Wool Cycling Wear For Bike Commuters

Does the idea of making that chilly morning commute dressed in wool leave you scratching like a sheep in need of a haircut?  Think again. Gone are the days of itchy wool clothing. Merino wool is not only durable, but soft and comfortable. It’s the best natural material for wicking moisture away from the skin and keeping your body temperature regulated during the cold months and is cooler than cotton if the temperatures start to rise. With those unpredictable temperatures right around the corner, here are some great products to keep you prepared and looking good.

Wool Arm Warmers from Ibex

Ibex Wool Arm Warmer

Ibex is an outdoor clothing company specializing in top-quality Merino wool. Based out of Vermont, the founder and employees bike to work themselves, so they know how to keep warm. Made of 83.6% New Zealand Merino Wool and nylon and spandex for durability and snug fit, these arm warmers are the perfect cold weather accessory. The best part is when you get to your destination, you can just slip them off and roll them up in your bag. Made in USA. Machine washable. Comes in S, M, and L.

The Ibex Wool Arm Warmer is sold  on Amazon for $25-40.

The Merino Wool Cycling Cap from Pace Sportswear

Pace Wool Cycling Cap

Pace Sportswear, an innovator in cycling caps, has provided products for bike shops and racing teams, including Campagnolo.  This version of their popular cycling cap is not only all-natural, but is also made with a 5-panel dome to cover both your neck and ears. Keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while absorbing moisture to ensure you stay dry and odor-free. The color scheme makes for a retro style and is also reversible. Made in USA. Machine washable. One size fits all.

Sells for $45.00 at Amazon.

The Ibex Men‘s Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey

Ibex Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey

Another selection from Ibex, this cycling jacket, though a bit more pricey than most, will ultimately be a better investment for the eco-conscious commuter. Most of the wool cycling jackets on the market are less than 50% wool, but the Ibex is 100% Merino wool from New Zealand. This one also comes with two zippered back pockets convenient for holding your cell phone or keys.  Reviews on the Ibex website came in at a 4.7 out of 5. Made in USA. Machine washable. Also comes in black, red, and lava brown. Men’s sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

The Ibex Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey sells for $175.00 at Ibex.

Cycling Gloves by Hincapie Sportswear

Hincapie Cycling Gloves

The Hincapie Family including George Hincapie, Tour de France cyclist, got into the cycling clothing business by launching Hincapie Sportswear back in 2002. Their clothing and accessory line has received rave reviews. These Merino wool gloves offer non-skid silicone grippers and a stretch to fit design. They will leave you itch-free as you grip those handlebars on your way to work. Made in USA. One size fits all.

The Hincapie Cycling Gloves retail for $24.99.

SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Socks

SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Socks

Finally, don’t neglect your feet. SmartWool, a company started by some New England Ski instructors, makes some of the best reviewed socks for outdoor wear.  Again, those New Englanders know about meshing warmth with comfort. They wanted the warmth of a wool sock without the itchy foot syndrome. They’ve got every kind of wool sock you could want, from the funky stripes to the more subdued colors if you’re off to work. These particular ones offer a 4-degree fit system to ensure a secure grip around ankles and prevent bunching. Also features mesh zones for ventilation and cushioning for shock and abrasion. Unisex. Made in USA. Machine washable.

The SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Sock can be found at Amazon for $15.95.

Women's Wool Tops

As the summer approaches and the weather turns warmer, wool clothing is probably not something we’re rushing to stock up on. As it turns out, maybe we should be. Although scientists have tried to create the perfect fabric that will keep our bodies dry and cool — or warm — wool, a natural fiber, has been doing the job quite well for centuries. And wouldn’t you rather wear a natural fabric than a synthetic one anyway?

Wool is one of the most absorbent fibers and literally wicks moisture away from the body and releases it back into the air, which is why it is so great at keeping us super-warm in the winter. That same quality is also the reason it keeps us cool and dry in the summer. As a bonus, wool is often easy to clean because dirt sits on top of the fabric.

If your idea of fun isn’t going for your outdoor, summer run in a wool sweater, that’s no problem either. Several great companies have created women’s wool tops to keep you dry and comfortable no matter what the season.

