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Review: ISOBAA women’s merino 200 zip neck hoodie

Written by Fiona

July 28 2021

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.

ISOBAA merino 180 hipster shorts for women

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.

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