Company Profiles Archives - Merino Wool Gear

Duckworth Merino Wool Review & Profile

jaymerino — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:49:38 +0000

At Merino Wool Gear, we love getting technical about clothing. We love the ins and outs of design, manufacturing, sourcing, etc. And rather than examining a single product, we often review brands as a whole. And one brand that is just as technical as we are: Duckworth Merino wool.

So, whether you’ve tried Duckworth Merino wool before or are a happy returning customer, we hope to provide more information about one of our favorite Merino wool brands.

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Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Brief History

According to Duckworth, the idea for a clothing brand first started on a Montana ski lift. However, their history and legacy can be traced back centuries. And that’s no exaggeration.

Duckworth co-founder John Helle is a fourth-generation sheep farmer. The Helle ranch in Montana is home to tens of thousands of acres of green pasturelands where the Merino sheep live freely. They get shaved once a year, and that wool gets processed into Duckworth apparel.

Image Credit: Duckworth Merino Wool 101

And the best part about Duckworth’s wool is that all the materials are source-verified. The supply chain stays within the United States, and as the consumer, that savings gets passed on to you.

Nowadays, the Helle family’s fifth generation is almost running the ranch, and Duckworth sells the clothing. And let us tell you, it’s by far some of the highest-quality, most unique Merino wool we’ve tested!

Duckworth Merino Wool Specialties

Duckworth focuses on cold-weather outdoor gear and layering pieces. They offer various products, including tees, tanks, bottoms, outerwear, and more!

In our opinion, their clothing style is not as modern as other brands, but rather timeless. Along with the classic look, Duckworth creates their clothing to withstand the harsh winters in the Rockies and the hot Montana summers. In other words, Duckworth’s Merino wool clothing protects you from the elements, just as it does with the sheep.

“…if a piece of Duckworth clothing can survive the intense demands of a Montana ranch, it can survive anything.”
Duckworth – About Us

So whether you’re a skier, hiker, rancher, traveler, or just need an extra warm (and extra comfy) piece of Merino wool clothing, Duckworth has the gear for you.

Where Does Duckworth Source Their Wool?

Unlike many brands that source Merino wool from Australia or New Zealand, Duckworth gets their wool from sheep in the USA. Dillon, Montana, to be exact. And it’s a slightly different breed of Merino sheep than you may expect.

Duckworth uses Helle Rambouillet sheep, a close cousin to Merino. They split from the Merino breed in 1786, when King Louis XVI purchased 300 Merino sheep from his cousin in Spain. A couple of generations later, this new Rambouillet breed ended up in the USA.

A flock of Helle Rambouillet sheep on a snow-covered Montana ranch. Image Credit: Duckworth

Centuries of separation in differing climates have created slight differences in the wool. For example, the Rambouillet sheep in Montana experience harsher conditions than Australian Merino sheep. So, the wool they produce is slightly hardier. It’s made to withstand the frigid Montana winters and surprisingly warm summers. So when it’s spun and knitted, you get the same natural weather-fighting capabilities as the sheep!

Nowadays, the Helle Ranch is home to 10,000 Ramboiullet sheep. They thrive in the lush pastures of the Rockies. Duckworth does their best to transform this natural material into comfortable, stylish clothes for your wardrobe. But really, the sheep are the star of the show.

Sustainability & Ethics

Merino wool is, in itself, a sustainable material. Sheep eat grass, soak up the sun, get shorn, and then the cycle continues. Yet, Duckworth goes the extra mile in maintaining their land. With four generations (and the fifth nearly running the show), the Helle family understands the importance of respecting the meadows and pastures their sheep depend upon. They are self-proclaimed ‘Stewards of the land,‘ and rightfully so. With centuries of experience and continued success, they are as sustainable as possible in today’s business world.

And as you can imagine, as the sheep are the star of the show, they are treated as the star of the show. Duckworth is upfront and transparent about its ethical treatment of its sheep. They basically live as wild animals, munching on the grasses and wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains. In fact, Duckworth says they only come in contact with humans a few days per year when they’re shaved for the summer months.

When they are free to graze, the sheep are happy. Happy sheep produce higher-quality wool with a springier crimp and more temperature regulation properties. So, with everything they do to make their sheep happy, we must give Duckworth an A+ rating in the ethics department.

If you want to learn more about the ethics behind Merino wool as a whole, you can check out our comprehensive ethics guide here.

What We Like

Aside from Duckworth’s commitment to its sheep and the land, we would like to highlight a few more aspects of its brand. This is a partial list with many more positives, yet the following traits set Duckworth apart from the competition.

Fabric Performance & Creativity

While many Merino brands showcase their products at the forefront, some are more secretive about the technology behind their fabrics. However, Duckworth is 100% transparent about the material they use and with an easy naming system. For example, the Vapor hoody is made of the same material as the Vapor briefs!

In fact, Duckworth goes the extra mile to showcase their fabric by explaining each one in-depth on their YouTube channel. We’ve summarized their catalog of materials below, but check out each link if you’re interested in learning more.

Fabric Name	Composition	Fabric Weight (gsm)	Advantages	Best Uses
*Vapor*	38% Merino, 50% Polyester, 12% Modal	150	Durable, Quick-drying	Mild-to-cool weather with high activity
*Maverick*	100% Merino	160 & 220	Odor-resistant, Insulates when wet	Any next-to-skin layer
*Polaris*	80% Merino, 20% Polyester	175	Waffle knit traps heat, Breathable	Cooler climates as base layer or standalone
*Comet*	100% Merino (outer), 100% polyester (lining)	275	Moisture wicking from synthetics, insulation from wool	High perspiration activities in cooler climates
*Powder*	50% Merino, 20% Polyester, 30% Acrylic	300	Top-notch insulation, brushed like texture	Any cold-weather activity: base, mid, or outer layer
Sawtooth	100% Merino	370	Brushed wool button-down	Cold-weather shirt
*Snowcrest*	100% Merino	710	Heaviest traditional wool shirt	Even colder weather shirt
*WoolCloud*	80% Merino, 20% PET (insulation), 100% Nylon (shell & lining)	Insulation	Minimal bulk, sustainable	From 40 °F to -40 °F

Click on each link to watch Duckworth’s explanation of each fabric

Supply Chain Optimization

Compared with other Merino wool brands, Duckworth is one of the most transparent about their supply chain. They know precisely where their wool comes from and where it goes, from their farm to your closet. And, the best part is, it always stays in the United States!

See, other brands may get their wool from Australia, manufacture the fabric in China, then sell it as a garment in America. However, as you’ve read, Duckworth keeps all production steps within the USA. They get all their wool from their ranch in Montana, then send it to various US locations for scouring, spinning, dying, knitting, and garment production.

Duckworth’s supply chain, all occuring in the USA. Image Credit: Duckworth

While keeping the entire supply chain within the country is green and more affordable, we love it so much because the savings are passed on to you, the customer. Duckworth knows that to keep its customers happy, it must create high-quality at a reasonable price. And they are doing just that.

Areas For Improvement

It seems like Duckworth knows their wool, and they understand what their customers want. Yet, as with every Merino wool brand, they face unique challenges. We wouldn’t necessarily say that the following are negatives but observations that could improve their already-reputable operation.

Larger Color Selection

The men’s collection contains neutral yet unique colors like desert sand, cabin red sage, spruce, and midnight. And on the women’s side, you get the same collections, with a couple extra pastel shades. Looking at the entire Duckworth collection, you may think: “there are tons of colors. What’s this guy even talking about?” Well, it’s not so much about the broad range of colors but the variety of options for each product.

For example, the Duckworth Snowcrest shirt only comes in black, and many of the heavyweight apparel have limited color spectrums. We’d like to see a broader range of colors overall; however, that’s purely out of personal preference.

More Size Availability

We love to help people find the perfect piece of Merino Wool Gear (hence, our name). And as you know, people come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, we like to see brands carry all sizes in all color options. Obviously, that’s not always possible. In Duckworth’s case, they only have the full selection of sizes (Men’s S-XXL, Women’s XS-XL) for their most popular sellers, while some of the more niche products are sporadically available.

From a business perspective, this makes perfect sense. Why would Duckworth carry extra inventory for lower-performing items? And since they have a limited wool supply from their herd of 10,000 sheep, they put more raw material into their best sellers. We can’t blame them for their size variations, but it would still be nice if some sizes didn’t sell out so quickly.

But, there is a positive here. Duckworth is one of the few Merino wool brands that allows for size and color notifications when items are out of stock. So, if you don’t see your size, just enter your email and wait for the alert!

Our Favorite Duckworth Merino Wool Gear

Now that you’ve learned much about Duckworth as a brand, it’s time to look closely at our favorite products. The following five pieces of gear combine what Duckworth considers their bestsellers with a couple of added products worth highlighting. Check it out below!

Duckworth Men’s Powder Hoody

50% Merino, 20% Polyester, 30% Acrylic | 300 gsm | Relaxed fit | 6 colors

Made for everything from cold-weather adventure to everyday use, the Powder Hoody is one of our favorite Duckworth Merino wool gear pieces! The soft, comfortable fabric feels excellent against your skin, and you won’t experience the itchiness of traditional wool hoodies. Moreover, the Powder fabric is warm yet lightweight, without any actual bulk. So, you can easily layer something underneath or overtop, depending on the weather.

If you want to learn more about this piece of Merino wool gear, check out the link below. Or, if you’d like, learn more about the best Merino wool hoodies here. Spoiler alert: this Powder Hoody made the list!

Check Price on Duckworth

Duckworth Women’s Powder High Neck

50% Merino, 20% Polyester, 30% Acrylic | 300 gsm | Relaxed fit | 5 colors

Like the Men’s Powder Hoody, this women’s High Neck is soft, plush, cozy, and all-around comfy. You get warmth without the weight and a classic, timeless style that will last you for years.

In terms of design, it’s an oversized turtleneck but not so much a cowl neck. We classify it as a Merino wool sweater, but it’s more like a hoody with the hood (or lack thereof) designed around the neck.

In short, if you decide to get one for yourself, the Duckworth women’s Powder High Neck will be your go-to cold-weather layering piece. So, see if it fits into your wardrobe today!

Check Price on Duckworth

Duckworth Men’s Vapor Brief

38% Merino, 50% Polyester, 12% Modal | 150 gsm (ultralight) | Standard fit | 6 colors

We’ve always said the best Merino wool underwear is the pair that you can barely feel. You want something comfy yet durable, supportive but not restrictive. And with a silky-smooth next-to-skin feel, the Duckworth Vapor Briefs are some of the best underwear.

The comfort level of these briefs is insane. The ultralight, odor-proof, itch-free Vapor fabric keeps your private area dry and cool. Moreover, the brushed waistband and functional fly add to the comfort level.

So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of Merino wool briefs, look no further. And once you try these Duckworth Merino wool underwear, you’ll never want to go back.

Check Price on Duckworth

Duckworth Knit Rigger Hat (Unisex)

Ribbed Merino wool knit | Casual fit | One size | 6 colors

The Duckworth Knit Rigger hat is a classic, stylish beanie that will get you through those cold winter months. This may look like your traditional beanie, but it’s much better. Moreover, since Merino wool keeps you warm when it’s cool out and cool when it’s warm, you can wear it in the spring and fall without sweating. It just has that friendly, cozy vibe that we love so much.

The knit itself isn’t too thick, making it much easier to use the adjustable cuff. You can even wear the Knit Rigger hat as a hipster beanie if you’d like. Plus, there are half-a-dozen colors to choose from (Military Green and Goldrush are our favorites). Whichever color you choose, whether you wear it cuffed or slouched, this Duckworth Knit Rigger hat will be your go-to beanie.

Check Price on Duckworth

Duckworth Powder Roper Gloves (Unisex)

Exterior: 3-oz. tanned deerskin | Lining: 50% Merino, 20% Polyester, 30% Acrylic | 300 gsm (lining) | 2 colors

These gloves must be one of our favorite and most unique pieces of Merino wool gear. The interior is lined with Duckworth’s 300-gsm Powder fabric, providing a warm and dry microclimate for your hands. However, the outside is tanned deerskin courtest of Sullivan Glove Co. in Oregon, making them strong, solid, and 100% made in the USA.

This rare mixture of wool and deerskin shows the incredible range of Merino wool. From hoodies to underwear to beanies, Merino wool does it all! Check out these Duckworth Powder Roper gloves below for more info!

Check Price on Duckworth

Where Can I Find Duckworth Wool Sales?

If you’re looking for an easy way to score deals on Duckworth Merino won’t clothing, you might be out of luck. While they often have blanket holiday discounts and closeout sales, they are rarer than competing brands. Although, this lack of consistent deals is not out of disrespect to you as a customer. It’s mainly because Duckworth only sources their wool from their sheep, so there is less raw material overall. And if the clothes are so exclusive, there is little inventory for Duckworth to discount.

Although, if you plan on purchasing in the future, you can sign up for Duckworth’s loyalty program. You get $10 off for every 100 points you earn, and points are earned by spending money or performing other tasks. For example, after signing up, you can get 15 points for reading more about their wool, 35 points for sharing Duckworth content on Facebook, and 200 points for your birthday. A max of 600 points ($60 off) are allowed per order, so passing up on the loyalty program is challenging when the benefits far outweigh the efforts it takes to activate them.

Warranty & Return Policy

Duckworth is proud of their garments, which is why their warranty is so customer-centric. If your Duckworth gear fails due to a manufacturing defect within twelve months of the order, they will replace it for free. This does not include shrunk, pilled, neglected, or otherwise improperly cared-for gear. So start a warranty claim, send a pic to customerservice@duckworthco.com, and they’ll sort you all out.

Moreover, if you get a piece of clothing that doesn’t fit or isn’t what you expected, Duckworth offers a simple return process. Just input your order number and zip code into their Happy Returns Portal, and follow the steps. Best of all, you’ll even get free return shipping if your order qualifies!

Sizing Charts

Final Note

We hope we covered everything you wanted to know about Duckworth Merino wool. They are indeed a sustainable, high-quality Merino wool brand. They treat their sheep with respect and freedom, and in turn, they provide us with their wool for our gear.

Overall, we give Duckworth our seal of approval and hope you can check out some of their collections.

Still, if there is anything we should have covered that you’d like to know about Duckworth or suggestions about other Merino wool clothing, follow us on the socials below. By subscribing to our newsletter, you can get deals and discounts on the latest Merino wool gear.

Submit a form.

The post Duckworth Merino Wool Review & Profile appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Ibex Review & Company Profile

jaymerino — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 03:16:37 +0000

Now based in Boulder, Colorado, the new-and-improved Ibex brand is an outdoor apparel company that has one of the best collections of Merino wool clothing on the market. Their clothing may look the same as their competitors, but each garment is finely engineered to bring about comfort and performance. Today, we explore the message and people behind the fleece. Let’s get started with our Ibex Review!

“Just as the Ibex goat migrates according to seasons, Ibex activewear was born for the modern migration from highrise to mountaintop – and everywhere in between.”

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FTC Disclosure: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Brief History

In 1997, Ibex founders John Fernsell and Peter Helmetag discovered a massive hole in the clothing industry. All the outdoor clothing that they were wearing looked precisely the same. And, worst of all, they thought it didn’t work.

So, they started the Ibex Outdoor Clothing brand in Vermont, using our favorite material, Merino wool. And personally, without their early success, we doubt Merino wool – as a performance material – would be as popular as it is today.

