My skin isn’t usually a fan of merino wool. Yet, I am delighted with this ISOBAA women’s merino 200 zip neck hoodie. Thankfully, the superfine 200gm merino feels soft enough for me to wear, so long as I have a t-shirt underneath. I love this top!
Features of ISOBAA women’s merino 200 zip neck hoodie
- 200gm 18.5 micron superfine 100% merino wool
- Half YKK zip, with garage & guard for comfort
- Underarm gusset panels for seam free comfort
- Flatlock stitching helps to reduce chafing
- Drop tail hem for additional coverage
- Long cuffs with integrated thumb loops
- Naturally soft, moisture wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- Can be worn on its own, or as part of a layering system for added warmth
- Embroidered ISOBAA sheep logo
- Easy care & quick drying
- Recycled packaging
- £105.
- See ISOBAA.
From the moment I received it and tried on the size small, which fits perfectly (I am a UK10), I have rarely not worn this long-sleeved top. Merino is great at staying non-whiffy and I like this because it means the need for washing is reduced. The fewer washes we do, the better it is for the environment.
I have also found the top to be very versatile. It is great for cool days as a top layer and ideal for a mid-layer on chilly evenings when I wear it under a lightweight insulated jacket.
On hot days, it provides a good layer for keeping cool. It’s weird how natural wool is great at keeping you both warm and also cool. But it does work.
As I said the fit is brilliant. It’s a long slim style and suits me well. The arm length is amazing and I can use the thumb loops without cutting off my circulation.
The zip neck and hood are useful extras for keeping warm. I also think they look really nice.
The maroon colour and pink-and-maroon striped arms are really beautful.
It’s a great top for practical outdoor use and also as a smart-casual item for wearing to the pub. I can see I am likely to wear this top for many different activities.
Merino is also quick drying and a sustainable material. I liked that ISOBAA sent the top in recycled paper packaging, which I then recycled, too.
I can’t find anything much negative to say about this top. I guess that £105 is quite a lot to spend on one top but it appears to be well made and very durable.
I do still find some of the fabric itches, such as when I put up the hood and the material is against my chin. I can’t wear this completely against my skin but this is the first merino top I have been able to tolerate with just a short-sleeved t-shirt underneath so it is a softer wool than other tops I’ve tested.
Review: ISOBAA merino 180 hipster shorts
I have also been testing the ISOBAA women’s hipster shorts. This is a nice-fitting pair of pants and I like the shorts style. The merino wool doesn’t feet too itchy and again I like the style and look of this product.
Merino wool is environmentally friendly and tends to be anti-odour. These pants would be a good choice if you were planning to be away backpacking or bikepacking for a few days and wanted to reduce the weight of your pack/s.
I found the pants to be comfortable and supportive. They are £35, which is pricey but I can imagine them being very long lasting. See ISOBAA merino 180 hipster shorts.
ISOBAA (a great name for a company!) has plenty. ion option for women, men and kids.