How does Icebreaker
merino perform?
Performance qualities
Our merino wool combines the best performance qualities of traditional wool and synthetics, but without the plastic
Soft
Traditional wool is itchy to wear because its coarse fibres push into your skin. But Icebreaker merino fibres are so ultra fine that they don’t irritate your hair follicles - so no itching or prickling
Warm
In cold weather, our merino uses moisture absorbed from the environment to generate heat (a process called “heat of sorption”). Its crimped (wavy) fibres also contain millions of air pockets that lock in body heat to keep you toasty
Cool
In warm weather, Icebreaker merino keeps your skin cool by transporting moisture vapour away from the skin to be evaporated. And because Icebreaker merino breathes beautifully, moisture vapour escapes without making you feel clammy
Merino Wool vs. Synthetics
DRY
Icebreaker merino pulls moisture vapour to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates before the vapour turns into sweat. It can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before you even start to feel wet, and it dries fast. (Not quite as fast as synthetics, but the world isn’t perfect...)
LIGHTWEIGHT
Our merino has an exceptionally high warmth-to-weight ratio. The fine, lightweight fibres give you all the warmth of a heavy sweater – without the bulk
BREATHABLE
Synthetic fibres feel clammy because moisture vapour can escape only through holes in the fabric. But with Icebreaker merino, the fibre as well as the fabric breathes to prevent you overheating
ODOUR RESISTANT
Icebreaker merino resists odour naturally, and can be worn for days — even weeks — without washing.
Wool: The Least
Flammable of Fibres
FIRESAFE
Wool is the least flammable of fibres, and the safest to have next to your body. It’s self-extinguishing and, unlike synthetics, it won’t melt and stick to your skin – so it’ll keep you safe around the campfire
Sunsafe
Icebreaker merino has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Rating) of at least 50, which is considered the ultimate in sun protection. That’s higher than cotton and most synthetics
Easy Care
Resilient Icebreaker merino is machine washable, dries quickly (on the line or on the back of a chair – not in a tumble dryer ) and bounces back into shape without ironing, which makes it ideal for travel
Anti Static
Clingy? Ugh. Comfy? Oh yeah. Icebreaker merino is resistant to static electricity build-up, which means it won’t cling or rustle
Why layer merino?
FIND OUT