Throughout their early years, Ibex quickly gained traction in the market. Their clothing’s popularity was dominant in the outdoor apparel industry. And, from the years 2001 to 2016, their revenue increased by nearly $19-million per year. Sounds like a success story, right? Well, we’re not done yet.

In late 2017, the company announced that it would be shutting down in early 2018. This came after they previously laid off one-third of their staff and were having trouble competing with major labels on the market.

Yet, just like every hero’s journey, Ibex bounced back after a two-year hiatus. In October 2019, Ibex re-launched online after being bought out by the Flour Fund. Now, under the new leadership of Bonnie Shupe, the self-titled Ibex 2.0 is based in Boulder, Colorado. They still have decades of experience in the industry. With a mixture of old favorites and new apparel, they are on a path toward regaining their Merino wool throne.

Merino Wool Clothing & Specialities

Almost all of Ibex’s clothing showcases Merino wool and its benefits. Their apparel is blended with other sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, organic cotton, and other recycled materials. And as you’ll learn later on, it is Ibex’s commitment to the environment that sets them apart from the rest.

As for the style, we’d classify Ibex Merino wool as ‘upscale, versatile outdoor apparel.’ In other words, they make clothing that can be used walking on the trail or commuting in the city. On their site, Ibex perfectly sums up their brand style:

The range is equally suited to mountaineering, corporate orienteering, or your favorite restaurant.

So, below, we’ve put together a brief list of Ibex’s top sellers and two of our favorite pieces of Ibex Merino wool gear! Make sure to check them out!

Indie Hoodie

Journey Crew

Shak Jacket

LS Scoop Neck

Balance Sports Bra

Hero Joggers

Our Favorite Ibex Merino Wool Gear

Wool Blanket

Glove Liner

Ibex Review: What We Love

In all of our Merino wool brand reviews, we try to give you our honest opinions about the benefits of each brand. That’s not to say that your experience with Ibex will be the same as ours. However, you’ll have a better idea overall idea of the brand. And maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two!

High-Quality Performancewear

In our honest opinion, not every Merino wool brand can live up to the quality of Ibex Merino wool clothing. They are amongst the top-tier outdoor apparel companies. But, ‘performancewear‘ isn’t only reserved for the mountain, and Ibex knows that.

“Part activewear, part urban performance wear, each garment features fine tailoring paired with the benefits of nature’s original performance fiber – merino wool.”

They strive to blend their clothing style between outdoor explorers and urban adventurers. This blend of fashion, performance and all-around comfort makes their clothing ideal for on-the-go professionals and nature loves alike.

Transparency

We find it imperative for outdoor brands to be transparent with their customers in today’s climate-friendly world. The more we know about how our clothing gets made, the more eco-conscious we can be about our buying habits. We begin to buy less and buy for quality. Ibex is aware of this, and with their industry-leading quality, they also showcase their top-notch transparency.

As you can see from the above image, Ibex has outlined their supply chain process, from farm to fashion. They trust their suppliers and follow such rigid standards that they feel proud to broadcast this information to its users. That’s the definition of hones transparency.

We’ll cover more about Ibex’s commitment to sustainability and ethics in a later section.

Customer Centricity

The crew over at Ibex are Merino wool lovers just like us. They understand the power of this fantastic material and showcase it throughout their collections. Moreover, they provide some tremendous scientific information about Merino wool. Again, just like us.

In the end, Ibex cares about you as an informed consumer. They want to make sure that their clothing is best suited for you and your needs. That’s why they provide various tips and tricks about Merino on their site.

In short, the Ibex brand genuinely cares about the satisfaction of its customers. And what’s not to love about that!

Ibex Review: Room For Improvement

As not-so-professional reviewers, we feel it’s essential to balance the scales for these Merino wool brands. It’s necessary for you – as an informed consumer – to get both sides to every story.

And I’m not saying Ibex isn’t an objective company. Still, you may not get the complete picture from each product page – primarily because not all reviews are broadcast on every site. That’s a little industry secret, though, so don’t go blabbing about it on ‘The Socials.’ Well, if you do, make sure to tag us.

Anyways, we’ve compiled three main areas that we think Ibex could improve. Again, just as with the ‘What We Like’ section, your experience may not always be the same as ours.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

It’s hard to run a clothing business. Trust me, we tried (eh, that’s another story). Anyways, one issue we’ve seen is that the popular Ibex items tend to go fast. Thus, it leaves them limited stock for some of our not-so-favorite options.

Now, this isn’t necessarily a quality or performance issue, but just something to understand so you don’t get discouraged. Ibex is consistently releasing and updating products as they continue to re-launch.

That’s why we said it’s hard to run a clothing business – especially after a two-year break, new management, two years of age, and a global pandemic. In other words, just give Ibex some time.

Update December 5th, 2021: According to the Ibex website, their inventory is low due to global supply chain issues. Many sizes and colors show the pictured message. At least they have lived up to their transparency promise, right?

Overall, we don’t really fault them, but it’s good to know that they are working on getting more items back in stock (and into our closet).

More ‘business Casual’ gear

Although Ibex claims that their clothing is suitable for more professional life, we still get that outdoorsy feel with a lot of their collections. It would be nice to release some of their old products, and perhaps even some more business-casual products like Woolly.

Heck, I want to be wearing Merino wool if I have to put up with the stress bomb that is ‘The Modern Office Setting.’

Note: As Ibex is re-launching, they are releasing various old and new product lines. If you are familiar with Ibex and don’t see your favorite gear on their site, just contact them at hello@ibex.com. Maybe they are already planning on releasing it soon? Who knows?

Price Tag

Ah yes, the number that scares a lot of people away. If you peruse any of Ibex’s collections, you may notice that their prices are a bit high. In the Merino world – where all prices are elevated – Ibex is a 7.5 (out of 10) on the relative cost spectrum.

The way we do this is usually by comparing the brand prices for a typical t-shirt. And when you compare Ibex to the other two ‘Merino Big Three’ – Icebreaker and Smartwool – they are priced a tad higher. However, we stand behind Ibex’s pricing strategy since we feel their products are worth it.

Still, it wouldn’t kill them to put some more items on sale once in a while.

Sustainability Efforts

Merino wool, by itself, is a sustainable fabric. The sheep eat the grass, the wool is harvested and woven. Then, after you are finished wearing it (if that ever happens), it won’t rot in a landfill since wool is biodegradable.

But enough about the sustainability of Merino wool as a material; what part is Ibex playing to help the planet? Well, we’d say they are doing a whole lot, then more!

“We spin wool, not stories about sustainability.”

Ibex is a ‘climate neutral‘ brand that understands the sheer importance of saving the environment. As outdoor lovers themselves, they want to protect our oceans and save our forests just as much as anyone else (they live in beautiful Boulder, Colorado for goodness sake).

But we truly feel like they go the extra mile to play a more prominent role in the fight against climate change.

And we know it may sound like green-washing for a brand to be eco-friendly yet still pump out clothing. However, Ibex creates their clothes to last you a lifetime, so you won’t consume as much in the future. It may not be the most capitalistic business model (who cares anyway), but it is better for the planet.

As Ibex says on their website, they want you to “buy less, buy better.”

Ibex Sourcing Strategies

Ibex understands the concept that stress-free sheep produce softer wool. So, they work with woolgrowers, and industry leaders – like Woolmark – to ensure happy-go-lucky sheep. And we always want our Merino wool to be of the ethical variety.

“We’d be nude without our sheep.”

As for the location, as with most Merino, the sheep originate in Australia and New Zealand. Although, as we previously mentioned, Ibex uses many other recycled materials in their clothing. And, you can read about their different blended fabric lines here.

Ethical Rating: A

So, we know Ibex cares about the environment. And, we know Ibex cares about their sheep? But what about the people that make their clothing? From reading about their ‘transparency’ early, you’d know they definitely do. They ensure every step of their supply chain abides by the highest standards and regulations. And that’s why we gave them an ‘A’ for their overall ethics grade.

But like their strive for sustainability, they go above and beyond in the ethics department. Ibex only uses WRAP-certified manufacturers. These independent auditors ensure that Ibex’s suppliers comply with stringent labor laws and protect their workers. To be blunt, this just means Ibex isn’t using sweatshops. Which is an obvious plus!

In the sustainability, sourcing, and ethics department, it’s clear that Ibex is near the top in the industry. They do a fantastic job with their transparency and honest business practices. So much so that we’d put them at second place in the Merino wool brand transparency awards. It’s hard to beat Icebreaker when they publish a 60-page transparency report each year.

Ibex Return Policy

According to their FAQ section, Ibex has a 100-day return policy on their clothing. That is, of course, if it is unworn and undamaged. In other words, the returned garment needs to be in a sellable condition.

Also, Ibex pays for the return label beforehand, so you don’t have to front the cost. They also give you the option to receive a refund (approximately 1-2 after the item is physically returned), or store credit even pays for your mailing label. Now that’s pretty excellent customer service if you ask us!

If you need to return an item to Ibex, you’ll need your order reference number and e-mail address (or shipping zip code). To initiate the Ibex returns process, you can get started here.

Ibex Sizing Guide

If you’re a seasoned Merino veteran, you’ll understand that not all brands size their clothing the same way. Moreover, wool is not easy to replicate, so potential manufacturing inconsistencies exist.

So, if you want to save the time and hassle of returning your clothing, it’s best to consult the size charts (and some of our internal reviews) before purchasing. We have transcribed the sizing information from the Ibex site below for easy access.

Note: These general sizing charts were adapted from Ibex’s website. Before purchasing, make sure to consult each individual product’s size charts. Especially if you are looking for non-standard Merino Wool Gear.

Men’s FIT & SIZING Charts

SIZE	CHEST (in.)	WAIST (in.)	NECK (in.)	SLEEVE (in.)	INSEAM (in.)
S	36 – 38	29 – 31	14 – 14.5	32 – 33	30 – 31
M	39 – 41	32 – 34	15 – 15.5	33 – 34	31 – 32
L	42 – 44	34 – 37	16 – 16.5	33 – 34	31 – 32
XL	45 – 47	38 – 40	17 – 17.5	35 – 36	32 – 33
XXL	48 – 50	42 – 44	18 – 18.5	36 – 36.5	32 – 33

Women’s FIT & SIZING Charts

SIZE	SIZE #	BUST (in.)	WAIST (in.)	HIP (in.)	SLEEVE (in.)	INSEAM (in.)
XS	2	33	24.5 – 25.5	34.5	29	29 – 30
S	4 – 6	34 – 35	26.5 – 27.5	36.5 – 37.5	30 – 31	30 – 31
M	8 – 10	36 -37	28.5 – 29.5	38.5 – 39.5	31 – 31.5	31.5
L	12 – 14	38.5 – 40	31 – 32.5	41 – 42.5	32 – 32.5	31.5
XL	14 – 16	40 – 42	33 – 34.5	43 – 44.5	33 – 33.5	31.5

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12 Best Merino Wool Hoodies For Men

Best Merino Wool Hoodies For Women

Best Merino Wool Leggings For Women

Additional FAQs

Hopefully, we’ve provided plenty of information about Ibex, one of our favorite Merino wool brands. Below, you’ll find a few additional FAQs that didn’t quite fit into our review’s structure but may be pertinent to your buying experience.

And, if you have any questions that this Ibex review didn’t answer, reach out to us on Instagram or Twitter. We are always looking for new members to join the flock!

How Do I Wash Ibex Merino Wool Clothing?

Ibex recommends that you wash their clothing “on a normal warm or cool machine wash cycle with regular powder detergent.” It’s best not to use fabric softeners or harsh chemicals on Merino wool.

As for the drying process, Ibex (and us) recommend steering clear of any heat drying. While we prefer flat-drying on a towel, you can also hang dry Merino wool.

All in all, suppose you need some assistance on cleaning Ibex gear – or any Merino wool clothing, for that matter. In that case, check out our comprehensive wool care guide. Here’s the quick guide to your Merino wool clothing care brief do’s & don’t‘s.

DO…

wash in cool/warm water
use mild detergent
line or towel dry
wash with similar colors
occasionally wash with denim
secure all fasteners before washing

DON’T…

wash in hot water
use bleach
use fabric softeners
tumble dry (unless instructed)
wring out while wet
iron or steam (unless instructed)

Does Ibex Offer A Repair Program?

As of December 2021, Ibex does not offer a repair or tailor program. Although, they do mention that we would like to start one soon. For now, if you have a slight fit issue but still love your Ibex Merino, they suggest popping on over to your nearest tailor.

Yes, Ibex is active on all the major socials. Check out their profiles below! They’re a solid follow for outdoor gear news, updates, and everything Merino wool.

Where Can I Find Deals On Ibex Clothing?

Ibex only offers their clothing through their own website (as of now), but they have a sales page – men’s and women’s – where they heavily discount some products. Also, if you join in on their email list, you may save 10% or so on your first purchase.

However, if you don’t have all the time in the world searching for Ibex deals, we have you covered. By signing up for our newsletter below, we’ll send you deals, discounts, and promotions for Ibex – and all Merino Wool Gear!

Plus, we don’t like to spam since nobody has time for that! We promise; biweekly emails at the most.

Submit a form.

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Unbound Merino Review & Company Profile

jaymerino — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:36 +0000

As an avid traveler, I can’t say enough about the power of Merino wool travel clothing. And one of the top brands that create this clothing is Unbound Merino. Today, I dive into the history, sustainability, ethics, and products of one of the best Merino travel companies. Please keep reading for our comprehensive Unbound Merino review!

“Unbound Merino will declutter your life, allow you to travel lighter than ever, and focus on the things that actually matter. Behind every simple piece we create there are three extraordinary benefits – Simplicity, Versatility and Performance.”
Unbound Merino

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Transparency: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Brief History

The origin story of many Merino brands tends to be similar; a group of lifelong friends and adventurers discovers the power of Merino wool. Then, uses their knowledge and expertise to craft a clothing company tailored to a specific purpose. And that’s basically the story of Unbound Merino.

Three Phish Heads took their love for concert road trips on a global scale. They discovered the power of Merino wool but didn’t like how all the available apparel was geared toward outdoor use. It lacked the style and versatility necessary for their traveling lifestyle.

Subsequently, they researched, workshopped, and finally released an Indiegogo campaign. Thus, Unbound Merino was born.

They started small with a simple t-shirt but have since expanded their collection to include hoodies, pants, shorts, socks, and more! Unbound Merino wants you to be comfortable on the road and satisfied with packing less. Because the less you have in the luggage, the more you can experience in your travels.

Specialties

Unbound Merino specializes in travel clothing, plain and simple. They craft all of their apparel specifically for those on the move. Not only is their collection of Merino wool clothing stylish, but it is also functional. They understand the needs of travelers when it comes to wrinkle-free, packable, and quick-drying material—all without sacrificing fashion.

Unbound Merino Review: What We Like

I’m a one-bagger. For those unfamiliar with the term, it means that I pack everything into one bag no matter where or how long I travel. Sometimes, that means making sacrifices on clothing, but that’s not true with Unbound Merino apparel.

All of their clothing is packable, anti-wrinkle, and odor-proof. Making it the perfect attire for city-hopping as a digital nomad. However, I love many more aspects of Unbound Merino that go beyond their primary use for traveling. Let’s get into a few.

