I have been testing the ISOBAA women’s merino insulated jacket. I am already a fan of ISOBAA so I was delighted to be sent another product to try. The jacket uses recovered wool fibres collected during yarn production for the insulation, so nothing goes to waste. Unlike feather and down, Merino will still insulate even when wet.
Read other reviews: Isobaa merino 200 zip neck hoodie and Isobaa merino crew sweater.
Features of ISOBAA women’s merino insulated jacket:
- “FulFil” Merino insulation technology from UK-based HD Wool, which uses recovered wool fibres collected during yarn production
- Recycled nylon ripstop outer fabric for durability and protection
- Baffled design
- DWR treatment
- Elastic hem and cuff
- Loop hood adjusters for a neater function
- YKK zip with storm guard and garage
- YKK zip hand warmer pockets
- YKK zip chest pocket
- Printed care instructions directly onto the garment, to avoid scratchy labels
- Weight: 545g
- Male and female designs.
- Recycled packaging
- Note: Dry clean only
- Price: From £126. See ISOBAA.
My thoughts: ISOBAA women’s merino insulated jacket
I have never owned an insulated jacket with a merino wool fill. The difference is a bit like a down duvet compared to a wool duvet. The jacket feels a little heavier and not so fluffy as a down fill jacket, but it is lovely and warm to wear. It also feels less bulky compared to a down jacket.
On top of this, it makes me feel better knowing that the jacket is made using recovered wool fibres collected during yarn production. This means it is environmentally friendly.
The outer fabric is also recycled so if eco-credentials matter to you, as they really should, the jacket scores well.
The fit is good. I am usually a UK10 and I have the small women’s. It is a little tight across my shoulders at the back when I reach upwards but not noticeable when wearing it for walking. For this reason, I wouldn’t wear many layers underneath, although you don’t really need to because it is cosy enough.
The torso and arms lengths fit me well. I find the cuffs a little tight and not that stretchy so it is not so easy to take off the jacket. I think this is probably because I wear a sports watch and that is the cuff that is a bit tight. It would be good to have more stretch and give in the jacket overall and especially at the cuffs.
The jacket is smart enough to wear for general casual wear and also a useful addition when walking. The colours are nice as well and it has been a favourite item to wear recently.
The addition of DWR means you can wear it in light rain. Even when damp, merino wool offers good insulation. The other bonus of natural wool is that it doesn’t end up too whiffy, even when you wear it many times over. This is an advantage, especially when the item has dry clean only instructions. I can;t recall the last time I had a product dry cleaned and I can see this being a bit of a pain when the time comes to do so. Thankfully, the jacket hasn’t started to smell or look dirty yet…
It is great having three zipped pockets and the hood is useful.
This is not a cheap jacket and even at the sale price of £126 it is quite pricey but ISOBAA make clothing to last and with good durability.
There are a few negatives, such as the tight cuffs and dry clean only requirement, but I like it for the looks, design and environmentally friendly advantages.