I am a fan of Isobaa products so I am always happy to give new items a try. The newest three tops are the:
- Women’s 260 Merino Blend Grid Fleece Half Zip
- Women’s Merino 120 ultrafine cropped blouse
- Women’s Merino 180 SS Hiking Top.
The first thing to note is that these items are a looser fit than others I’ve tested, such as the ISOBAA women’s merino 200 zip neck hoodie.
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ISOBAA women’s 260 Merino Blend Grid Fleece Half Zip
Features include:
- 260 merino blend grid-fleece fabric
- Zipped chest pocket
- Flatlocked seams
- Thumb loops
- Hanging loop
- Half zip with zip garage
- Stand collar with binding
- Stretch binding at hem
- 260g 65% Merino (non-Mulesed), 31% Recycled Polyester, 4% Elastane
- Non-mulesed merino
- Recycled & recyclable packaging
- Weight of size S: 300g
- Sizes: XS to XL
- RRP £160, currently £65
This is a lovely, warming top that could be worn as an outer layer on a summer’s day and as a mid-layer when temperatures drop. It feels lightweight and the inner fabric is soft against the skin.
I like the long zip for allowing more air in, or not, as required. The thumb loops are a nice added extra.
The shape of the top is not as flattering as other ISOBAA tops but it’s because it’s a looser fit. I might be tempted to go down a size. I am a UK10 and have the small size but maybe an XS will give a snugger fit. I expect lots of other people will prefer the roomier fit, though.
I have the “petrol” colour, which I love. There is black and navy as well.
I am not sure about the zipped pocket high up on the chest. What would you keep in this? Perhaps a small item such as a ski pass, key, credit card or tissues.
Overall, it’s another lovely product form ISOBAA and it ticks some environmentally friendly boxes being made with 31% recycled polyester and sold in recycled and recyclable packaging.
The RRP is on the pricey side but £65 is a bargain just now!
ISOBAA women’s Merino 120 ultrafine cropped blouse
Features:
- 120g 17.5 micron ultrafine 100% merino wool
- Naturally soft, moisture wicking, odour resistant and breathable
- Non-mulesed merino
- Elbow length sleeves
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Price RRP £90, now £45
This top is more of a fashion product and aimed at travellers rather than hikers. I have worn it with high waist jeans for casual outings to the pub etc.
I like the looser style and the elbow length arms. However, if you are not keen on showing flesh at the waist you might like to wear a fitted vest top underneath. It’s a bit of a shapeless top but that is trendy just now apparently!
The fabric feels soft to touch and lightweight. The collar and buttons allow you to dress up, or dress down. I like the neck slightly open.
The colours in this range are lovely including agave, lagoon, coral and black.
If you are looking for a top to take on holiday and one that won’t end up smelly due to sweat etc then merino is a good choice.
The price is also good just now. At £90, I would hesitate to buy the top, but at £45 it’s a reasonable outlay.
ISOBAA women’s Merino 180 SS Hiking Top
Features:
- Upper body panels – 180g 18.5mic merino wrapped in Polyamide
- Sleeves & lower body panel – 180g 18.5mic 100% merino waffle knit jersey
- Polyamide content to aid durability
- Button front opening for venting
- Button up/down short sleeves
- Side splits at hem
- Non-mulesed merino
- Recycled & recyclable packaging
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Price: Was £95, now £45
The top is another that is a bit looser fit. This might suit you or, if you are like me, you may prefer to go down a size.
It’s easy to wear and it’s good as a top layer on cooler summer days or as a base layer on winter days. The fabric is quite thick although it does breathe well.
The attention to detail is good with the zoned fabrics – upper panels and sleeve and body panels made in different designs.
You can leave the sleeves to be longer, or roll up and secure with a button.
The colours, olive, black and petrol, are muted and I much prefer the petrol colour because I am always drawn to more vibrant hues.
I think this top would suit people who want a versatile topping for causal wear, travel and some hiking, It’s not highly technical so I wouldn’t choose it for my Scottish mountain adventures because I prefer a lighter fabric.
The sale price is also good and the nods to the environment with recycled and recyclable packaging is pleasing.