Minimalist Design and Stylish Fit

Take a look at any of Unbound Merino’s collections. You’ll notice that it doesn’t look like your typical Merino brand. Their clothing has a minimalist design that pairs well with almost any outfit. The cut is sleek and straightforward; honestly, their clothing has one of the best fits I’ve experienced with travel clothing.

Moreover, there are no obnoxious logos placed on Unbound’s clothing. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons they started their brand in the first place. They were sick of outdoor-style Merino wool clothing with flashy logos and a lack of style. I have to say, they definitely have stayed on-brand with that promise.

Versatile Performance

Performance is often thrown around as a marketing phrase, especially in the Merino wool industry. But what does it really mean? Rather than spewing out the obvious dictionary definition, I devised my own performance view. It simply means clothing that doesn’t impede your desires. In other words, the highest-performing clothes are the ones you never have to worry about.

And that’s why we love the versatility of Unbound Merino’s performance. The design fits nicely, and the fabric keeps you dry, packable, and wrinkle-free. You won’t stink if you rock it for the entire trip! So, if that’s not performance, I’m not sure what is.

Relative Affordability

Alright, you’re probably going to think I’m crazy here. Still, on the Merino wool price spectrum, Unbound Merino is relatively affordable, especially for the style level that you’re getting. In my experience, it falls in the middle of your typical tee price range. However, I would venture to say that the quality is on the higher end of the spectrum. Thus, I think the price you pay for their apparel is worth the value.

Unbound Merino Review: Areas To Improve

As we do with all of our Merino wool brand reviews, Unbound Merino has a few features of their clothing that we would like to see improved. It’s not so much that these are negative aspects (some of them, maybe), but more things to watch out for before purchasing.

More Attention To Detail

I know I’ve raved about Unbound Merino’s design and performance. But these big-picture factors sometimes precede the little details that can make or break a shirt. For example, some users have experienced small pinholes forming after only a dozen uses. Others have had to deal with excessive pilling. Finally, Unbound Merino Crews seem prone to the dreaded “bacon neck” after several wears.

Now, I understand these issues may deter you from Unbound Merino apparel. However, you must know that all these issues are shared with all Merino wool clothing. It’s common for Merino wool to have inconsistent manufacturing issues and experience minor problems. This is why warranties and return policies are so important within the industry.

So, don’t get too crazy after hearing this. Read about Unbound Merino’s warranty and return policy below. And please, please, please, take proper care of your Merino clothing.

Limited Color Selection

Aside from their standard t-shirts, most Unbound Merino collections come in limited colors. Almost every product has your classic black, gray, and blue, but there isn’t much selection afterward.

This may not seem like a big deal to you, but some people (including myself) love the unique colors of Merino clothing. Sure, we’re a bit picky, but broadening their color spectrum is definitely an area for improvement.

Lack of Women’s Merino Apparel

~~Currently, Unbound Merino exclusively offers men’s Merino wool apparel. When you search for any women’s collections, the following page pops up.~~

Obviously, it looks like they are in the process of releasing a few women’s items. Still, there’s nothing available as of now. I’ll be sure to update the review as soon as the Unbound Merino women’s line goes live. For the moment, it’s an area we feel they need to improve upon.

As of May 2022, Unbound Merino offers a women’s clothing line. Check it out below!

Sustainability Efforts

Don’t let “green marketing” tactics fool you too much. Merino wool as a fabric has pros and cons in the sustainability department. However, it’s one of the more sustainable luxury fabrics available.

In Unbound Merino’s case, they are genuinely doing everything they can to amplify the environmental benefits of Merino Wool. Their raw wool comes certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, which helps to protect farmland from being overgrazed.

However, the best way Unbound Merino protects the environment is through quality control. It may not seem obvious initially, but nearly 85% of all clothing ends up in the landfill. Thus, wasting precious researchers and continuing the vicious consumption cycle.

But Unbound Merino wants to make clothing that will last long. They use Woolmark-certified Merino, which is tested to the highest quality standards in the industry. Also, their collections are tested against the everyday rigors of travel. Thus, the end result is a higher-performing, longer-lasting garment. It’s an indirect but essential practice for better sustainability.

Ethics & Sourcing

The ethics within the Merino world can be a little gray. Many woolgrowers and brands hide behind marketing phrases and terms to make themselves look good but ignore the obvious ethical issues within the industry. That’s why we here at Merino Wool Gear need to deeply dive into the ethics and sourcing behind the brand.

Luckily, Unbound Merino is transparent mainly about how their wool production process. According to their website, they “only work with independent, mulesing-free wool farms in Australia.” If you don’t know about mulesing, let’s just say it’s not the most ethical practice. Unbound understands this and vows not to use wool from farmers who use this arcane method.

Unbound Merino follows the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), in line with their promise to use mulesing-free wool. This comprehensive industry accreditation ensures that sheep – and the land they rely upon – are treated well. They want to ensure that farmers are responsible for keeping their flock happy so that you can wear your Merino with a guilt-free conscience.

Finally, it’s important to note that Unbound Merino follows all the proper ethical guidelines in the sewing and manufacturing processes. They are certified by WRAP, the World Responsible Accreditation Production. In other words, every step of their production is ethical. This is especially important since much of their clothing is manufactured in China, which doesn’t have the best track record for worker rights.

Unbound Merino Review: Our Favorites

CREW NECK TEE

It’s the shirt that started it all. Unbound Merino’s crew neck travel tee is their most popular product. It’s crafted from 100%, 17.5-micron soft Merino wool to keep you cool and comfortable on your travels. The 190 GSM lightweight thickness is perfect for layering or simply wearing as a standalone piece. Also, Unbound offers a v-neck style and long-sleeve crew if those are more your speed.

Featured In: 23+ Best Men’s Merino Wool T-Shirts of 2023

Essential Shorts

A simple, minimalist travel short that goes great with any outfit. The Unbound Merino Essential shorts are, well, an essential piece for any traveler. The Merino-cotton blend is soft and odor-proof, so you avoid the laundry even after multiple wears. Also, they are packable and wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about stuffing them in your luggage.

Featured In: Top 10 Men’s Merino Wool Shorts of 2023

Compact Travel Hoodie

Every traveler needs a solid hoodie. It should feel comfy and warm yet packable enough to not take up too much space in your luggage. That’s where the Unbound Merino Compact Travel hoodie comes into play. It’s 97% Merino wool with 3% Elastane for added stretch. In addition, the 250 GSM midweight fabric thickness is excellent at regulating your temperature. All frequent flyers should check it out!

Featured In: 12 Best Merino Wool Hoodies For Men

How To Find Deals on Unbound Merino Apparel?

Finding good sales and deals on Unbound Merino apparel is challenging, mainly because they sell exclusively from their website. However, there are a few options for you to save on their clothing.

Firstly, you can check out the sales page on Unbound’s site. They typically list high-quantity items or last season’s collections at a ~20% discount.

Secondly, suppose you want to purchase several different pieces of travel clothing. In that case, Unbound Merino offers incredible bundles of their most popular products at a decent deal. For example, you can purchase a 2-pack, 3-pack, and even a 5-pack bundle of their famed Merino tee, all at a modest savings.

Lastly, signing up for the Unbound Merino rewards program may be best if you plan on becoming a long-time customer. You get points for purchases and referrals that you can redeem toward clothing. For those interested, you can sign-up here.

Warranties, Returns, & Exchanges

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Unbound Merino has a comprehensive warranty on most of its products. There is no space on their site mentioning any coverage against manufacturer defects or fabric issues. That’s not to say the guys at Unbound won’t exchange or refund you if there is a glaring issue, but it’s disheartening that nothing is written in stone.

The return policy, however, is more transparent.

“You can return clothing that you purchased directly from unboundmerino.com as long as it is unworn, unwashed, and in the original condition in which it was delivered. We are happy to offer a full refund or exchange for any reason within 90 days from the ship date.”
Unbound Merino – Return Policy

Still, as they mention on their returns page, this policy is invalid for socks and underwear marked as ‘Final Sale’ for sanitary seasons.

In short, if you want to avoid any potential returns issues regarding sizing, I suggest you check out the sizing charts below. If not, make sure you return everything within three months.

Unbound Merino Size Charts

TOPS

Bottoms

Final Note On Unbound Merino

At Merino Wool Gear, we love what Unbound Merino has to offer. From shirts to shorts, hoodies to undies, they create some of the best travel clothes on the market, Merino wool or not! So, we give them our whole stamp of approval, and we hope you do, too!

For more reviews, round-ups, and exclusive deals on all your favorite Merino wool clothing, follow us on the major socials below. Or, you can subscribe to our newsletter if you’d like, but that’s totally up to you.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!

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Woolly Review And Company Profile

jaymerino — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:28:22 +0000

Woolly is a Seattle-based Merino wool apparel company focusing on everyday wear. They have taken their innovative mindset and created several unique Merino garments. Today, I’ll guide you through our extensive Woolly review.

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Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain transparency. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Mission Statement

“We want you to feel unstoppable, every day, in merino wool.”
Woolly – About Us

Brief History

In 2013, three friends in Seattle took their love for Merino wool (and hatred for plastic) and made it into a brand.

Chris, Mike, and James launched Woolly because they noticed a need for everyday wear within the wool industry. In addition, they understood the power of Merino from partaking in outdoor adventures in the Cascade mountains. So the group of friends thought, “why can’t we wear this stuff every day?”

Subsequently, they created a line of Merino Foundation Wear that has grown into a hugely popular and innovative company.

Image Adapted from Woolly website

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How popular? For example, they have launched three successful Kickstarter campaigns for their longhaul pants, NatureDry waterproof jacket, and NatureDry LOFT insulated puffy. These three innovative pieces – all crafted from 100% Merino wool – have raised nearly $1-million combined as of August 2022. That’s eleven times their initial asking! Heck, their last campaign was fully funded in 30 MINUTES!

So, of course, we have to dive into their popularity by doing a full Woolly review. Especially since their brand is the definition of Merino Wool Gear!

Specialties

As previously mentioned, Woolly specializes in Merino wool clothing designed for everyday wear (Merino Foundation Wear). As a result, it’s not only comfortable and odor-resistant – as with all Merino clothing – but it’s easily adaptable to daily life.

In other words, it’s high-performing Merino wool with a high degree of functionality.

Woolly Review: What We Like

At Merino Wool Gear, we are clothing nerds, plain and simple.

Of course, we didn’t ask for this passion, and sometimes it’s a curse. But overall, we are fascinated with the power of Merino.

And, when we think of Woolly Clothing as a brand, we know they feel the same way.

Woolly’s love for Merino wool, combined with their creative minds, has allowed them to flourish as a clothing brand. If we had to narrow down what we like about their apparel into two simple categories, it would be practicality and innovation.

The Most Practical Merino Wool Brand On The Market

The outdoor performance focus of Merino wool is not an issue in itself. Most Merino wool brands focus on high-performance outdoor apparel. You see this with engineered base layers, tactical socks, and even a lot of athletic wear. However, it’s not like you can wear your hiking gear to the office daily. This lack of versatility has been a significant issue plaguing the Merino wool industry for some time.

That is until Woolly Clothing came around.

Woolly’s collections are practical, functional, and can be worn in almost any situation. They understand that wool clothing can be expensive, so they have crafted unique pieces that fit into your daily wardrobe.

It’s what they call “Merino Foundation Wear.”

From their versatile Longhaul pant to their award-winning Rugby polo, Woolly Clothing’s gear brings high-performance Merino fabric out of the woods and into your life.

Continuous, Industry-Leading Innovation

Again, we can’t stress this enough: Woolly has changed the Merino game.

It’s no longer outdoor performance base layers and high-end sweaters. Instead, Woolly has engineered Merino wool to work for your everyday needs. Here are a few of their innovations that we love.

Click on the blocks below the image to learn more about some of our favorite Merino wool innovations used by Woolly.

Performance Flex Merino

Woolx Review And Company Profile

jaymerino — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 18:46:57 +0000

Based in Upstate New York, Woolx is a Merino wool brand that creates apparel to mesh their “love for the outdoors into our busy everyday lives.” Today, we’ve put together a comprehensive Woolx review so you can learn more about one of our favorite Merino wool brands.

Our promise is simple. We promise to make sure that Woolx will never let you down. You can always count on us for quality, comfort, and service.
Woolx About Us

Quick Guide

Transparency: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an affiliate member, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Brief History

You often see Merino wool companies that have popped up in the last couple of decades. But, Woolx has been around the clothing industry for a lot longer than their competitors.

The family-run business started as a brick-and-mortar store in Endicott, NY, over half a century ago. In 2012, they took their expansive knowledge of the clothing industry and transferred it into a new brand. In 2012, the father/daughter duo of Joe and Nicole had the idea that they should create a Merino wool brand for themselves rather than sell other people’s clothing. Thus, Woolx was born.

“We live and breathe the product we created, because we created it to work for us.”

As the company grows, they still maintain the same high customer service level you expect from a small business. Their clothing design genuinely embodies the natural wonders that Upstate New York has to offer.

Specialties

If you take a look through Woolx’s website, you’ll see that they provide a large variety of Merino wool clothing. We wouldn’t classify their collections as purely technical or performance wear, but more of everyday wear. That isn’t to say that you couldn’t explore the backcountry in their apparel.

Still, we feel like other Merino companies better engineer their clothing for technical, high-level adventures.

Woolx Review: What We Like

Woolx has crafted unique Merino wool clothing collections that we find a bit different than other competitors companies. They put a much bigger emphasis on versatility with their clothing, which we love. It’s not only crafted for the outdoors but also for everyday wear.

For instance, take a look at these Woolx Piper Pocket Heavyweight leggings. Many outdoor companies create similar products to be worn as a base layer under snow pants or other outerwear. However, Woolx crafts its products to be multi-functional. You can see that these leggings can be worn by themselves or as a pair of base layer bottoms from the cut and design. Therefore you’re getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing their clothing.

Woolx is popular in the Merino world (although it’s definitely one of the top reasons). Below are a few more reasons why we love Woolx Merino wool clothing.

A Wide Variety Of Options & New Collections

If you look at a lot of smaller Merino wool brands, they may have limited products available. Typically, there will be a tee-shirt, base layer (top & bottom), mid-layer, socks, and underwear. You don’t always see that much variety.

However, Woolx stands out to us since they offer plenty of styles of their Merino wool clothing. For example, in addition to the products previously mentioned, they have hats, henleys, tank tops, jackets, vests, and more! In fact, their Men’s Stowe Vest is one of our favorite pieces of everyday Merino wool gear!

Above all, we see that Woolx is constantly perfecting and releasing new products based on customer feedback. In the fall of 2020, they released more hoodies and outer layers, an area in which they were previously lacking.

For Woolx, it’s about providing a collection that suits your needs, and we look forward to seeing what unique products they release soon.

Excellent Customer Service

The nature of Merino wool is that manufacturing can be inconsistent. It’s not like with synthetic material, where each thread is exactly the same size. Thus, if you order two identical pieces of apparel, they may have slight differences.

Woolx fully understands this concept and provides excellent service to its loyal customers. Not only do they have a great warranty and return policy (expanded upon later), but they answer their emails timely and professionally.

If you have any issues whatsoever, you can simply contact them at support@woolx.com, and they will gladly walk you through any problems you may have. They genuinely care about your satisfaction with their products. Their customer concern and long-lasting relationships are some of the main factors in their quest for Merino wool innovation.

