WoolWeenies Club

[DebW]

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

Arcadian JUST started doing online orders, so guess they're getting their system ironed out.

[Triskeliongirl]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Triskeliongirl]

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]

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]

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.

[Biciclista]

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]

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/Product...nce-Sports-Top