[Closed] Loose fitting merino tops

What, a merino wool tee shirt? EDZ for cheap-ish, Icebreaker and Smartwool all do them. Or for a better wicking option, Rab's new MeCo stuff is a mix of merino and and Cocona, got all the basic merino pluses but also wicks better and dries much faster.

I've just got a nice Ben Moon one (on sale at snow and rock). Black with red sleeves (short sleeves).

I got 2 Sugoi ones which are looseish and easily up to standard of Howies stuff

What I'm after is a regular fitting short sleeve top made from merino. Something with a fit like this but made from merino. Does anyone make such a thing?

I have two of these:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-MED-MER.htm

great item - and comes with 5 days from NZ

they do other stuff as well

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-MER.htm

I have two of these:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-MED-MER.htm

great item - and comes with 5 days from NZ

they do other stuff as well

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-MER.htm

*...and unfortunately, guaranteed to fall to bits within 6 months if my experience with two of their merino-blend tops is anything to go by.. 🙁

Its not short sleeved I bought a [url= http://www.finisterreuk.com/mens-outdoor-clothing/clothing/mens-merino-wool-base-layer-specialist/eddy-1-4-zip-mens-merino-base-layers.html ]Finisterre Eddy 1/4 zip top[/url] for biking and skiing. I'm a bit overweight but its still not too tight. A bit pricey but a really impressive top actually.

No experience of any other tops though!

how about [url= http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/3817/16/ ]howies vail[/url] ... a merino wool t-shirt?

* NB
*...and unfortunately, guaranteed to fall to bits within 6 months if my experience with two of their merino-blend tops is anything to go by..

fall to bits? fabric or stitching?

well I have had one of mine for two years + had a baked alaska of theirs for 3 years... obviously did not get the same guarantee as you! 😉

all fine - very happy with stuff from GE

Did you tell them / show them about yours?

I've got three Smartwool ones (all large) and they're all loose fitting. I've also got a large Endura BaaBaa and it's a bit more snug so Smartwool might be worth a punt.

I tried on a Decathlon one on a recent visit there and it was a loose fit but it had seams that went all over the place and got caught on my ever increasing torso hair 🙁

My Smartwool GE stuff has been going strong for about 8 years, not got any Merino though.

I have had Ground Effect merino tops for 4-5 years and wear them through the winter and they have survived very well apart fom a tear on a sleeve caused by me hurling myself on a rock, not their fault.

Here you go.
I have a few of these and they are excellent plus great value.
I have a 40-42 inch chest and the large fits me perfectly.
[url= http://www.startfitness.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=44935&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1 ]Bspoke Russell Merino Half Zip Top[/url]

Sorry not short sleeve though but I guess you could cut them off!!

[b]rootes1:[/b] fall to bits? fabric or stitching?

I've had two of their Median strip short sleeve jerseys - one of which was replaced under 'goodwill'. In both cases the fabric has practically disintegrated within 6 months use. Each time, on the back area, where my camelbak / rucksack has been resting the fabric has 'thinned' and stretched, losing all the merino from the synthetic base. Last time I contacted them about this they told me that sweat/wear/whatever will eventually cause the merino fibres to disintegrate over time, but as a goodwill gesture they'd send me a new one. ...6 months later, exactly the same problem. I've owned synthetic-merino stuff from other companies, with no similar issues.

As a result I can't really be bothered with this anymore. £70 for a top that lasts 6 months - helpful company, or not - is not really worth it IMO.

Otherwise I love GE - I have a FlashGordon waterproof jacket of theirs that I've used incessantly for the last 2 1/2 years with no worries. It's just the merino-blend stuff that I wouldn't bother with anymore.

I have one of these:

http://www.embersmerino.com/mens/SS-Inflight-Merino-Baselayer_p94.htm

I reckon it's exactly what you're after. See my comment in the other thread on wool kit.

I'll add though that there's massive variation in the toughness of wool - some gains holes when you look at it. The one I linked above has two years of very regular usage and washing and doesn't have a mark (though the colour has faded a bit).

I bought an icebreaker top from Cotswold which is a t-shirt fit.

rootes1: fall to bits? fabric or stitching?

no_eyed_deer - wrote
I've had two of their Median strip short sleeve jerseys - one of which was replaced under 'goodwill'. In both cases the fabric has practically disintegrated within 6 months use. Each time, on the back area, where my camelbak / rucksack has been resting the fabric has 'thinned' and stretched, losing all the merino from the synthetic base. Last time I contacted them about this they told me that sweat/wear/whatever will eventually cause the merino fibres to disintegrate over time, but as a goodwill gesture they'd send me a new one. ...6 months later, exactly the same problem. I've owned synthetic-merino stuff from other companies, with no similar issues.

As a result I can't really be bothered with this anymore. £70 for a top that lasts 6 months - helpful company, or not - is not really worth it IMO.

Otherwise I love GE - I have a FlashGordon waterproof jacket of theirs that I've used incessantly for the last 2 1/2 years with no worries. It's just the merino-blend stuff that I wouldn't bother with anymore.

POSTED 5 HOURS AGO # REPORT-POST

Interesting... you see I tend not to use a backpack / camelbak if i can at all help it as they do tend to damage clothes - I had a gore waterproof that was damaged by my commuting back pack - now i use a pannier..

as i said one of my median stip is two year old and going fine.

I bought a 'golfing' Merino top from Decathlon in the sale, for seventeen pounds.

It's ok. Nowt amazing in terms of fit and quality, but it does it's job very well.

I don't use it for golf.

Icebreaker do plenty. Expensive but great quality IME (helps that I go to NZ semi-regularly and stock up at the outlet shop!)