Small Business Mentality

Above all, we love Woolx’s small business mentality. They truly put the needs of the customers first, creating products that meet your needs. Woolx understands it’s the people behind the brand that make them great. They care for their employees and spotlight each and every one of them on their site.

Check out their “Meet the Team” page to learn more!

Woolx Review: Areas to Improve

Our goal with these Merino companies and reviews is not to criticize each company. We feel that they are both positive and negative aspects within each brand. Therefore, it’s simply our job to provide you with our analysis to become a well-informed consumer.

So, when it comes to Woolx Merino wool clothing, there are two aspects of their products that we think could use a bit of improvement. Firstly, we feel like the overall fit of their apparel could be improved. Secondly, we would like to see some higher-fashion options in their collections. Let’s take a closer look at both.

A More Athletic Fit

Most of Woolx’s clothing is crafted from 100% pure Merino wool. And even though it has a natural stretch, we feel like the cut could be a bit more form-fitting for athletic endeavors.

Woolx Mens Midweight Base Layer

In our opinion, their clothing is much more fit suited for casual wear as the traditional/relaxed fit flows freely and is comfortable. However, if you are using Woolx apparel as a base layer, it can sometimes feel cumbersome. Especially if you are wearing a tighter outer layer.

We understand this concept may be confusing, so take a look at their men’s midweight base layer here. Don’t get us wrong, it’s incredibly comfortable. Still, you can see the fabric’s shape doesn’t always mesh with your body, especially if you don’t have a standard body type. There may be a bit of bunching around the sleeves and the waist, which can be uncomfortable.

This isn’t the case with all of their products, though, so be sure to check out the size charts that we’ve provided.

Higher-Fashion Options

As we have previously mentioned, Woolx apparel toes the line between outdoor clothing and casual wear. Several companies specifically tailor their Merino wool clothing for the outdoors. Still, there are much fewer brands that focus on higher fashion wool clothing.

We feel that Woolx is on the cusp of both worlds, and we would love to see them add more fashion apparel to their already extensive collection. It’s more of a personal preference (and not so much of a negative). Moreover, we think they have the tools and knowledge to break into the fashion industry. We would love to see more streetwear-style clothing and formalwear.

However, the fashion world may not be part of their brand’s mindset. Still, we think Woolx would do a fantastic job filling this void in the Merino wool fashion industry.

Sustainability

Merino wool, in itself, is a sustainable resource. The sheep eat grass, soak up the sun, and are ethically sheared once per year (sometimes more depending on the region). While there are some environmental negatives associated with Merino production (livestock emissions, overgrazing, etc.), most experts believe that wool production is net positive for the environment,

See our complete Merino wool sustainability guide here.

As for Woolx, we feel like they put sustainability at the forefront of their products (even if they don’t explicitly state it on their website).

Why? Firstly, they use Woolmark-certified Merino wool, which is known for its strict sustainable and ethical practices. But more importantly, Woolx strives to make long-lasting, quality apparel. And believe it or not, that’s the number one factor that affects sustainability: number of wears.

Sure, we would love to see a little more information on the same policies and practices that Woolx uses to help the environment (like Icebreaker’s transparency reports). But for now, we think they are doing a decent job at helping out the planet.

Ethics

Woolx stands behind the non-mulesing movement and follows ethical principles in production as laid out in the Woolmark certification. They understand that happy sheep lead to satisfied customers.

“You can be assured that the humane treatment of the animals we rely on for our business is very important us.”

Note: We think that Woolx should provide a bit more detailed information about the ethics behind their production process. The language they use on the website is a bit too generic. Although we do trust their ethics as a company, we would just like to see more elements.

When it comes to their workers, you can clearly see that Woolx cares about its employees. They constantly spotlight the people behind their brand on Instagram and on their website.

In other words, they have transferred their employee-centric, brick-and-mortar mentality into their growing Merino wool brand.

Sourcing

Woolx notes on their website that all their wool is non-mulesed and sourced from ethical farmers in Australia. They purchase their materials from Woolmark, an industry-leading wool supplier that produces wool ethically and treats sheep humanely.

Woolx Review: Products

We would classify Woolx as more of a Merino wool lifestyle brand than an outdoor brand, but that doesn’t mean that their clothing won’t hold up in the outdoors.

Still, we’ll let you be the judge on that based on some of their top-selling Merino wool products for both men and women.

Note: If you think some of their products are too expensive – as with much of Merino apparel – we’ve added ways to find deals and discounts below, as well.

Endurance Tee

Grizzly Hoodie

Reaction Boxer Briefs

Stella Leggings

Zoey Zip Up Hoodie

Mia V Neck Tee

How Can I Find Deals On Woolx Apparel?

As you may already know, Merino wool gear can be expensive. Woolx is priced middle-of-the-road throughout the industry but still offers exceptional quality.

If you’re actually looking for Deals, Woolx has a sales & clearance page on their website. It typically has off-season or high-inventory products, but it’s definitely a page to bookmark.

However, you can get $20 off your first purchase by signing up for their rewards program!

Also, make sure to check out their company page on Amazon, as they often adjust their pricing based on time of year and product availability.

Woolx Sizing Charts

Before purchasing any Woolx products, please consult with the sizing charts below or check on their website. We’ve noticed that their sizing sometimes runs a bit larger than other Merino wool companies on the market. It’s not a downside by any means, as inconsistent sizing is the nature of Merino manufacturing.

Men’s Sizing Charts

Short Sleeve

Long Sleeve

Bottoms

Boxers

WoolX Men’s Short Sleeve Size Chart

Size	Chest Circumference	Center Back Length	Sleeve
S	33″ – 36″	28.5″	17″
M	36″ – 40″	29″	17.75″
L	40″ – 44″	30″	18.5″
XL	44″ – 48″	31″	19.25″
XXL	48″ – 52″	32.25″	20″

*Measurements refer to body, not actual garment size

WoolX Men’s Long Sleeve Size Chart

Size	Chest (in.)	Center Back Length (in.)	Sleeve (in.)
S	34 – 36	27	32
M	38 – 40	28	32.5
L	42 – 44	29	33.5
XL	46 – 48	30	33.5
XXL	50 – 52	31	34.5

WoolX Men’s Bottoms Size Chart

Size	Waist	Inseam
S	28″ – 30″	30″ – 31″
M	32″ – 34″	31″ – 32″
L	36″ – 38″	32″ – 34″
XL	40″ – 42″	33″ – 35″
XXL	44″ – 46″	34″ – 36″

Woolx Men’s Boxers Size Chart

Size	Waist (in.)	Inseam (in.)
S	28 – 30	4
M	32 – 34	4
L	36 – 38	4
XL	40 – 42	4
XXL	44 – 46	4

Women’s Sizing Charts

Short Sleeve

Long Sleeve

Leggings

Underwear

WoolX Women’s Short Sleeve Tee Sizing Chart

Size	Chest	Center Back Length
XS (0 – 2)	31″ – 33″	26″
S (4 – 6)	34″ – 36″	26.5″
M (8 – 10)	36″ – 38″	27″
L (12 – 14)	40″ – 42″	27.5″
XL (16)	42″ – 44″	28.5″
1X (18)	44″ – 46″	29″
2X (20 – 22)	48″ – 50″	29.5″
3X (24 – 26)	52.5″ – 54″	30″

Woolx Women’s Long Sleeve Sizing Chart

Size	Chest	Center Back Length	Sleeve
XS (0 – 2)	31″ – 33″	26″	32″
S (4 – 6)	34″ – 36″	26.5″	32.5″
M (8 – 10)	36″ – 38″	27″	32.5″
L (12 – 14)	40″ – 42″	27.5″	33″
XL (16)	42″ – 44″	28.5″	33.5″
1X (18)	44″ – 46″	29″	34″
2X (20 – 22)	48″ – 50″	29.5″	34.5″
3X (24 – 26)	52.5″ – 54″	30″	35″

Note: Some WoolX long sleeve women’s apparel (e.g., Rory, Peyton, etc.) have their own sizing charts

WoolX Women’s Leggings Sizing Chart

Size	Size	Waist	Hips
X	0 – 2	24″ – 26″	34.5″ – 35.5″
S	4 – 6	26″ – 28″	36″ – 37.5″
M	8 – 10	29″ – 30″	38″ – 39.5″
L	12 – 14	31″ – 33″	40″ – 42.5″
XL	16	34″ – 36″	43″ – 45″
1X	16 – 18	36″ – 38″	46″ – 48″
2X	20 – 22	40″ – 42″	50″ – 52″
3X	24 – 26	44″ – 46″	53″ – 56″

WoolX Women’s Underwear Sizing Chart

Size	Waist	Hip
XS (0 – 2)	24″ – 25″	34″ – 35″
S (4 – 6)	26″ – 27″	36″ – 37″
M (8 – 10)	28″ – 30″	38″ – 40″
L (12 – 14)	31″ – 33″	40″ – 42″
XL (16)	33″ – 35″	43″ – 44″
XXL (18)	35″ – 37″	44″ – 45″

Warranties

“Woolx is proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. No strings attached. And no fine print.”

According to the Woolx website, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. Although, their a few stipulations for returning items (see below). Therefore, you should try on your clothes without removing any tags to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Additionally, as Merino wool is known for sometimes having manufacturing defects, the Woolx guarantee covers any imperfections or seam issues that you may find.

Note: We could not find a time limit on this warranty. But due to the language, we don’t feel like it’s a “lifetime guarantee” as with some other Merino wool companies. It’s suggested that you initiate the warranty process as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.

Return Policy

In general, returning apparel products can be a hassle. I would sometimes rather eat my losses or re-gift the product than have to deal with customer service. It’s an unnecessary stress that I would rather not deal with.

But that’s not the case with Woolx.

Their return and exchanges policy is super simple and hassle-free. Go to their returns page, enter your order number and zip code, and the process begins!

Before you return your product, please ensure that you follow Woolx’s guidelines. Items must be…

Unwashed & unworn
Free from pet hair
Free from cologne & makeup

If you have any questions about Woolx’s return policy, feel free to reach out to me at jay@merinowoolgear.com or email Woolx directly at support@woolx.com.

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Darn Tough Socks Review & Profile

jaymerino — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:35:00 +0000

Headquartered in the self-proclaimed “sock capital of the world” of Northfield, Vermont, Darn Tough Socks is one of the leading Merino wool sock manufacturers in the world – if not the best. Check out our comprehensive Darn Tough review below!

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Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Brief History

In 1978, Marc Cabot purchased a vacant textile mill in Northfield, Vermont, known as Cabot Hosiery Mills. Marc and his son Rick manufactured socks for name brands like Gap and Old Navy throughout the next couple of decades.

At first, everything seemed to be alright. Meanwhile, other major brands started outsourcing their manufacturing overseas, and the Cabot family struggled financially. Their revenue declined almost 30%, and they had to layoff workers, but that wasn’t the worst of it. They owed lenders millions of dollars, were late on their taxes, and could not pay back their loans. Not your typical start to a success story, right?

As a result,, Ric Cabot decided to use his mill to make socks under Darn Tough’s brand in 2004 to avoid going out of business. They focused on durable, high-performing socks for every type of person.

Darn Tough Knitting Machines in Northfield, VT. Image Source: Darn Tough Instagram

Darn Tough’s popularity quickly grew in the outdoor community, as their craftsmanship and sock-technology were the best on the market. Eventually, the company grew and expanded its factory, all while staying true to the state of Vermont. In other words, their success has been Vermont’s success.

Now, Darn Tough has 200+ employees, sells over five-million pairs of socks each year, does over $50-million in annual revenue.

All because of one family’s expertise and love for socks.

Specialties

Darn Tough does one thing, and they do it exceptionally well: socks. From heavyweight boot socks for outdoor workers to thinner running socks for running enthusiasts, they have a pair for everyone.

“We make one thing, and we make that one thing better than anybody else.”
– Rick Cabot, Darn Tough CEO

If we had to narrow down their specialty, though, it would be hiking socks. Their reputation in the outdoor community is unmatched, as hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers all swear by their high-performing products.

What We Like

If we’re being sincere… we like almost everything.

However, it’s important to understand why Darn Tough is such a force in the sock industry – and it comes down to one thing:

We have yet to produce our best sock.
Rick Cabot, CEO

As the self-proclaimed “sock nerds,” Darn Tough is continuously improving their products. As a result, we wholeheartedly believe that they are the experts in sock innovation. They will always strive to make the most perfect sock on the market for your needs.

For instance, here are a few brief reasons why we love Darn Tough socks and their company in general.

Quality & Attention to Detail

Darn Tough has taken the business of sock manufacturing and not only turned it into a science, but a passion. Outside of the raw material, all of their socks are created at the Cabot Hosiery Mills in Vermont. In other words, every step of the production process is closely scrutinized in-house, leaving a finely-engineered product at the end of the line.

Not only are the knitting machines regularly inspected for defects, but Darn Tough ‘breaks in’ their socks during the manufacturing process. They want to make sure that the stitching remains intact and that they will last you a lifetime. Before the socks are packaged, they are even fitted over foot templates to ensure proper fit.

Above all, Darn Tough takes all the additional steps so you can take the extra steps in their socks.

Maximum Performance & Innovation

When you think of socks, you don’t typically think of innovation. In other words, a socks a sock, right? Well, in Darn Tough’s eyes, that’s not exactly the case.

Moreover, it goes back to what we previously mentioned: they have yet to produce their best sock and wholeheartedly feel that way.

The constant, performance-focused innovation has led to new fabric technologies like Coolmax®, Thermolite®, and their True Seamless technology. They craft products that don’t bunch, don’t slip, reduce blisters, wick moisture, keep you warm, resist odors, and so much more. Subsequently, every single aspect of their socks was created with your comfort in mind.

Furthermore, take a look at the diagram below to truly understand how much innovation goes into a single pair of Darn Tough socks.

Women’s Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushion Sock. Image: Amazon Product Page

Darn Tough Socks Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee

No, your eyes are not deceiving you.

Above all, Darn Tough believes in their socks’ quality and durability to offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Seriously, you can return any pair at any time; tomorrow, next year, or in a decade.

You can make the argument that if I buy one pair of socks at $20, I will never have to buy that style of sock again.
– Ric Cabot, Darn Tough CEO

While the lifetime guarantee certainly is nothing new in the clothing industry (similar to brands like L.L.Bean), it’s clear that Darn Tough does not “skimp” on the return process. On the other hand, not everything is covered under warranty – burns, bites, and lost items – the company is always ready to work with you.

Jump to the warranty section for more in-depth information about their lifetime guarantee.

Areas to Improve

Along with the good comes the bad – although there is very little of it. Darn Tough is so well in-tune with their customer’s needs that it’s a bit difficult to find any significant business areas to improve. Still, we think it’s best to highlight a few aspects of Darn Tough socks, which we feel could be improved.

Note: We do not feel like the higher price-point for Darn Tough socks classifies as an improvement are due to their longevity and lifetime warranty. In short, they may be more expensive than you are used to, but their socks will last you forever… literally.

Delicate Laundry Process

Merino wool shrinks, stretches, and sometimes pills when laundered incorrectly. It’s a tradeoff for fine, comfortable fibers. Although, if you’re used to shoving all your clothes in the dryer, you may be ruining your Merino wool socks.

