often.

Scientist Chic - do we have to dress up anymore? Some of the icebreaker works well for it... Look at the nomad hoody (okay, so I think it might have thumbloops), the nature line is really nice, and then the jetter jacket. Some of the sport 320 stuff that's just solid colors can also be dress up. thumbloops aren't noticable unless you put your thumbs in them.

Trying on ibex with your daughter sounds like it would be a blast. I can't say that I have gotten my mother interested in wool at all, however a couple of years ago the Anne Taylor loft outlet near my mother's would quite often have sweaters or sleeveless vests in cashmere or wool for $5 each in the summer... and my mother & I used to have quite a lot of fun buying that up.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So, do you go out in just the woolies/windpro tight for a hike, or do you put that under a pant or goretex shell? I thought I could put it under a goretex shell to ski.

I don't ski, but I do snowshoe and I fitness-walk for miles in the cold and snow.
I have a pair of rain pants (thin but waterproof) that I put on one time snowshoeing in heavy wet snow conditions, but they were pretty hot over my wool tights, didn't breathe, not sure if I'd choose them in any but the worst conditions or going out in a blizzard or a long cold woodland hike.
My layering depends totally on the weather conditions which of course vary tremendously, so it's hard to tell you what I do "in general"...i've used dozens of different layering combinations in all kinds of weather. I keep learning new tricks every day, or abandoning old ones.
Generally, one warm pair of warm tights are enough down to 40F, then between 40 and 30F maybe just the WindpPro tights OR a combo of 2 other tights (like maybe my underArmor tights and my Ibex wool tights over those for instance). Below 35F I'll pair two of my heavier tights, or the Craft Storm tights. Below 25 I'll put my underarmor tights under my Storm tights or under my WindPro tights.
The SheBeest Tech tights are fairly warm, so when I need a chamois for a long cold ride I'll wear those and maybe pull some Ibex wool tights over them.

Catriona- about all those holes...it seems like an awful lot of holes you are getting! You and i have many of the exact same items but you are getting way more holes than I am. Are you using regular detergent? Regular agitation cycle in the wash?
I use only Woolite (granted not everyone thinks Woolite is great but it works well for me) and I set the washer to the GENTLE cycle and WARM/COLD temp. I do this for ALL my laundry.
Somewhere I once read that regular laundry detergent slowly eats away at the delicate merino fibers and weakens them. Just a possibility to consider.