WoolWeenies Club

[MMEZ]

I'm new to wool - just purchased my first jersey. I'm looking at wool base layers and one of my team mates recommended IBEX, which reading this thread, seems to be a very loved brand. After looking at their website I am confused as to what to purchase. I would love to purchase all of them in an order to try them out and determine my favorite, but at their price, I can't justify it (active duty military and we don't make a whole lot of money).

What should my purchase consist of? I would use it as a base layer/undershirt for riding, but maybe use it most days under my uniform as I have a tendency to freeze! I would prefer a white/off-white/eggshell color since it would be less noticeable under my uniform top as opposed to something in a dark plum or bright teal.

I'm excited to try this product as both of my children had wool diapers when they were babies (cloth diapered due to sever allergens to the chemicals in disposables) and I'm quite famIliar with the amazing properties of wool. Our team jerseys are also going to be wool, so I'm excited to join this group! Thanks!

[goldfinch]

I have a lot of Ibex stuff and love it but my favorite base layer wool tops are the thinner Smart Wool tops. Warm. Wash easily. When I am up north I wear them as undershirts in cold weather. http://www.smartwool.com/womens/base...t-crew-32.html This tank is my favorite undershirt: http://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Wome...roweight+women Here is a long sleeve in natural, but only available in large: http://www.amazon.com/Microweight-Cr...roweight+women

[Triskeliongirl]

First a wool tip, then a wool question! I am in Boston visiting my daughter. Yesterday we picked up some great discounts on wool sweaters and dresses at the Ralph Lauren Rugby store on Newbury Street. They are dropping the line, and offering an additional 40% off the already reduced prices, so most items were 70%. Very nice quality, for both men and women.

I also had my first visit to an actual Ibex store. I picked up some energy free tights to go with the wool dress I bought at Ralph Lauren Rugby. I noticed they also have a few full zip energy tops, the Izzi FZ and the Energy FZ. Does anyone have any experience with the how the Energy Fabric holds up to wash and wear, relative to the classic shak fabric. I have had shaks forever, although one is finally starting to show holes in the elbows so wondering what to replace it with. The energy fabric reminds me a bit of boucle, so I worry it might pull or pill more easily than the shak fabric.

[itself]

I am a huge Icebreaker and Smartwool fan. I am afraid that the two Ibex pieces I own have not held up, and IMHO, I just don't think Ibex is as good a quality.

For high aerobic activities, like cycling, running and hiking, these two Icebreaker jackets come highly recommended:

The Rapid
The Quantum

These are great to wear over a base layer. I love my Icebreaker 260 half zip shirts as they are so versatile and do not hold odor at all!

[OakLeaf]

I am a huge Icebreaker and Smartwool fan. I am afraid that the two Ibex pieces I own have not held up, and IMHO, I just don't think Ibex is as good a quality.

That's weird, since I have a LOT of wool, and have found Ibex much better constructed and more durable than Smartwool. No experience at all with Icebreaker though.

Any chance that your Ibex pieces were the made in China stuff?? Most of mine is USA. And most of my SW is the newer Chinese stuff ... pill-y and cut off the bias.

[itself]

That's weird, since I have a LOT of wool, and have found Ibex much better constructed and more durable than Smartwool. No experience at all with Icebreaker though.

Any chance that your Ibex pieces were the made in China stuff?? Most of mine is USA. And most of my SW is the newer Chinese stuff ... pill-y and cut off the bias.

I just checked and the Ibex pieces I have were made in Fiji.

BTW, Smartwool has greatly improved their clothing. None of it pills on me!

Also, check out the Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 or similar product. It's 100% merino wool, more midweight and my favorite shirt. As you look at their clothing, notice that some of it is 100% merino wool, and some of it is mixed with Lycra. I love their pure wool products.

[SadieKate]

Just want to share the info about some wool shorts I just found and they're so cute! When I run in cold temps (for me, sub-25), my entire body including extremities can be close to spontaneous combustion while my posterior is still freezing. Regular Sugoi compression shorts aren't enough. I just received these and have only worn them around the house but they're very comfortable and soft - and just adorable in their stripeyness!



I did splurge and buy a T-neck to match.