To clarify, Darn Tough recommends the following laundry process for their socks:

Machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle with socks inside-out. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low. Do not dry clean.
Darn Tough FAQ Page

In short, you should never put Merino wool in the dryer, even if the company says it’s okay. It’s much safer to avoid it overall and hang dry your socks or flat dry them on a towel. If you have any questions or concerns about the Merino wool care process, you can check our complete care guide here.

Too Much (& Too Little) Variety

Okay, I know. It sounds like we are grasping at straws here – actually, we kind of are.

Darn Tough has hundreds of socks listed on their website, which goes into the thousands if you include color. Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to remember why you were looking for socks in the first place! It is like the idea that too many choices will always leave you with a window of doubt that you could have purchased something else. Sounds crazy, right? However, it’s hard to click “add to cart” for one pair when you have four other socks that you want to try out as well.

Still, with the tons of variety comes a bit of confusion: not every sock style has the same color choices. Sure, you may have your standard black and white for basic socks. Yet, you never know which colors and sizes will be available for which style (especially the more conservative colors). For example, there aren’t many solid-colored vibrant socks available. Sure, you’ll see many striped patterns and varied designs, but sometimes, a simple monochromatic dress sock is all you need.

As Darn Tough consistently updates their products, check their website or any other retailers if you have availability questions. In addition, their customer service department is also extremely accommodating. So if there is a specific color or style unavailable, they may be able to lead you in the right direction.

Cushion Reduction Over Time

Suppose you’ve see Darn Tough’s catalog before. In that case, you may have noticed that they classify their socks into three distinct cushion levels: no cushion, cushion, and full cushion.

We’ll get into a bit more detail later on, but for now, understand that the cushioning is created using terry loops under your foot (sort of like the fibers of a towel). In other words, the extra air pockets that form from these terry loops lessen your foot’s impact with every stride.

Over time, this cushioning flattens out and becomes a bit less effective. It’s not like much can be done about it, as it’s caused by the fabric’s nature. For example, your towel isn’t so fluffy after lots of use.

It doesn’t necessarily affect the socks’ functionality, per se. However, they may not reduce as much stress impact on your foot.

Sustainability

As their roots are grounded in the Green Mountain state, Darn Tough takes a significant role in protecting the environment. They not only want to reduce the impact on your feet but reduce their impact on their world.

Unlike other companies who skate around consumer-driven pollution, Darn Tough is fully transparent about their industry’s sustainable pitfalls. Their transparency provides a beacon of hope and optimism that we can continue to live in a consumer society while still caring for our planet. Let’s take a closer look at Darn Tough’s environmental impacts (both the good and the bad) and what is being done about them.

“Today, every sock we make has an impact on the planet, and there’s a lot we haven’t figured out yet, but we’re learning every day.”
– Darn Tough Sustainability Page

Durability Reduces Landfill Waste

It’s a simple concept: the less you buy, the less there is to throw away.

For years though, fashion companies have been focused on pure style, which sacrifices durability. Therefore, you buy more clothes more often, and the landfills are packed with last year’s trends. The fashion industry literally makes up for 10% of the world’s global emissions. And, 85% of all clothing fabrics eventually end up in landfills. That’s insane!

Darn Tough knows this, but they don’t subscribe to the money-hungry tactics of other American retailers. They want you to buy one pair of their indestructible socks and buy them for life – no strings attached.

In addition, the odor-resistance and performance qualities of Merino wool means fewer loads of laundry. That’s less water used and less microplastics leaking into the ocean. Oh yeah, and wool is biodegradable, so it’s environmentally-friendly.

Obviously, there are still some negative environmental qualities about wool. Still, it’s abundantly clear that buying less helps the planet more. Check out our complete sustainability guide for more information.

Careful Material Selection

Darn Tough makes it very clear that they carefully choose each material for each specific sock. In fact, each pair of their socks only has a maximum of three different fibers. Still, each fiber type – along with the materials in the packaging and production process – can have a negative global impact on sustainability.

Thus, Darn Tough has laid out a specific goal for each of their materials. They are continuously looking to lessen their carbon footprint. By breaking down each particular material by weight, Darn Tough can gauge their environmental impact and change for the better.

Darn Tough Material Usage By Yarn Weight

Merino Wool

The main ingredient in Darn Tough’s sock formula is Merino wool. The fine fibers offer a soft foot feel and increase sock performance. Nearly 56% of Darn Tough’s total yarn usage comprises RWS-certified wool sourced from New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina.

Darn Tough understands the potential environmental impacts of wool, especially when it comes to raw processing. They are currently working with their suppliers and other environmental agencies to make the Merino production process a bit more ‘green.’

Spandex / Elastane

Socks should be form-fitting and snug around your feet. Therefore, Darn Tough incorporates a bit of spandex in their products (in the form of Lycra®). It offers extra durability and performance, thus making you a happy customer. Although it only makes up 5% of Darn Tough’s fiber usage in the finished product (by weight), it accounts for nearly 27% of their raw materials.

Unfortunately, Lycra is derived from petroleum, which makes it not so great for the environment. On top of that, spandex-type fabrics are difficult to recycle into new products. Still, Darn Tough is seeking alternatives to use recycled elastane in their products. They are willing to adopt new technologies to become a greener company.

Nylon & Recycled Nylon

As about 14% of their yarn use by weight, nylon is a lightweight, moisture-wicking material that helps Darn Tough socks maintain their durability. Most of the nylon used is virgin, meaning it was made from hydrocarbons.

Darn Tough is hoping to increase its use of recycled nylon called REPREVE® to decrease its environmental impact. Still, only about 4% of the total nylon currently used is recycled.

Polyester

Although most Darn Tough socks are crafted with Merino wool, they have a few technologies – like Coolmax® and Thermolite® – primarily constructed of polyester fibers. According to their sustainability page, “virgin polyester accounted for 2.5% of [their] material consumption by weight” last year.

Again, as polyester is a petroleum-based fabric, Darn Tough aims to replace their virgin polyester with recycled alternatives in the coming years. Unlike spandex, second-use polyester is more readily available and doesn’t decrease quality as much.

Processing & Packaging Materials

It’s not just the sock fabrics and materials that Darn Tough is consistently attempting to improve. It’s the materials used through the entire manufacturing, shipping, and production process. Let’s take a brief look at four more non-sock-fabric materials that Darn Tough is improving to help the environment.

Polybags: LDPE bags that Darn Tough uses for shipping their products and can be challenging to recycle. They aim to phase out all polybag use by the end of 2021, replacing them with a more nature-conscious alternative.

Paper Sock Packaging: All of their sock packaging is made from “recycled FSC-certified paper that’s printed with water-soluble glues and vegetable-based inks.”

Shipping Boxes: If you order Darn Tough socks online, know that the box you receive them in is 100% recycled. That’s because the company shifted from 83% to 100% recycled cardboard in 2019.

Chemicals: All Darn Tough’s suppliers abide by government and industry standards regarding chemical usage and dyes. In 2019, Darn Tough even eliminated the need for bleach by switching to steam dryers.

Ethics

You would imagine that such a self-aware and conscious company would also be uber ethical. And you’d be right! Darn Tough uses transparent business practices, giving consumers a look into their company dealings without trying to hide the “negatives.” They want you to know that they ethically treat the animals, the community, and the people.

Suppose you would like to learn about the broader ethical considerations of Merino wool. In that case, you can check out our comprehensive ethics guide here.

Fair Treatment Of Animals

“Our partners do not harm their sheep in the shearing process in any way and do not practice mulesing. It’s a natural, sustainable process.”
– Darn Tough FAQ Page

Darn Tough is a Responsible Wool Standard member, a voluntary industry practice that focuses on sheep welfare. Basically, anyone who is to be RWS-certified needs to have every step of their production process audited, from farm to fashion.

Previously, we mentioned that Darn Tough is hugely involved with saving the environment. The same goes for their ethical treatment of sheep. They stand firmly against the controversial practice of mulesing. Similarly, they want the Merino sheep that provide them with wool to live a long and happy life.

Homegrown Production

The green outdoors, Bernie Sanders, Ben & Jerry’s, and Darn Tough Socks – these are the heart of Vermont.

If you read through the ‘Brief History‘ section, you know that Darn Tough has stayed true to their Vermont roots, even in times of turmoil. As their competition was outsourcing production overseas for better profits, Darn Tough decided to continue their sock production in Northfield.

It’s the stick-to-you-guns attitude that we love. Darn Tough’s pride in the Green Mountain state spills over into their love for outdoor socks. They treat your feet well and genuinely care about their community’s livelihood.

Nobody ever outsourced anything for quality.
Ric Cabot, CEO

Putting People First

Darn Tough doesn’t have to answer to shareholders, as they have been family-owned for over four decades. They use their profits to reinvest in new sock technology and provide their 250+ employees with fair compensation.

The compnay continues to grow and recently has expanded into new facilities in the Northfield area. As a result, they are creating jobs that stimulate the local community’s economy.

It all ties back into the ethical idea that they simply want to create the best sock. Sure, Darn Tough is turning a profit, but they aren’t trying to game the system. They want their employees and their customers to be happy.

In essence, they are using people as an ends – not a means – to achieve success. And that’s essentially the definition of an ethical company.

Wool Sourcing

As a Responsible Wool Standard member, Darn Tough sources their Merino from Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Europe. According to the standard, the entire garment-making process – from farm to fashion – needs to be certified and have a written chain of custody. Thus, you know your Merino socks are created ethically and with high-quality wool.

Products & Deals

Darn Tough has nearly 200 different types of socks listed on their website. They are constantly releasing new styles and designs to cater to their audience. Although, there are a couple socks that stand apart from the rest. Not only do we think these top sellers are worth showcasing, but the thousands of happy users who have given them five-star reviews do as well.

Men’s Top Sellers

Hiker Micro Crew Cushion

Hiker 1/4 Cushion Sock

Women’s Top Sellers

Hiker Micro Crew With Cushion

Hiker 1/4 Cushion Sock

How To Find Darn Tough Sales

As we’ve previously mentioned, Darn Tough socks can be expensive. You’re looking at around $15 for a pair of running socks and upwards of $30 for heavyweight boot socks.

While we think their prices are worth it – especially when you consider the lifetime guarantee – there are a few ways to find darn tough deals and clearance sales.

For military personnel, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers, Darn Tough offers up to a 20% one-time discount through VerifyPass.
For everyone else, Darn Tough sometimes offers deals and giveaways when signing up for their email list.
If you are looking for second-hand (or second-foot) socks at a lower price, check out gear trade subreddits like r/GearTrade and r/ULgeartrade.

Darn Tough Sizing & Variations

If you are in the market for a pair of Darn Tough socks, it’s essential to understand the correct sizing and variations to better suit your foot needs. Thus, we’ve compiled a summary of Darn Tough’s sizing charts, sock heights, fabric weights, and cushioning levels to give you a bit more information.

Darn Tough Sock Sizing Charts

Men’s & Unisex Socks

Women’s Socks

Kids’ Socks

Darn Tough Men’s & Unisex Socks Sizing Chart:

Sock Size	Men’s Shoe	Women’s Shoe	Kids’ Shoe	EU Shoe	UK Shoe
XS		4.5 – 7	3 – 6	35 – 37/38	2.5 – 5
S	5.5 – 7.5	7.5 – 9		38 – 40/41	5 – 7
M	8 – 9.5	10 – 11.5		41 – 42/43	7.5 – 9
L	10 – 12	12 – 14		43 – 45	9.5 – 11.5
XL	12.5 – 14.5			46 – 49/50	12 – 14
XXL	15 – 17			50 – 53	14 – 16

Data Compiled From Darn Tough Website

Darn Tough Women’s Socks Sizing Chart:

Women’s Socks	Men’s Shoe	Women’s Shoe	Kids’ Shoe	EU Shoe	UK Shoe
S		4.5 – 7	3 – 6	35 – 37/38	2.5 – 5
M	5.5 – 7.5	7.5 – 9		38 – 40/41	5 – 7
L	8 – 9.5	10 – 11.5		41 – 42/43	7.5 – 9
XL	10 – 12	12 – 14		43 – 45	9.5 – 11.5

Data compiled from Darn Tough Website

Darn Tough Kids’ Socks Sizing Chart

Kids’ Sock Size	Women’s Shoe	Kids’ Shoe	EU Shoe	UK Shoe
S		9 – 11.5	25 – 29	7.5 – 10.5
M		12 – 2.5	30 -34	11 – 2
L	4.5 – 7	3 – 6	35 – 37/38	2.5 – 5

Data Compiled From Darn Tough Website

Note: From our personal experience, sizing is relatively consistent throughout Darn Tough’s products. If your shoe size is on the cusp, we tend to size down for more form-fitting, ultralight fabrics and size-up for the heavier socks.

Socks Height Chart

While finding a properly-sized sock should be your first consideration, it’s also good to understand Darn Tough’s sock heights. Likewise, it’s vital that you fully explore which sock height is best for your unique preferences – as everyone’s situations are different.

Over-The-Calf & Knee High: Usually crafted from heavier fabrics (although UL options are available).

Mid-Calf & Boot: Rises to about the middle of the leg and typically covers most boots.

Men’s and Women’s Crew: A standard lower-calf sock, great for a variety of activities.

Micro Crew: An exclusive height to Darn Tough, these sit on the upper ankle and is excellent for everyday use.

Shorty & 1/4 Sock: These are like your typical ankle socks, great for the gym or walking around town.

No Show: They don’t show! Great for running, fashion, or running a fashion company.

We’ve reclassified sock heights to better standardize the measurement across different brands, so you can make better purchasing decisions. So, here’s a list of our height classifications compared with Darn Tough’s, so you aren’t confused with the different terminology.

Our Sock Height Classification	Darn Tough Equivalent
No-Show (invisible)	No Show
Lower-ankle (low-cut)	1/4 Sock
Mid-ankle (1/4 crew)	Shorty
Upper-ankle (3/4 crew)	Micro Crew
Lower-calf (crew)	Men’s Crew & Women’s Crew
Mid-calf (boot & extended crew)	Boot & Mid-calf
Over-the-calf & knee-high	Over-the-calf & knee-high

Socks Fabric Weight

You’ll want to fully understand Darn Tough’s fabric weights, cushioning levels, and targeted padding so that you can better understand which sock suits your needs. For example, lightly cushioned socks are more versatile, while lightly padded socks add extra protection of high-density material in specific areas to improve performance. Let’s take a look at each of these attributes before digging into the specifics of each one.

As with most Merino wool products, the fabric density (typically denoted in GSM) describes the material’s thickness. Higher GSM materials usually are warmer and more durable but may all be less breathable.

Darn Tough does not describe their products in terms of GSM as the density may not be the same throughout the sock. Instead, they simply categorize their fabric weight into four classes: ultralight, lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.

Therefore, we’ve made a quick comparison between Darn Tough socks and known Merino wool garments to provide you with actual numbers for these categories.

Darn Tough Fabric Weight	Approximate GSM fabric weight
Ultralight	130 – 170
Lightweight	175 – 215
Midweight	220 – 280
Heavyweight	280 – 350

Fabric weight determination is based upon comparison to apparel with known fabric weights, so quantities may be relative.

Cushion Level

Darn Tough classifies its cushioning level into three categories: no cushion, cushion, and full cushion.

