Isobaa Merino
Isobaa was founded in London, UK and they specialize in creating stylish apparel that use merino wool and other natural materials that provide several advantages over synthetic fabrics. Not only is wool a superior fabric for keeping warm when it’s cold, it also breathes really well when it's warm outside which helps you from overheating. The natural wicking property of merino wool helps keep you dry and its natural odour resistance means you can wear it longer and wash it less, unlike man-made fabrics. This sustainable fabric has so many amazing properties it’s a shame to wear anything but merino wool.The superfine wool that Isobaa sources comes from suppliers that do not use nasty mulesing processes which treat the sheep poorly, instead they take care to ensure that they only use quality wool from suppliers that treat their flock with love and respect.
Isobaa’s styles are versatile and comfortable so they work just as well on big adventures as they do working from home. I’ve been using the Isobaa Merino 180 Boxers and Isobaa Blend Everyday Socks for several weeks now on a daily basis and they are super comfortable and perform really well. The Isobaa Merino 150 Short Sleeve Crew is my go-to base later with the Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie over top for when it gets cold in my office or I am going to head out ski touring for the day. I plan on putting these garments through their paces over winter and into spring and once their natural life cycle has come to an end I'll feel good knowing that they were made from natural, renewable resources that are also biodegrade so I won’t be creating any nasty landfill waste.
Just like their apparel, Isobaa wants to keep their packaging out of landfills too. All of their packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials like cardboard, paper, and jute string. Not only does this divert a lot of unnecessary plastics from landfill it also looks great too, see below.
Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie
Price: $145US / £150
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Fabric: 200gm 18.5 micron Superfine 100% Merino wool
Base layer, mid-layer or styling hoodie for dinner out with friends, the Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie from Isobaa is one versatile layer. Rather than be over the top technical or totally urban the Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie does it all well so you can wear it from trailhead to the micro-brew pub. It works well in a layering system for added warmth or on its own, no matter the adventure. The 200gm 18.5-micron Superfine 100% merino wool is comfortable and warm and since it is also naturally wicking and odour resistant you can push your endurance and not have to change or launder it after every use.
Features:
- Ideal to use as a base layer for a multitude of activities, from skiing & hiking, to cycling & running
- Half YKK zip front for versatile ventilation and easy on/off, with garage & guard for comfort
- Loop hood adjusters for a neater function
- Underarm gusset panels for seam-free comfort
- Flatlock stitching helps to reduce chafing
- Raglan sleeve for comfort & to prevent rucksack straps from rubbing
- Drop tail hem for additional coverage
- Deep cuffs with integrated thumb loops
- Naturally soft, moisture-wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- Can be worn on its own, or as part of a layering system for added warmth
- ISOBAA folded hem label
- Printed care instructions directly onto the garment, to avoid scratchy labels
- Easy care & quick drying
Isobaa Merino 150 Short Sleeve Crew
Price: $83US / £60
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Fabric: 150gm 18.5 micron Superfine 100% Merino wool
The Isobaa Merino 150 Short Sleeve Crew is a great casual top for an urban outing and is also ideal as a base layer on your next ski tour. The superfine 150gm merino wool breathes well when it's warm and is super comfortable next to your skin, add to this its quick-drying, naturally odour resistant and sustainable properties and you’ve got the ideal everyday T-shirt.
Features:
- Ideal to use as a base layer for a multitude of activities, from skiing & hiking to cycling & running
- Underarm gusset panels for seam free comfort
- Flatlock stitching helps to reduce chafing
- Off set shoulder seams to prevent rucksack straps from rubbing
- Drop tail hem for additional coverage
- Naturally soft, moisture-wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- Can be worn on its own, or as part of a layering system for added warmth
- ISOBAA folded hem label
- Printed care instructions directly onto the garment, to avoid scratchy labels
- Easy care & quick drying
Isobaa Merino 180 Boxers
Price: $56US / £40
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Fabric: 180gm 18.5 micron Superfine 100% Merino wool
Comfort reins supreme when you are active in the mountains skiing or hiking and a good pair of merino boxers can’t be beat. Isobaa Merino 180 Boxers are made from superfine 180gm Merino as the name suggests are super comfortable and warm. The breathability of the merino wool fabric is impressive and since it’s also quick drying and naturally odour resistant you can wear these boxers day after day on multi-day adventures without offending your tent mates.
Features:
- Flatlock stitching helps to reduce chafing
- Front fly opening
- No centre back seam for layering and all day comfort
- Naturally soft, moisture-wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- ISOBAA sheep jacquard brushed elastic waistband
- ISOBAA folded waistband label
- Printed care instructions directly onto the garment, to avoid scratchy labels
- Easy care & quick drying
Isobaa Blend Everyday Sock (3 Pack)
Price: $70US / £50
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Fabric: Mid weight Merino wool blend - 38% Merino, 38% Acrylic, 20% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
This 3 pack of socks uses a blend of merino wool with a half terry sole for all-day comfort & support. Like the other Isobaa apparel mentioned above, these socks use merino wool because it keeps you warm when it's cold and breathes well, not to mention it's also quick-drying, naturally odour resistant and sustainable.
Features:
- Half terry sole for extra comfort
- Ribbed cuff for a secure fit
- Naturally warm, soft, moisture-wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- Easy care & quick drying
If you are in the market for some well-made base layers or just appreciate the value of merino wool they you should definitely check out Isobaa and as they say, then “take each day with a smile and a sense of adventure waiting around the corner”.