"What is your number one recommended item?"
I asked Mr. Tateshita, a sales representative for HOUDINI.
Given the lineup full of items with both superior functionality and great looks, I thought it would take him a while to choose, but his reply came surprisingly quickly.
"Hmm, let's see. I do a couple of runs on the slopes before work, head back to the office to work, go for some night skiing after that, and then take a bath. Then I wear it to start the next morning. I wear it for that routine, so I wear it almost every day. I only end up washing it a few times a month."
The item he told me about was the Desoli Thermal Crew.
Desoli Thermal Crew, made of 100% superfine Merino wool from New Zealand
【HOUDINI】
M’s Desoli Thermal Crew
PRICE : ¥31,900 (tax included)
COLOR : College Grey, True Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L, XL
MATERIAL : Merino Wool 100% (Solid Gridmerino™)
At first glance, this Desoli Thermal Crew looks like a polyester thermal base layer for winter, but don't be surprised—it’s actually made of Merino wool. And what’s more, it’s 100% Merino wool with no other materials used. Having seen various Merino wool products, and being a user of the ACLIMA Woolnet for about five years now, I was surprised when I first saw it, and this Desoli Thermal Crew left me with the same kind of impact.
Solid Gridmerino™ made of 100% superfine Merino wool
The fabric used, Solid Gridmerino™, is made of 100% 17.6μm superfine Merino wool from New Zealand. Its grid structure creates air pockets that provide both insulation and breathability, while also being excellent in moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
The pure, unblended Merino wool fabric retains its inherent natural properties better than synthetic-blended products; it maintains its insulating power even when wet and features natural temperature regulation and odor-resistance. Furthermore, as it is 100% Merino wool that is renewable and biodegradable, and by avoiding synthetic blends or treatments, it becomes a completely circular fabric that can be recycled or composted once worn out.
It is a base layer that performs in every situation, from activities in cold conditions—such as autumn/winter cycling, hiking, or winter sports like skiing and snowboarding—to daily life. Also, because it has more thickness than many other base layers, it can even be worn as a mid-layer.
It is no wonder that one would want to wear such a Desoli Thermal Crew every day, and it makes perfect sense that it can be worn daily without washing.
If you combine this with the new season's Power Up Jacket or the All Weather T-Neck, you won't have to fear the cold, cold midwinter that is coming up.
While I'm at it, let's also talk about the new Power Up Jacket.
Power Up Jacket featuring magical comfort and excellent versatility
【HOUDINI】
M’s Power Up Jacket
PRICE : ¥31,900 (tax included)
COLOR : Baremark Green, True Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L, XL
MATERIAL : Polyester 57%, Polyamide 33%, Elastane 10% (Polartec® Power Stretch Pro®)
A fleece jacket using Polartec® Power Stretch Pro®
The Power Up Jacket is a fleece jacket that uses Polartec® Power Stretch Pro®, the same material as HOUDINI's iconic Power Houdi. It is durable, warm, and its magical comfort and excellent versatility provide ultimate comfort in any activity. Just like the Power Houdi, there is no doubt that anyone who puts it on will be hooked.
The difference between the Power Up Jacket and the Power Houdi is the removal of the hood and thumbholes, along with a shift to a relaxed fit. By doing so, it has become easier to layer, achieving a versatility that allows it to be worn in more situations. Of course, to ensure that functional performance isn't compromised by the change in shape, it features a high collar that creates a sense of fitting snugly to the body during bad weather, preventing cold air from entering.
The Power Houdi has been a flagship HOUDINI product for about 20 years, but with the birth of the Power Up Jacket—an evolution of that iconic garment into a relaxed fit—the versatility and layering possibilities of fleece have been expanded even further.
It should function perfectly as a mid-layer under a shell for mountaineering and snow activities, or as a standalone outer layer for camping and daily lifestyle, allowing you to wear it comfortably in a variety of situations.
So, as a bonus, let me show you a style that layers the Desoli Thermal Crew, Power Up Jacket, and All Weather T-Neck that I introduced this time.
Yeah, this is nice. I want all of it...