For no cushion, there are zero changes in the material construction through the sock. An additional layer of fabric is added to the foot’s bottom for stress impact reduction for cushioned socks. The entire sock – including the ankle – is reinforced for a full cushion (suitable for boots).

To create this cushioning, Darn Tough uses terry loops in their manufacturing process. While we are no expert on sewing, a terry loop is basically an extra yarn or thread loop between every stitch, leaving the fabric with a towel-like texture. They form small air pockets that reduce strike impact while walking, thus, providing a small cushioning layer. In addition, they also help to wick away moisture.

Targeted Padding

Similarly, Darn Tough has a collection of socks with targeted padding for specific activities. For example, many of their ski & snowboard socks have an extra layer of shin padding to reduce your ski boots’ discomfort. Pretty cool, right?

Putting It All Together

Hopefully, you understand by now the basic concepts of fabric weights, cushioning levels, and targeted padding, but we’re not just yet. It’s not like every combination of these attributes is even possible. In fact, there are only nine combinations total. So let’s take a look at each one.

Ultralight (No Cushion) (AKA Ultra-light)

Darn Tough Men’s Vertex No Show Ultralight Sock

Specifically crafted for speed and comfort, this ultralight yet durable fabric offers no additional support. These low-profile socks are great for running as you can “feel” your feet better with less of a barrier.

Ultralight + Cushion (AKA Ultra-light Cushion)

Darn Tough Women’s Vertex No Show Tab Ultralight Cushion Sock

The same lightweight material as the ultralight socks, but with a thin added layer of fabric along the foot’s bottom for added comfort. The bit of extra cushion may not seem like much, but it may get you the extra mile if you run long distances.

Lightweight (No Cushion) (AKA Light)

Darn Tough Men’s Tactical Micro Crew Light

Just a bit thicker than the ultralight series and with no added cushion underneath the foot. It’s a pretty basic feel overall. The lightweight fabric is typical of your everyday sock that you would wear to the store or even a casual dress sock. They are simple and great for all sorts of activities, especially in hot weather.

Lightweight + Padding (No Cushion)(AKA Padded Light)

Darn Tough Men’s Outer Limits OTC Padded Light Cushion Sock

There is targeted padding along the shin, heel, or even underneath the foot in addition to the lightweight fabric. This helps to alleviate high-impact areas that may cause irritation from repetitive movements. To sum up, they are perfect for ski or snowboard boots, so you can stick to the slopes all day long.

Lightweight Cushion

Darn Tough Women’s Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock

These socks are crafted from lightweight fabric but still have a thin layer of cushioning on the bottom created by terry loops. The lighter-than-air-feel combined with extra comfort makes these types of socks great for hiking, walking, athletics, and everyday wear.

Midweight + Cushion (AKA Cushion)

Darn Tough Men’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock

Categorized by a medium-weight fabric and a medium amount of cushioning under the foot, these socks are perfect for hikers. A bit of added protection and warmth with the material, plus a decent amount of cushion as you venture into the woods.

Midweight Cushion + Padding (AKA Padded Cushion)

Darn Tough Women’s Function 5 Padded Cushion OTC Sock

These are composed of the same material as the midweight-cushioned socks but have targeted padding in high-impact areas (just like the padded light but with midweight fabric). They are great for any winter sports with clunky boots or outdoor workers who have to wear steel-toes all day.

Midweight + Full Cushion (AKA Full Cushion)

Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion

Instead of reinforced terry loops of fabric only under your foot, Darn Tough’s Full Cushion socks offer protection all the way up your leg. These socks are perfect for those that wear work boots or ski boots as the full cushioning reduces boot irritation on your lower leg.

Heavyweight + Full Cushion (AKA Extra Cushion)

Darn Tough Women’s Mountaineering Extra Cushion Sock

As the heaviest fabric, you’re going to get the maximum amount of cushion with these socks – plus a little bit more. As these socks are designed for warmth, comfort, and performance, we feel that they are best for tactical training, backcountry exploring, and cold-weather hunting.

Warranty On Darn Tough Socks

We talked about it a bit in the What We Like section. Still, we cannot stress enough the beauty of Darn Tough’s Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. It’s really not complicated, as Darn Tough spells it out on their website:

If our socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair. No strings. No conditions. Socks guaranteed for life.
Darn Tough Lifetime Warranty from their site

The only things the warranty doesn’t cover are socks that have fire damage, lost items, and socks bitten by your pets. So, keep Fido away from your sock drawer if you want to keep your pair of Darn Toughs for life.

To access your warranty, you’ll need to fill out an online form. Then, you’ll ship the socks to Darn Tough (you will have to cover initial shipping costs). Darn Tough will then process your warranty and send you a credit code via email. You can then use that code on their website to purchase the same socks again or even try out a new pair.

Easy, simple, and guaranteed for life. Darn Tough trusts the quality of their socks, and we do too!

Darn Tough Socks Return Policy

As Darn Tough has made it clear on their website, they want you and your socks to “get to know each other before committing to a lifetime together.” Therefore, they offer free returns and exchanges up to 90-days after the original date of purchase.

Darn Tough returns and exchanges page

Still, if there’s an issue, you can always look more into their “Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee” that we mentioned above.

Helpful Links

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Meriwool Review And Company Profile

jaymerino — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 02:35:17 +0000

Photo Source: Meriwoollayers.com

Meriwool is an outdoor clothing manufacturer headquartered in Pomona, California. They strive to make clothing for camping, backpacking, and any other outdoor adventure, all at a relatively affordable price.

Quick Guide

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Mission Statement

Meriwool does not have an all-encompassing mission statement. But, they do follow three design guidelines with their apparel: comfort, performance, and affordability.

They want you to explore the outdoors and embark on life’s adventures, all without breaking the bank.

Brief History

There is not much information available on the origin of Meriwool. They have mentioned that they are a group of friends who combined their love for the outdoors with their passion for helping others. This led them to form Meriwool over a decade ago. Since the beginning of 2018, their website has been live, and their social media since early 2019.

Specialties

Unlike many other Merino wool companies, it seems that Meriwool focuses strictly on next-to-skin, outdoor clothing for layering (hence their website meriwoollayers.com. They offer base layers of different fabric weights, t-shirts, hoodies, underwear, socks, hats, and more. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then Meriwool has apparel for you.

What We Like

We’d have to say that the top reason we love Meriwool is that they have an excellent price point on their clothing, without sacrificing quality. Their affordable garments stem from their mission to keep you warm and comfortable in the outdoors without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at some of their base layer prices as compared with Merino wool industry standards to illustrate their commitment to affordability:

Long Sleeve Base Layer Weight (GSM)	Meriwool Price ($)	Merino Industry Avg. ($)
180	$44.99	$60 – $90
250	$59.99	$ 70 – $100
400	$84.99	$100 – $150

Note: All prices were gathered in December 2020 and are subject to change based on season and availability.

As you can see, Meriwool’s pricing is more affordable than the industry average. Also, you can tell that they price their clothing correctly as the trend line between fabric weight and price is nearly linear. Therefore, you know that you are always paying the proper rate for the corresponding fabric thickness.

Another thing we love about Meriwool is that they heavily focus on the layering benefits of Merino wool. Their entire logo is supposed to represent the three central fabric thicknesses of the layers that they offer.

Meriwool Cozy Rewards Program

Finally, we love Meriwool’s Cozy Rewards Program. It’s like any other rewards program, but their points system is tremendous. Every 10 points you amass is equivalent to $1 credit on their site. You get one point for every dollar you spend (that number goes up every 500 points), which comes out to an eventual 10% discount. But, there are also more ways to earn points to save more on future purchases. Here are just a few:

Sign Up – 15 points
Share on Facebook – 15 Points
Like on Facebook – 15 Points
Follow on Instagram – 30 Points
Celebrate a Birthday – 50 Points

That’s over $12 in savings without ever making a single purchase! Make sure to sign-up for Meriwool’s Cozy rewards program here.

What We Don’t Like

As with any company we review, we must look at areas for improvement. These are not necessarily significant issues but aspects worth looking into as an informed buyer. For Meriwool, we have identified three areas for improvement: product range, overall fit, and transparency.

Let us preface this by saying that Meriwool is still a young company, so we don’t expect them to have a wide selection of products. That being said, it seems that most of their products function as only outdoor base layers. They have recently added sweatshirts and polos to their collection, yet we would love to Meriwool create more unique products. Products like button-up shirts, tank-tops, dresses, and joggers come to mind. All in due time, we guess.

The second area for improvement is the overall fit of their clothing, especially their t-shirts for men. While they are comfortable, they are a bit more “boxy” than what we would like. Perhaps a more tapered cut would be more fitting. It may not matter what we look like out on the trail, but a more athletic cut may prove to be more versatile for everyday wear.

Finally, our last area for improvement that we’ve noticed is the lack of transparency in their garment manufacturing process. At Merino Wool Gear, we are big on understanding Merino from farm to fashion. Unfortunately, Meriwool does not provide a lot of relevant information on their practices. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, we think they could improve in this area.

Sustainability

As you may already know, Merino wool in itself is a sustainable material. The sheep eat grass, the farmers harvest the fleece, and you wear it. You can even use it as fertilizer (really) to biodegrade into the soil providing proper nutrients for plant growth. Hence, the process starts all over again.

Although there is no obvious evidence of Meriwool’s sustainability efforts, it’s clear from their website and Instagram posts that they are fully committed to the environment. They also show a solid commitment to the outdoor community as a whole.

Ethics

Meriwool does not have much information on their ethical sourcing or farming practices, but they focus on people’s ethics. They are committed to doing the right thing and often feature human interest stories on their site. For example, they have been a big proponent to fix the homelessness problem in Southern California. They have blogged about the importance of strong women hikers in the outdoors. Meriwool even featured a piece about a man who is attempting to battle cancer by long-distance hiking.

It’s clear that Meriwool focuses on people, but it’s not just these human interest stories that make us think that. They have taken their affordability promise to the next level by creating a dream board. They genuinely understand that financial hardships often hinder people’s dreams. This is why they offer a form on their website for people to submit their outdoor passions in hopes of being funded. We love that this is entirely on-brand with Meriwool’s goals of creating comfortable, functional, and affordable outdoor gear.

On top of all that, Meriwool has shown a firm commitment to improving mental illness. They want you to be able to fully enjoy the outdoors without the burden of poor emotional health weighing you down. Remember that there is always someone to talk to if you are experiencing any mental health issues.

Sourcing

All of Meriowool’s Merino claims to be sourced directly from Australia. Most of their clothing uses a superfine 18.5-micron fiber, on the softer side of most performance apparel.

Products

Top Sellers – Men

Meriwool Men’s 160 Boxer Briefs

Midweight Hiking Socks Medium Cushion – 3 Pack

Meriwool Men’s Midweight Baselayer Long Sleeve

Top Sellers – Women

Meriwool Women’s Midweight Long Sleeve Base Layer

Women’s Merino Wool Base Layer Thermal Pants

Meriwool Women’s Base Layer Lightweight Form Fit Top

How Do I Find Deals on Meriwool Clothing?

Meriwool already has an excellent price point on their clothing, as it retails from 60-80% of many of its competitors. If you are looking for the best deals on their clothing, they have a sale page on their website. Fair warning, as of December 2020, there are no products listed on the sales page.

They offer 20% off your first purchase on their website if you subscribe to their newsletter. Also, you can find discounts on Amazon throughout the year and even an occasional giveaway on Instagram.

Sizing Charts

Men’s

Tops

Bottoms

Briefs

Socks

Gloves

Meriwool Men’s Tops Sizing Guide

Size	Chest (in.)
Small	35 – 38
Medium	39 – 41
Large	42 – 45
X-Large	46 – 48
XX-Large	49 – 52

Meriwool Men’s Bottoms Sizing Guide

Size	Waist (in.)	Inseam (in.)
Small	28 – 30	28 – 30
Medium	31 – 33	29 – 32
Large	34 – 36	32 – 34
X-Large	37 – 40	32 – 35
XX-Large	41 – 44	34 – 35

Meriwool Men’s Briefs Sizing Guide

Size	Waist (in.)	Inseam (in.)
Small	28 – 30	16.25
Medium	31 -33	16.75
Large	34 – 36	18
X-Large	37 – 40	18.5
XX-Large	41 – 44	19.25

Meriwool Men’s Regular Socks Sizing Guide

Size	Men’s US Shoe Size
Small	5 – 8
Medium	8.5 – 11.5
Large	12 – 15

Meriwool Men’s Crew Socks Sizing Guide

Size	Men’s US Shoe Size
Small – Medium	5 – 9.5
Large	9.5 – 12
X-Large	12.5 – 15

Meriwool Gloves Sizing Guide

Size	Hand Size (in.)
Small	6 – 6.5
Medium	7 – 7.5
Large	8 – 8.5
X-Large	9 – 9.5

Women’s

Tops

Bottoms

Socks

Gloves

Meriwool Women’s Tops Sizing Guide

Size	US Size	Chest (in.)
X-Small	2	32 – 33
Small	4 – 6	34 – 35
Medium	8 – 10	36 – 38
Large	12 – 14	39 – 41
X-Large	16 – 18	42

Meriwool Women’s Bottoms Sizing Guide

Size	US Size	Waist (in.)	Hips (in.)	Inseam (in.)
X-Small	2	24 – 25	34 – 35	26 – 29
Small	4 – 6	26 – 27	36 – 37	28 – 30
Medium	8 – 10	28 – 30	38 – 40	29 – 31
Large	12 – 14	31 – 33	40 – 42	30 – 32
X-Large	16 – 18	33 – 35	43 – 44	30 – 32

Meriwool Women’s Regular Socks Sizing Guide

Size	Women’s US Shoe Size
Small	5.5 – 8.5
Medium	9 – 12
Large	12.5 – 15.5

Meriwool Women’s Crew Socks Sizing Guide

Size	Women’s US Shoe Size
Small – Medium	6 – 10.5
Large	11 – 13
X-Large	13.5 – 15.5

Meriwool Gloves Sizing Guide

Size	Hand Size (in.)
Small	6 – 6.5
Medium	7 – 7.5
Large	8 – 8.5
X-Large	9 – 9.5

Kids

Tops

Bottoms

Socks

Meriwool Kid’s Tops Sizing Guide

Size	Age	Chest (in.)
X-Small	4 – 6	12.2
Small	7 – 8	13
Medium	9 – 10	14.2
Large	11 – 12	15.4

Chest measurement is half circumference

Meriwool Kid’s Bottoms Sizing Guide

Size	Age	Waist (in.)*	Inseam (in.)
X-Small	4 – 6	9.4	25.6
Small	7 – 8	9.8	29.1
Medium	9 – 10	10.2	32.7
Large	11 – 12	10.6	36.2

*Waist measurement is half circumference

Meriwool Kid’s Socks Sizing Guide

Size	Age	US	EU	UK
X-Small	Toddlers	6 – 8.5	22 – 25	5 – 7.5
Small	Little Kids	9 – 11.5	26 – 28	8 – 10.5
Medium	Little Kids	12 – 2.5	28 – 32	11 – 13.5
Large	Big Kids	3 – 6	33- 36	1 – 4.5

Warranties

According to their site, Meriwool has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on most of their clothing, but you have to sign-up for it. Some of the included issues within the warranty are – but are not limited to – stitching problems, misshaping, fabric defects, imperfect seams, and more. The criteria that are not covered include excessive wear damage, sizing issues, inadequate care, custom alterations, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns about Meriwool’s warranty policy, make sure to consult the warranty page on their website.

