Not Your Grandma's Wool: 8 Brands that Prove Merino Wool Makes Killer Performance Wear

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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patagonia_merino
Image via Patagonia

Have you tried on a merino wool shirt lately? If you haven't, it's time.

Today's performance wool is light, breathable, and super soft. It even smells better than your typical synthetic tee after a run, so why not give one of these brands a spin. Here are our favorite wool brands and why you should try.

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Woolpower
Image via Woolpower

Woolpower

At Woolpower, the craftsmanship is unbeatable. One seamtress will sew an entire garment from start to finish in one sitting, ensuring the highest quality of construction. That and their LITE collection will make you a fan of this original wool brand.

[Woolpower]

Smartwool
Image via Smartwool

Smartwool

Whether you're a wintertime runner or looking to layer up before hitting up the slope, Smartwool's got you covered. With technically advanced fits and body heat mapping configured to a "T," this brand has your sweat handled.

[Smartwool]

Icebreaker
Image via Icebreaker

Icebreaker

Many early wool wearers first dip their toes in with Icebreaker first. This is still our favorite after about three years of wear. Versatile, breathable and comfy, Icebreaker is one of our favorites here at Sneaker Report.

[Icebreaker]

outlier
Image via Outlier

Outlier

Brooklyn based brand Outlier believes that clothing shouldn't work again your active lifestyle. Try out their Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt and you'll see what they mean. In a super lightweight merino wool, you'd forget this beautifully crafted tee is on your back if it weren't so good looking.

[Outlier]

sweatybetty_merino
Image via Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty

This women's British label features a just few merino pieces, but their jackets and performance tops pack a punch. Check out the Heart Rate L/X Training Top or Triumph Merino Run Hoody for sleek, beautifully cut pieces that are soft to the touch.

[Sweaty Betty]

patagonia_merino
Image via Patagonia

Patagonia

The king of outerwear offers merino options in all categories, socks, tops, bottoms, accessories, but our favorite out of all of these is the Merino 1 Silkweight T-Shirt. Offered in five colors, the tee features set-in sleeves to reduce chafing with a polyester blend to improve wicking and drying capabilities.

[Patagonia]

woolrich_merino
Image via Woolrich

Woolrich 

While Woolrich may be less performance-focused than the other brands on this list, their socks are worthy of a firm pat on the back. Slipping into the TechnoWool Crew Socks before skiing, hiking, skating, running (really anything outdoors) is a smart choice. The merino / nylon / spandex blend is breathable but oh-so-cozy and the engineered fit manages to hug your arch while giving your toes their space. Well worth the surprisingly $16 price tag.

[Woolrich]

RELATED: Breaking Down 5 Performance Running Vests
RELATED: 10 Great Antimicrobial Socks for Runners