I recently started a brand that offers 100% merino base layers and wool sweaters. They are totally natural with not synthetics, either undyed or naturally dyed, and the merino was grown regeneratively in the US. https://shopmairin.com/
Actually funny because I'm working on a Merino wool piece right now for Believe in the Run, which details much of what you covered. I preach Merino far and wide and it really should be the only thing runners are using in the winter, for all the reasons you listed. Well worth its weight and versatility and value. Brands you're missing: Ibex, Trew, Icebreaker, Artilect, Janji, Le Bent, and even Satisfy. Even bigger brands are leaning into Merino now, like Arc'teryx and Fjallraven. And then there's the next level up, which is yak wool by Kora Outdoor which I use for really cold days (10F) and Alpaca socks from Paka for the same conditions.
Back to the SKIMs collab — do know if has anyone tested these? how long does it take you to take them off to pee? would it make you more aerodynamic? the people must know!
Have been waiting for this piece from our resident ~Merino evangelist~! Super interested in what Kari Traa is doing. Going to order for ski base layer - will report back!
I’m a merino obsessive for rowing and running and like to layer a Tracksmith tank under a Smartwool or Kari Traa quarter zip. I also have a merino blend long sleeve with henley style snaps from Velocio that I like and has stood up really well.
Re Vuori, I’ve never darkened its doors at my favorite outdoor mall (shopping center maybe sounds more elevated?) but after listening to that Fashion People pod and then walking by the Vuori windows, all I could think was wow, what a sea of cheerless sage greens.
Been a slow convert on Vuori but fully in now. to be fair, I don't wear any of it for actual working out; all for work/life/casual. It basically is stuff we're you're like 'why do I need a $55 tshirt' but then it's just the tshirt that you reach for every single time. To me it's become the basics of a certain lifestyle/look that you then dress on top of
Great piece, Lee! Perfect timing as Tracksmith also releases a running bib for NDO. lol.
Also, our (mutual) friend does PR for Northface and the Skimms collab sold out in 2hrs in NYC apparently.
Reddit had some funny thoughts on the bib! 2 hours in NYC, I am not surprised.
Right! And I love a good Tracksmith Reddit thread. lol
I recently started a brand that offers 100% merino base layers and wool sweaters. They are totally natural with not synthetics, either undyed or naturally dyed, and the merino was grown regeneratively in the US. https://shopmairin.com/
Actually funny because I'm working on a Merino wool piece right now for Believe in the Run, which details much of what you covered. I preach Merino far and wide and it really should be the only thing runners are using in the winter, for all the reasons you listed. Well worth its weight and versatility and value. Brands you're missing: Ibex, Trew, Icebreaker, Artilect, Janji, Le Bent, and even Satisfy. Even bigger brands are leaning into Merino now, like Arc'teryx and Fjallraven. And then there's the next level up, which is yak wool by Kora Outdoor which I use for really cold days (10F) and Alpaca socks from Paka for the same conditions.
Oooh thanks, Robbe! My list was curated from folks in my network, hence the limits. Excited to see your more broader insights!
Merino has been sidelined by cashmere for TOO LONG. Merino forever!!!
Thanks for joining my Merino lobby. Membership badges coming soon!
I also recently started using merino for workouts, particularly due to the odor prevention and temperature regulation. Got one of these tops from Allbirds of all places -- maybe extra discounted because no one thinks of them for apparel? Have been happy with it so far! https://www.allbirds.co.uk/products/womens-natural-run-long-sleeve-tee-natural-white?variant=40045698351236
Thanks for sharing! And yes - the infamous Allbirds apparel flop. It’s a bummer bad marketing and ugly shoes sunk an otherwise good product!
Back to the SKIMs collab — do know if has anyone tested these? how long does it take you to take them off to pee? would it make you more aerodynamic? the people must know!
Have been waiting for this piece from our resident ~Merino evangelist~! Super interested in what Kari Traa is doing. Going to order for ski base layer - will report back!
I’m a merino obsessive for rowing and running and like to layer a Tracksmith tank under a Smartwool or Kari Traa quarter zip. I also have a merino blend long sleeve with henley style snaps from Velocio that I like and has stood up really well.
Re Vuori, I’ve never darkened its doors at my favorite outdoor mall (shopping center maybe sounds more elevated?) but after listening to that Fashion People pod and then walking by the Vuori windows, all I could think was wow, what a sea of cheerless sage greens.
"Sea of cheerless sage greens" – well said!
Gosh I love merino. It actually helped me start running because I was able to go out in cold weather and not freeze.
Why are all these brands — like DV — debuting with white or neutral trail runners? We need something that will be durable in the mud!
Is it the Norda effect? Their 001 was white. Or the creators like the idea of "showing your work" (i.e. letting them get messy.)
Interesting. I also wonder if part of it is developing the shoe for fashion vs function, like the Carhartt WIP.
Been a slow convert on Vuori but fully in now. to be fair, I don't wear any of it for actual working out; all for work/life/casual. It basically is stuff we're you're like 'why do I need a $55 tshirt' but then it's just the tshirt that you reach for every single time. To me it's become the basics of a certain lifestyle/look that you then dress on top of
That makes sense to me! I am wondering if they are the Lululemon for men?
Oiselle has wool layers too! https://www.oiselle.com/products/jane-john-base-layer
Shoot, thanks for reminding me this came up in my DMs! I'll add.