I workout, stretch and run outdoors three to four times a week, it’s a routine I like.
It’s November already and it’s getting cold. I have a 100% merino wool mid layer long sleeved shirt I spent 130$ on I wear to the office but I don’t want to ruin it working out, stretching and running because it was expensive.
This piece of clothing is quite thick, like 2 layers put together. I don’t want to buy anything thinner for sport because I’ve read thinner undershirts/base layers break due to friction.
This is what I fear is going to happen with my merino mid/base layer if I workout with it, even if it’s on the thicker end of layers.
Another option would be to buy a regular polyester base layer to use with a synthetic mid layer or combine a synthetic base layer and a cotton mid layer. Would these be stupid ideas?
What should I use as an outer layer?
Overall, what brands would you recommend? I’m a skinny 5’6’’ woman.
The bras & underwear from Branwyn are great. The t shirts from Unbound are also fantastic, I haven’t tried their athletic stuff. Other brands I’ve had mixed experiences with, the socks from Smartwool I do love.
It’s hot here, not cold but Merino knits are remarkably comfortable all weather items.
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For people recommending brands like Smartwool, check the labels. Many of their men’s products are only 20% merino.
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Consider brands like Decathlon (like REI of Europe, but have US site) for something more affordable but 100% merino.
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Look at backpacking cottage companies for other options
$130 is a lot for a shirt you don’t want to damage. I picked up some hoodies to hike in from https://www.ridgemerino.com/ when they were cheaper and on sale and put them through their paces fine. Same with shirts from Decathlon.
As the hikers say. Cotton kills…it retains water (sweat / rain / snow) and ends up being less insulating, making you susceptible to hypothermia and making the layer heavier. Typically the base layer is there to wick water away from your skin, and the mid layer is there to keep you warm. Any temp under 40f, is considered a no go, with cotton, if your hiking.
Looking at clothing recommendations, here, and here for runners, it seems if it’s under 30f, they tend to stay away from cotton. Note: Obviously these people are also selling expensive clothing, whats important is the fabric type, not the brand name. Even if your not at risk of hypothermia, the cold constricts your muscles, making them tighter, which apparently is not great for running.
To answer your question, as long as it’s not Kari Tra brand wools, (esp the thin ones, get holes, practically immediately, for no reason. The mid weights are better, but not by much) imo, as a hiker not a runner, i would say they should hold up for at least a season, with proper care. Especially, if your wearing something more slippery like polyester over them. Wool definitely breaks apart due to friction. Even wools Ive gotten to wear under work clothes, only last a couple years max, before they start to wear in some choice areas. If you value your wools though, I would find some polyester / synthetic base / mid layers, especially if you are running on a regular basis.
Tldr: if your running in freezing temps don’t wear cotton. If you value your wools, get a polyester / synthetic base and mid layer. Also, maybe check out REI brand for some cheaper wool layers.
workout
‘work out’, here, with the space. It’s the difference between “what’s up Chuck” and “what’s upchuck”, and one of those may involve a hospital visit.
Wool should not be a base layer, but in the mid-layers. It can be a decent shell in lightning, and felt can hold against light rains (and will stay warm even if it does get soaked.)
Merino wool can be considerably less scratchy than lower-quality wool; alternatively wool blends will also be better (“smart wool”).
As a material, it can be quite hard wearing if it’s made sturdy. That’s less about the material and more about how it’s made.
You might want to consider a shell layer that’s wind proof, but for fall, a light sweater and a shell while active should be enough unless it’s ghastly out. (Cold and rainy. That shit seeps; and nothing wholesome ever seeps.)
Remember the critical thing is to dress in layers so you can adapt.