Return Policy

According to the Meriwool site, you have up to 30 days from your purchase date to return your clothing. You have to fill out a form on their website that you should fill out and include with your return. Here are a summary of the steps that they layout:

Submit a return request on Meriwool’s contact page. Include the name and number from the original order and the completed RMA form to obtain a shipping label.
Confirm your product is in new condition with tags still attached, and ship it. Make sure to include the RMA form in the package.
Once Meriwool obtains the box, they will confirm the return status via email, and if there are any issues, they will let you know.
If you are exchanging for another item instead of a refund, they will communicate your exchange options via email.

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Minus33 Review and Company Profile

jaymerino — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 02:57:46 +0000

A well-established Merino wool clothing company located in New Hampshire, Minus33 crafts clothes for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Join us for our comprehensive Minus33 review!

Quick Guide

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Mission Statement

We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors no matter the activity. We believe in quality, yet affordable products that can be well-worn and loved from season to season by anyone who is getting outdoors, regardless of skill level or experience.
Minus33 – Our Mission

Brief History

Minus33’s roots go back nearly a century as textile engineers from L.W. Packard. The family-run wool textile plant formed in 1916 and started their own Merino wool clothing brand in 2002. Initially, the clothes were created for snowmobile enthusiasts but have since been applied to all outdoor adventurers.

With their base located in Ashland, New Hampshire, they use the harsh, windy conditions of the White Mountains to test their outdoor products.

Merino Specialties

If you are an outdoor adventurer, then Minus33 has the Merino wool clothing for you. They do everything from base layers to underwear to socks and more. Their products great for any time you feel the urge to explore the wilderness in comfort.

Minus33 Review: What We Like

Our favorite aspect of Minus33 is their commitment to the outdoor adventurer. They craft all their clothes with the consumer’s comfort and protection in mind. Overall, they separate their apparel into different fabric weight categories based on the type of activity you perform and the temperatures you’ll be experiencing. Below is a list of recommendations from their site.

On top of their dedication to comfort and protection, Minus33 is one of the few companies that continually introduces new Merino wool technologies with exceptional benefits. They are also the official sponsor of many sporting organizations, so you know their products are legitimate.

Fabric Weight Classifications

Classification	Micro	Lightweight	Midweight	Expedition
Weight (gsm)	145	170	235	400
Microns	17.5	17.5	18.5	18.5
UPF Rating	25	25	50+	50+
Seasons	All	All	Spring, Fall, Winter	Late Fall, Winter
Low Activity Temp. (F)	60+	60+	30 – 60	0 – 30
High Activity Temp. (F)	45 – 75	30 – 60	0 – 30	< 0
Suggested Activities	Biking, Hiking, Camping, Everyday, Running, Snowsports	Hiking, Biking, Camping, Everyday, Running, Biking	Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Everyday, Fishing Snowsports	Hiking, Hunting, Everyday, Camping, Ice Fishing, Snowsports

Areas to Improve

The only real issue we have with Minus33 is that their clothing is not really versatile. Their collections are specifically designed for the outdoors and are crafted with functionality in mind. That being said, we feel like it’s not the best casual wear. It may just be our personal style, though.

As it is familiar with Merino wool, there have been reported issues of Minus33 apparel’s durability. Some users have reported excessive pilling and pinholes after only a few wears. While we have not had this issue with Minus33, you must understand all perspectives.

Sustainability

Overall, it appears that Minus33 is fully committed to sustainability.
While Minus33 does not go over too much transparency on their sustainable business practices, they fully support non-profit, pro-environmental organizations.

Minus33 often donates up to 10% of their profits to great organizations, like The Conservation Fund, to help combat the effects of climate change.

Ethics

While not outwardly stated on their site, it’s clear that Minus33 is committed to ethical practices. Their wool is certified by the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA). They have shown a solid commitment to improving the community through their charitable work.

Sourcing

The only information available about Minus33’s sourcing methods is that they use 100% Australian Merino wool (AWTA certified) to manufacture their clothing.

Minus33 Review: Products

Top Sellers – Men

Minus33 Ridge Cuff Merino Wool Beanie

Kancamagus Midweight Wool Bottom

Top Sellers – Women

Ossipee Women’s Midweight Wool Crew

Franconia Women’s Midweight Wool Bottom

Sizing Charts

Minus33 claims that their clothes fit true-to-size, but they often run slightly larger than advertised from our experience. Please consult the sizing charts and other user reviews before purchasing.

Men’s Clothing

Big and Tall Clothing

Socks

Accessories

Minus33 Men’s Clothing Size Chart

Size	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Sleeve Length (in.)	Shirt Length (in.)	Inseam (in.)
XS	33 – 35	24 – 27	30 – 31	25.5 – 26.5	25 – 27
S	35 – 38	28 – 30	31 – 32	26.5 – 27.5	28 – 30
M	39 – 41	31 – 33	32 – 33	27.5 – 28.5	29 – 32
L	42 – 45	34 – 36	33 – 34	28.5 – 29.5	32 – 34
XL	46 – 48	37 – 40	34 – 35	29.5 – 30.5	32 – 35
XXL	49 – 52	41 – 44	35 – 36	30.5 – 31.5	34 – 35
XXXL	52 – 54	45 – 49	36 – 37	31.5 – 32.5	34 – 36

Minus 33 Men’s Big and Tall Clothing Size Chart

Size	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Sleeve Length (in.)	Shirt Length (in.)	Inseam (in.)
MT	39 – 41	31 -33	35 – 36	30.5 – 31.5	32 – 34
LT	42 – 45	34 – 36	36 – 37	31.5 – 32.5	33 – 36
XLT	46 – 48	37 – 40	37 -38	32.5 – 33.5	33 – 36
2XT	49 – 52	41 – 44	38 – 39	33.5 – 34.5	34 – 36
3XT	52 – 54	45 – 49	39 – 40	34.5 – 35.5	35 – 37
4X	54 – 57	49 – 52	36 – 37	32.5 – 33.5	34 – 36
4XT	54 – 57	49 – 52	40 – 41	35.5 – 36.5	35 – 37
5X	57 – 59	52 – 54	36 – 37	33.5 – 34.5	34 – 36
6X	59 – 61	54 – 56	37 – 38	34.5 – 35.5	34 -36

Minus33 Socks Size Chart

Size	Men US	Women US	Kids US	Euro	UK
S	4 – 6.5	5 – 6.5	3 – 4.5	34 – 37	3 – 4.5
M	6 – 8.5	7 – 9.5	5 – 7	38 -41	5 – 7.5
L	9 -11.5	10 – 12.5	–	42 – 45	8 – 10.5
XL	12 – 14.5	13+	–	46 – 49	11 – 13.5

Minus33 Gloves Size Chart

Size	Palm Circumference (in.)	Hand Length (in.)
XS	6 – 6.5	6
S	7 – 7.5	7
M	8 – 8.5	8
L	9 – 9.5	9
XL	10+	10

Minus33 Headwear Size Guide

Most headwear is one-size-fits-all, which equates to a head circumference of 20″ – 26″.

Women’s Clothing

Socks

Accessories

Minus33 Women’s Clothing Size Chart

Size	USA Size	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Hip (in.)	Shirt Length (in.)	Inseam (in.)
XS	2	32 – 33	24 – 25	34 – 35	23.5 – 24.5	26 – 29
S	4 – 6	34 – 35	26 – 27	36 – 37	24.5 – 25.5	28 – 30
M	8 – 10	36 – 38	28 – 30	38 – 40	25.5 – 26.5	29 – 31
L	12 – 14	39 – 41	31 – 33	40 – 42	26.5 – 27.5	30 – 32
XL	16 – 18	42 – 43	33 – 35	43 – 44	27.5 – 28.5	30 – 32
XXL	20 – 22	44 – 45	35 – 37	44 – 45	28.5 – 29.5	30 – 32
XXXL	24 – 26	46 – 47	37 – 39	46 – 47	29.5 – 30.5	30 – 32

Minus33 Sock Size Chart

Size	Men US	Women US	Kids US	Euro	UK
S	4 – 6.5	5 – 6.5	3 – 4.5	34 – 37	3 – 4.5
M	6 – 8.5	7 – 9.5	5 – 7	38 -41	5 – 7.5
L	9 -11.5	10 – 12.5	–	42 – 45	8 – 10.5
XL	12 – 14.5	13+	–	46 – 49	11 – 13.5

Minus33 Gloves Size Chart

Size	Palm Circumference (in.)	Hand Length (in.)
XS	6 – 6.5	6
S	7 – 7.5	7
M	8 – 8.5	8
L	9 – 9.5	9
XL	10+	10

Minus33 Headwear Size Guide

Most headwear is one-size-fits-all, which equates to a head circumference of 20″ – 26″.

Kid’s Clothing

Kid’s Size Charts

Size	Age	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Height (in.)	Weight (lbs)
XS	4 – 5	24 – 25	22 – 22.5	42 – 48	42 – 49
S	6 – 8	25.5 – 26.5	23 – 24	48 – 54	49 – 59
M	9 – 10	27 – 28	24.5 – 25	54 – 57	59 – 75
L	11 – 12	28.5 – 30	25.5 – 26	57 – 60	75 – 89

Warranties

For all clothing, Minus33 offers a one-year warranty against any manufacturing defects. They have recently provided an additional year warranty (two years total) if you register your product after purchase. Damage caused by excessive use, poor laundry care, or negligence is not covered by this warranty.

Unfortunately, if you choose to use this warranty, you can only replace it with the same item.

Minus33 offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a full refund for any unopened, unwashed, or unworn items. Although, this guarantee is limited to color, size, or style exchanges.

Return Policy

Any returns to Minus33 must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number, which can be obtained by filling out the return form on their website. Each return package must include the item, proof of purchase, original packaging (if possible), and a printed out RA form. The return addresses differ depending on which delivery service is used, so please check the information on their returns page.

If you would like to donate your used Minus33 clothing, you can send it to their Search and Rescue Kit program. Trust us; it will be utilized by a good cause.

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Smartwool Review and Company Profile

jaymerino — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:50:46 +0000

Smartwool combines Merino wool gear with innovation and ingenuity to create quality outdoor products for the entire family. Their clothing and accessories protect their customers from the elements and make them feel good while doing so. Gear up for our extensive Smartwool review!

Quick Menu

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Mission Statement

We stand behind everything we make. We promise to make our products with incredible attention to comfort, fit, and durability—because we want you to love our gear as much as we do.
The Smartwool Promise

Brief History

In the early 90s, ski instructors Peter and Patty Duke used to get off the Rockies’ slopes with cold, wet feet. They spent years trying to construct a high-quality sock that could combat the harsh elements of winter. Finally, in the mid-90s, they crafted a Merino wool sock that met all of their needs. Smartwool was soon born.

In 2011, Smartwool was bought by Timberland Clothing Company, which is a subsidiary of VF Corporation.

Specialties

Smartwool has several Merino wool products, including t-shirts, sweaters, tights, and underwear. Still, the one thing they do the best is socks. In fact, after a brief search, we found that nearly three-quarters of their listed products are socks.

Smartwool Review: What We Like

Out of all the Merino wool sock companies, Smartwool is one of our favorites. Although they sell many more products aside from socks, they have one of the best complete sock collections on the market.

By sticking to their roots and focusing on performance, they have created some of the industry’s top sock technologies. Some of their innovative lines include:

PhD^® Socks
PhD® Pro Socks
Indestructawool Technology
Shred Shield Technology
4-Degree Elite Fit

Building on their sock expertise, we love that Smartwool has put together a “Sock Finder” tool so that you can discover the sock that’s perfect for you. Here are the criteria that you can choose.

Criteria	Options
Activities	Biking, Everday, Hiking, Hunting, Running, Skiing, Snowboarding, Training, Traveling
Sock Height	Not Showing, Barely Showing, Over My Ankle, to My Calf, To My Knee
Thickness (Cushion)	Zero, Light, Full, Extra, Maximum
Features	Fun Colors, Warmth, High-Tech Performance, Value, Comfort
Shoe Size	3 – 5.5, 6 – 8.5, 9 – 11.5, 12 – 14.5

Outdoor athletes test all of their apparel, so you know your clothing will come finely-engineered for the rigors of the wilderness.

On top of all this incredible sock technology, they also make plenty of outdoor apparel. What sets a lot of this apparel apart from other competitors is the color and pattern availability. It’s not just the same drab gray or black, as Smartwool uses a proprietary printing process to form unique, fashionable patterns on a lot of their products.

Smartwool Review: Areas to Improve

While Smartwool’s sock line is one of our favorites, some of their other collections do not fully meet our expectations. We have noticed that some of their pants and t-shirts have had issues with pilling, pinholes, and poor stitching after only a few washes. Also, the necklines can quickly lose shape and turn into “bacon.”

Although much of these issues with the durability of Merino wool, we see across all companies. It’s imperative that you properly treat and care for your Merino wool clothing to increase its longevity. It is even more critical with Smartwool apparel, as overall, they are one of the more expensive outfitters.

Our suggestion is to follow whatever laundry care instructions are on the tag exactly. That way, if you do have an issue with your clothing, you can justify returning or replacing it with their excellent warranty.

For common tips about taking care of your Merino wool clothing, you can check our complete care guide.

Smartwool Review: Sustainability

As Smartwool crafts many of its products to explore the environment, they are incredibly committed to sustainability. They offer comprehensive transparency reports of their clothing, from the sheep all the way to your closet. They clearly state that they do everything they can to protect the earth so that all of their customers can fully appreciate nature’s beauty.

Apart from their stated commitment to the environment, Smartwool has also put their money where their mouth is by creating a line of recycled fabric products. They use recycled wool fibers, along with nylon and polyester, for insulation and other applications. Not only does this help create less waste in landfills, but its innovative reclamation process offers high-quality garments.

The less sheep being used to make clothing, the less methane is emitted into the atmosphere, thus slowing down global warming.

Smartwool Review: Ethics

All of Smartwool’s products are ZQ-certified, which is the best for ethical Merino wool. They ensure the animal’s welfare through ‘The Five Freedoms of the Flock’ and closely monitor the entire clothing production process. Below are the five aspects of the ZQ Standard that companies must follow:

Animal Welfare (specifically Merino sheep)
Environmental Sustainability
Quality Fibers and Materials
Full Traceability from Sheep to Closet
Enhanced Social Responsibility

Smartwool achieves these standards through rigorous auditing, ensuring that they are following established ethical practices every step of the way through Merino clothing manufacturing

Smartwool Review: Sourcing

In 2010, Smartwool signed a deal to source all of their Merino wool from farmers at the New Zealand Merino Company (now ZQ Merino).

Smartwool Review: Products

Top Sellers – Men

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Hiking Socks

Smartwool 150 Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Top Sellers – Women

Jovian Stripe Socks

Hide and Seek No Show Socks – 3 Pack

How To Find Deals On Smartwool Apparel?

The best place to look for Smartwool discounts is by typing “sale” into the search bar on their website. You can also look for the “Web Specials” tab to provide deals for clothing sold exclusively online.

Smartwool’s products are also sold on Amazon and in REI, so keep an eye out for any Black Friday deals or REI Garage Sales. If you want to get an even lower price, look into the gear trade subreddits, where people sell and trade gently used outdoor clothing.

