Merino wool tops.

Aggieboy
Aggieboy Posts: 3,996
edited October 2008 in Workshop
Apart from price and cut, does anyone know if there is a difference between merino wool tops/jumpers and the ones that are specifically marketed as sports wear.

Why do I ask?

I've just seen 100% fine merino wool tops with a high zipped neck which seem perfect for Winter cycling that are considerably cheaper (£14.99) than the sports ones.
"There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world, t'would be a pity to damage yours."

Comments

  • bigflangesmallsprocket
    bigflangesmallsprocket Posts: 2,443
    Aren't you going to tell us where then? :P

    DON'T tell em on: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12588976&highlight= here. Seriously, DON'T, no don't! :twisted:
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  • GyatsoLa
    GyatsoLa Posts: 667
    Merino isn't a 'protected' trade name, and there is no legal definition of what constitutes 'merino' wool. It seems that lots of garments where were once called Cashmere (another unprotected name) are now labled merino. So the product could be real merino - it could be polyester with a tiny bit of merino added in... it could just be regular wool... it could be anything.

    There is a NZ certified system called MAPP for pure NZ merino wool, but only the most expensive brands use it:

    http://www.mapp.co.nz/

    There are also various trade names like Smartwool or Sportswool which use treated merino or merino mixes. Some NZ suppliers use their own tradenames (such as Groundeffect). The only way to be sure is to buy from a reputable brand. Its not really possible to tell by feel alone, I have a few merino tops and they all feel quite different depending on grade of wool, the type of weave, etc.
  • damage36
    damage36 Posts: 282
    Also, sports-specific merino tops will give you a better performance fit. I personally hate the idea of wearing a loose fitting t-shirt under my other kit.
    Legs, lungs and lycra.

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  • SunWuKong
    SunWuKong Posts: 364
    I have a Rapha sportswool merino base layer and a couple of Ice Breaker merino base layers. I much prefer the Ice Breaker ones regardless of cost (they're cheaper). Much nicer feel and you can buy different thickness for varying levels of cold. The cut is good on both and pretty much the same.
  • Garry H
    Garry H Posts: 6,639
    damage36 wrote:
    Also, sports-specific merino tops will give you a better performance fit. I personally hate the idea of wearing a loose fitting t-shirt under my other kit.

    The above is an important point. The fit is almost as important as the material. If it's not a fairly close fit, then it won't work so well as a base layer. If it's a 14.99 and it's "real" merino, as long as it's close-fitting, I would get one.
  • sjburbidge
    sjburbidge Posts: 98
    The endura 'baa baa' merino top I've just got is great - and you can wash it in the machine - it's mercerised, whatever that means.
    I also have a couple of V neck type jumpers which are merino wool, and can only be hand washed, otherwise they would shrink - which would be a pain for cycling gear. Check the washing instructions before you buy if this would bother you!
  • Aggieboy
    Aggieboy Posts: 3,996
    bigflangesmallsprocket wrote:
    Aren't you going to tell us where then? :P

    DON'T tell em on: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12588976&highlight= here. Seriously, DON'T, no don't! :twisted:

    Sorry. Didn't mean to keep it a secret. They are in Uniglo stores,V,zip and crew neck. For those interested they are 100% merino wool and bear the pure new wool 'woolmark'. I've bought some for normal wear.

    I have also purchased some turtle neck base layers from them at a price of £4.99 (were £9.99). They also have crew neck ones (£7.99) in lots of colours. They are from a range called 'heat tech' and are manufactured by the Toray carbon/textile company. I've just been out wearing one cycling this evening and it's cold here. Trust me, they are toasty and dry. (no I don't work for them).
    Recommended.
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  • shedhead
    shedhead Posts: 367
    Hi Aggieboy,
    Any chance you can put a link up to the website? I've Googled Uniglo but comes up with Uniqglo? is this the same co' as i can't find the base layers on their website.

    Cheers

    Shedhead :?
    'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts'.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    The company is called Uniqlo. Their website is http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/
  • unclemalc
    unclemalc Posts: 563
    Try this place:

    http://www.edz.biz/base-layers.html

    I use the longsleeve merino base layer and it is brill.
    Also just bought one of their balaclaves for cold weather riding...
    Spring!
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  • mclarent
    mclarent Posts: 784
    unclemalc wrote:
    Try this place:

    http://www.edz.biz/base-layers.html

    I use the longsleeve merino base layer and it is brill.
    Also just bought one of their balaclaves for cold weather riding...

    Are the base layers machine washable?
    "And the Lord said unto Cain, 'where is Abel thy brother?' And he said, 'I know not: I dropped him on the climb up to the motorway bridge'."
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