I am a devoted fan of Patagonia’s Capilene (synthetic base layers) and a Capilene addict who wears it year-round. The other day, I found a Rapha merino base layer sleeping deep in my closet and wore it for the first time in a while—oh, it was comfortable. The satisfaction and sense of unity you feel on your skin the moment you slide your arms through the sleeves... what is it? It’s a natural fiber, so it feels like my skin is rejoicing. That is truly the sensation. As I introduced in our POINT6 blog the other day, there are many types of merino wool, and it is a fact that quality varies depending on the spinning mill. For socks and base layers that touch your skin, I really want you to use high-quality, high-performance items. So, today I’m going to introduce some high-quality, high-performance merino base layers!
When it comes to high-quality wool manufacturers, IBEX has to be the one, doesn't it? My personal image of IBEX is a quick mental flash of wool cycling jerseys and racing shorts. (While a certain AF store doesn't handle their cycling wear, we have a very small amount in stock.) And though it’s not widely known, jerseys for Chris King and Seven are also made by IBEX. Generally, however, many people associate them with base layers, and the Woolies is a classic base layer model among IBEX products, available in two weights: lightweight and heavyweight.
Right: Men’s Woolies 220 (Heavyweight) ¥12,000 (excl. tax)
Woolies base layers are made from carefully selected New Zealand merino wool. You will first be surprised by the softness and breathability you feel when you slide your arms into them, and you’ll surely get hooked on that airy, fluffy sensation that is hard to come by with synthetics. Also, being able to wear them comfortably year-round, regardless of the season, is something unique to natural fibers. You won't know until you try them on, so please come by the store and slip them on.
This mesh-like base layer, which surprises people with its eccentric appearance, is from the Norwegian wool manufacturer ACLIMA. They have their own factory in Estonia, all quality control is managed at their Norwegian headquarters, and they maintain high quality, supplying gear to the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO-affiliated troops.
This sheer, net-like base layer is a big hit among our staff. It may look cold, but it’s actually very warm. Of course, if you wear it alone, it's cold because of its breathability, but it shows its true power when you layer it with a jacket or mid-layer! It wicks sweat quickly and keeps your body dry and warm at all times. At last, I have been able to join the "Mesh Club."
With the cold weather continuing from here on out, these base layers make daily life and various activities comfortable. I’ve recently been feeling deeply that choosing your apparel is just as important as choosing parts for your bike.