Sizing Charts

Smartwool offers several different types of clothing, so be sure to check the sizing chart beforehand. Most of them run true-to-size from what we know, but you may want to consult product reviews if you are unsure.

Men’s Clothing

Socks

Accessories

Men’s Smartwool Apparel Sizing Chart (Tops and Bottoms)

Size	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Hip (in.)	Arm Length (in.)	Inseam (in.)
S	36 -38	29 – 31	36 – 38	31 – 32	30 – 31
M	39 – 41	32 – 34	39 – 41	32 – 33	31 – 32
L	42 – 44	35- 37	42 – 44	33 – 34	32 – 33
XL	45 – 48	38 – 40	45 – 48	34 – 35	33 – 34
XL – 16	49 – 51	41 – 44	49 – 51	35 – 36	34 – 35

Men’s Smartwool Socks Sizing Chart

Size	US shoe size	EU shoe size	UK shoe size	Calf Circumference ( in.)
S	3 – 5.5	34 – 37	2 – 4.5	11 – 14.5
M	6 – 8.5	38 – 41	5 – 7.5	12.5 – 16.5
L	9 – 11.5	42 – 45	8 – 10.5	14.5 – 18
XL	12 – 14.5	46 – 49	11 – 13.5	16 – 23

Smartwool Glove Sizing Chart

Size	Hand Size (in.)
XS	6 – 6.5
S	7 – 7.5
M	8 – 8.5
L	9 – 9.5
XL	10 – 10.5

Smartwool Hat Sizing Chart

Size	Head Circumference (in.)
Adult – One Size Fits Most (1SFM)	21.5 – 23.5

Women’s Clothing

Socks

Bras

Accessories

Women’s Smartwool Apparel Sizing Chart (Tops and Bottoms)

Size	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	High Hip (in.)	Hip (in.)	Arm Length (in.)	Inseam (in.)
XS (2)	32 – 33	24 – 25	31 – 32	35 – 36	27 – 28	29 – 30
S (4 – 6)	34 – 35	26 – 27	33 – 34	37 – 38	28 -29	30 – 31
M (8 – 10)	36 – 38	28 – 30	35 – 36	39 – 40	29 -30	31 – 32
L (12-14)	39 -40	31 – 32	37 – 38	41 – 42	30 – 31	32 – 33
XL (16)	41 – 42	33 – 34	39 – 40	43 – 44	31 – 32	33 – 34

Women’s Smartwool Socks Sizing Chart

Size	US shoe size	EU shoe size	UK shoe size	Calf Circumference (in.)
S	4 – 6.5	34 – 37	2 – 4.5	11 – 14.5
M	7 – 9.5	38 – 41	5 – 7.5	12.5 – 16.5
L	10 – 12.5	42 – 45	8 -10.5	14.5 – 18
XL	N/A	46 – 49	11 – 13.5	16 – 23

Women’s Smartwool Bras Sizing Chart

Size	Comparable Bra Size	Impact
XS	30A, 30B, 30C, 32A, 32B	Medium (A,B), Low (C)
S	32A, 32B, 32C, 34A, 34B	Medium (A,B), Low (C)
M	34A, 34B, 34C, 36A, 36B	Medium (A,B), Low (C)
L	36A, 36B, 36C, 38A, 38B	Medium (A,B), Low (C)
XL	38A, 38B, 38C	Medium (A,B), Low (C)

Smartwool Gloves Sizing Chart

Size	Hand Size (in.)
XS	6 – 6.5
S	7 – 7.5
M	8 – 8.5
L	9 – 9.5
XL	10 – 10.5

Smartwool Hats Sizing Chart

Size	Head Circumference (in.)
Adult – One Size Fits Most (1SFM)	21.5 – 23.5

Kid’s Clothing

Socks

Hats

Kids Smartwool Apparel Sizing Chart

Size	Age	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)	Height (in.)	Weight (lbs)
XS	4 -5	24 – 25	22 – 22.5	42 – 48	42 – 49
S	6 – 8	22.5 – 26.5	23 – 24	48 – 54	49 – 59
M	9 – 10	27 – 28	24.5 – 25	54 – 57	59 – 75
L	11 – 12	28.5 – 30	25.5 – 26	57 – 60	75 – 89
XL	13 -14	30.5 – 32	26.5 – 28	60 – 62	89 – 100

Kids Smartwool Socks Sizing Chart

Size	US shoe size	EU shoe size	UK shoe size
XS	6 – 8.5	22 – 25	5 – 7.5
S	9 – 11.5	26 – 28	8 – 10.5
M	12 – 2.5	29 – 32	11 – 13.5
L	3 – 6	33 -36	1 – 4.5

Kids Smartwool Hats Sizing Chart

Size	Head Circumference (in.)
Baby (6 – 12 months)	17 – 18
Baby (12 – 24 months)	18 – 19.5
Kids S/M	20.5 – 21
Kids L/XL	21.5 – 23

Warranties

Smartwool offers a complete, 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products. They gladly state on their website that you can exchange or return any Smartwool product within two years of purchase.

On top of that, they no longer require you to return the actual product. You’ll have to file a claim online on Smartwool’s website, and if it gets approved, they will issue a digital gift card to their store so you can purchase a different product.

Their claims take anywhere from 5-10 business days to be approved or denied. So, sit tight; their warranty is worth it!

Return Policy

Any unworn clothing can be returned in its original packaging for a full refund within 45 days of purchase (it has since been extended to 90 days). Smartwool includes a return label for free shipping on the return, so you don’t have to pay anything extra out of pocket.

All returns will be reimbursed by the same method of payment used to purchase the item.

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The post Smartwool Review and Company Profile appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Ridge Merino Review and Company Profile

jaymerino — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 19:34:00 +0000

Ridge Merino is a high-performance apparel company crafted by and for outdoor enthusiasts. They focus on next-to-skin Merino wool products that are less expensive than the industry standard but offer similar quality. Today, we dive into all aspects of their clothing in this Ridge Merino review.

Ridge Merino’s mission is to develop high-quality, high-value Merino wool apparel that performs as well in daily life as it does in the wildest outdoor conditions.
Ridge Merino Website

Quick Menu

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Brief History

Based at the adventure hub of Mammoth Lakes, California, Ridge Merino was founded by the husband and wife team of Jeff and Susan Russell in 2014. As the head of technical design at Armada Skis, Jeff noticed many professional winter athletes favored Merino wool base layers over traditional synthetics.

The couple figured: if the pros love Merino, then so will everyone else!

Specialties

Ridge Merino focuses nearly exclusively on Merino wool clothing for outdoor adventures, especially for cold weather activities.

Great for: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, traveling, and more.

Ridge Merino Review: What We Like

All of Ridge Merino’s products are crafted by – and for – outdoor enthusiasts. Therefore, you’ll have peace of mind that you are purchasing quality clothing with enhanced protection. Their high-performance apparel is some of the best on the market and comes at a reasonable price. Their affordability is because they sell directly to the consumer at no additional mark-ups and maintain a low overhead compared with other companies.

They are a customer-centric company that puts you first and profits second.

You can expect a company like Ridge Merino to have some of the industry’s highest innovation standards. They utilize a specific corespun nylon technology called (m)Force, which improves Merino wool’s durability without losing the benefits. According to their website, their fabrics that use (m)Force are 40% stronger than Merino wool. Therefore, we love how their apparel will last longer than other products on the market.

Oh, let’s not forget their staunch commitment to sustainability and ethics (especially within their TENCEL technology). But we’ll touch on that in a later section.

Ridge Merino Review: Areas to Improve

Even though we truly love Ridge Merino clothing, no company is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. Two of the main issues we’ve seen with their ~~clothing are the fit consistency and lack of versatility.~~

Update February 2022: Since writing this, Ridge Merino has updated many of their collections, offering a wider variety of clothing and a better overall fit. So, when reading the next little bit, know that Ridge Merino is making continual strides to improve their apparel based on feedback from their loyal fanbase!

Several customers have been taken back by the lack of congruity within some of the company’s products. There have been stitching quality issues reported, incorrect lengths, and even some minor durability issues. One user even bought the same shirt twice at the same size and realized that it had two different fits. Much of this has to do with Merino wool’s nature as a fabric, but you should also consult Ridge Merino’s sizing charts if you are unsure.

Next, one area for improvement with Ridge Merino (and all Merino wool clothing in general) is the lack of versatility. You may purchase an awesome t-shirt for hiking, but it may not be best for everyday use, and vice versa. Before buying any Merino wool apparel, you should understand its appropriate usage so that you don’t have it hanging idly in your closet for 95% of the year.

Sustainability

The people at Ridge Merino take their commitment to the environment very seriously. They are certified green by the California Green Business Network, a high standard of achievement for sustainability. They are a member of the organization 1% For the Planet, which donates some profits to pro-environmental advocacy groups.

One unique aspect that sets Ridge Merino’s sustainability efforts apart from its competitors is there use of a specific wood fiber called TENCEL. This fiber is obtained from sustainable plantations and mixed in with Merino wool in many of their collections. The whole process is closed-loop, which means that it has minimal (if any) environmental impact due to the efficient use of resources and no waste generation. If that’s not eco-friendly, we don’t know what is.

Ethics & Sourcing

As with their commitment to sustainability, Ridge Merino also is fully committed to ethical wool farming. They stress that all of their raw material comes from non-mulesed sheep and ensure that their sheep farmers and suppliers follow proper ethical practices.

Per the Ridge Merino website, they source most of their Merino wool from Australia and the McKenzie basin in New Zealand. Also, as previously mentioned, all of their Merino is 100% Woolmark-certified.

Ridge Merino Top Sellers

Men’s

Ridge Merino Boxer Briefs

Men’s Journey Tee

Hyde Full Zip Hoodie

Women’s

Ridge Merino Boy Shorts

Frankie Tank

Solstice Sun Hoodie

How Do I Find Deals On Ridge Merino Clothing?

Ridge Merino has a dedicated clearance page on its website. Many products are offered at up to a 50% discount on the original price. Also, they regularly provide coupon codes if you sign-up for their newsletter or follow them on Instagram.

Also, you can get 15% off your first order and free shipping on anything over $49 at the links below.

Sizing Charts

Ridge Merino offers sizing charts for all its products, but some users have reported the fit does not always match the size. Be sure to read product reviews from other users to determine if the fit runs tight, accurate, or large.

Tops

Bottoms

Ridge Merino Men’s Tops Sizing Chart

Size	Chest (in.)
S	36 – 38
M	39 – 41
L	42 – 44
XL	45 – 48
XXL	49 – 51

Ridge Merino Men’s Bottoms Sizing Chart

Size	Waist (in.)	Hip (in.)
S	29 – 31	36 – 38
M	31 – 33	39 – 41
L	34 – 36	42 – 44
XL	37 – 40	45 – 47
XXL	41 – 44	48 – 50

Tops

Bottoms

Ridge Merino Women’s Tops Sizing Chart

Size	Chest ( in.)
XS (0 – 2)	32 – 33
S (4 – 6)	34 – 35
M ( 8- 10)	36 – 38
L (12 – 14)	39 – 40
XL (16)	41 – 42

Ridge Merino Women’s Bottoms Sizing Chart

Size	Waist (in.)	Hip (in.)
XS (0 – 2)	24 – 25	35 – 36
S (4 – 6)	26 – 27	37 – 38
M (8 – 10)	28 – 29	39 – 40
L (12 – 14)	30 – 31	41 – 42
XL (16)	32 – 33	43 – 44

Kids

Ridge Merino Kid’s Sizing Chart

Size	Age	Height (in.)	Weight (lb.)	Chest (in.)	Waist (in.)
XS	4 – 5	40 – 48	40 – 48	24 – 25	22 – 22.5
S	6 – 8	48 – 54	48 – 59	22.5 – 26.5	23 – 24
M	9 – 10	54 – 57	60 – 75	27 – 28	24.5 – 25
L	11 – 12	57 – 60	75 – 89	28.5 – 30	25.5 -26
XL	13 – 14	60 – 62	89 – 100	30.5 – 32	26.5 – 28

Warranties

Ridge Merino offers one of the best warranties for Merino wool clothes that we have ever seen. They have a 100% lifetime warranty for any manufacturing or material defects. This doesn’t mean you can wear out their clothing and send it back, though, as this warranty does not cover normal wear. For more warranty information, please visit the Ridge Merino website or contact their customer service agents at info@ridgemerino.com.

Return Policy

As with the warranty, there is no limit or time window to return any unused or packaged clothing Ridge Merino apparel. For worn items, they do, however, list a few restrictions on their website.

All worn clothing must be clean and laundered before returning, or they charge you an additional $5 cleaning fee.
Do not continue to wear your apparel if you are considering a return.
Must include order number, packaging, and original hangtags.
“Final Sale” items are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a different size or color.
“Pro Deal” sales and any 30% or more discount sales are considered final sales.
Ridge Merino will refuse any refunds where these conditions are not met.

To begin processing your return, please visit the returns portal on the Ridge Merino website.

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Company Profiles Archives - Merino Wool Gear

Duckworth Merino Wool Review & Profile

Brief History

Duckworth Merino Wool Specialties

Where Does Duckworth Source Their Wool?

Sustainability & Ethics

What We Like

Fabric Performance & Creativity

Supply Chain Optimization

Areas For Improvement

Larger Color Selection

More Size Availability

Our Favorite Duckworth Merino Wool Gear

Where Can I Find Duckworth Wool Sales?

Warranty & Return Policy

Sizing Charts

Final Note

Ibex Review & Company Profile

Brief History

Merino Wool Clothing & Specialities

Our Favorite Ibex Merino Wool Gear

Ibex Review: What We Love

High-Quality Performancewear

Transparency

Customer Centricity

Ibex Review: Room For Improvement

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

More ‘business Casual’ gear

Price Tag

Sustainability Efforts

Ibex Sourcing Strategies

Ethical Rating: A

Ibex Return Policy

Ibex Sizing Guide

Men’s FIT & SIZING Charts

Women’s FIT & SIZING Charts

Featured In

Additional FAQs

How Do I Wash Ibex Merino Wool Clothing?

Does Ibex Offer A Repair Program?

Can I Follow Ibex On Social Media?

Where Can I Find Deals On Ibex Clothing?

Unbound Merino Review & Company Profile

Brief History

Specialties

Unbound Merino Review: What We Like

Minimalist Design and Stylish Fit

Versatile Performance

Relative Affordability

Unbound Merino Review: Areas To Improve

More Attention To Detail

Limited Color Selection

Lack of Women’s Merino Apparel

Sustainability Efforts

Ethics & Sourcing

Unbound Merino Review: Our Favorites

How To Find Deals on Unbound Merino Apparel?

Warranties, Returns, & Exchanges

Unbound Merino Size Charts

TOPS

Bottoms

Final Note On Unbound Merino

Woolly Review And Company Profile

Mission Statement

Brief History

Specialties

Woolly Review: What We Like

The Most Practical Merino Wool Brand On The Market

Continuous, Industry-Leading Innovation

Woolx Review And Company Profile

Brief History

Specialties

Woolx Review: What We Like

A Wide Variety Of Options & New Collections

Excellent Customer Service

Small Business Mentality

Woolx Review: Areas to Improve

A More Athletic Fit

Higher-Fashion Options

Sustainability