I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top

Women's Wool Shirt: I/O Bio Women's Contact Top

While it might be rare to find a long-sleeve shirt with a sports bra built right in, the I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top makes that ideal a reality. Now, on a cold winter morning, you can throw on your pants, this top and be out the door — no sports bra required. Because it’s made from wool, this shirt ultra-efficient at keeping moisture away from the body.

You can buy the I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top at Amazon for $29.99.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ice Crew Top

Women's Wool Shirts: Helly Hansen Women's Ice Crew Top

If you love the idea of wool for its moisture-wicking abilities but can’t stand the thoughts of its texture against your skin, the Helly Hansen Women’s Ice Crew Top offers the perfect solution. While it is made of super fine merino wool, a layer of hollow core Lifa fibers lies underneath and is what actually touches your skin.

One Amazon reviewer wrote that the shirt kept her exceptionally dry and odor-free — even when she wore it for three days on a hiking trip — but cautioned to buy one size larger than you might normally wear.

This top is available at Amazon for $62.79.

Gordini Women’s Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long Sleeve Crew

Women's Wool Shirts: Gordini Women's Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long-Sleeve Crew

If you’re looking for wool you can throw in the washer and dryer, look no further than the Gordini Women’s Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long Sleeve Crew. Like other wool tops, this crew is moisture wicking, but the Gordini is also anti-microbial to reduce bacteria and odor.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $10.50.

I/O Bio Women’s Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra

Women's Wool Shirts: I/O Bio Women's Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra

Those other tops are great cold-weather wear, but what about summer? The I/O Bio Women’s Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra offers the same moisture-wicking abilities of the other wool tops with the added bonus of the slim-fitting, lightweight construction of similar cotton exercise tops. A built-in bra is also a major plus, as is the fact that the top is made of the softest merino wool, so it feels great against your skin.

This shirt is available from Amazon in a variety of fun, summery colors for $49.99.

Icebreaker Women’s Bodyfit150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Women's Bodyfit 150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt

For slightly more coverage but the same ability to keep you cool and dry, the Icebreaker Women’s Bodyfit150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt is a great wool, summer pick. It is made from the finest, featherweight merino, making it lightweight, odor-resistant and perfect for warm conditions. Flat seams prevent chafing.

This active top is available from Amazon for $44.99.

Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt

For casual wear, traveling or any time you’re on the go, the Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt is the perfect choice to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. The wool fabric is wrinkle-resistant so you’ll still look great when you arrive. Plus, the hood adds a little something extra.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $109.95.

Icebreaker Women’s Tech T Lite Sunrise Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Women's Tech T Lite Sunrise Shirt

From a run on the beach to a day at the gym, the Icebreaker Women’s Tech T Lite Surise Shirt will keep you comfortable with the softest possible merino wool against your skin.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $64.95

Khunu is a start-up company that aims to be the first to bring yak wool clothing to the global market. They offer a range of athletic clothing that is made with 100% Himalayan yak wool. What are the advantages of yak wool? Khunu says that independent lab tests have shown yak wool to be 10-15% warmer than merino wool of Australia and New Zealand. They claim the wool has a luxurious hand feel which is comparable to cashmere, because only the ultrafine down fibers of the wool are used.

The yaks are usually raised by nomadic Tibetan and Mongolian families. Their wool is combed (not shorn) once per year in the springtime when the animals shed their winter coat. See more information here.

Currently, Khunu is offering a limited number of items from their web site, until their formal launch in September 2010.

The Yak: The Creature With The Warm Wool

Website: Khunu

Merino wool is the most efficient material for cold weather. Merino wool is softer than regular wool, and it feels more like cotton against the skin. Merino wool resists wind and warms better than synthetic materials. It doesn’t absorb odors and it regulates body temperature. It is also produced in a sustainable manner.

The jacket pictured here is the Smartwool Yampa Jacket. It’s designed with a woven wool sueded fabric, and it has a heavy 100% merino wool lining. There is a women’s version of this jacket too. Smartwool sells a whole range merino wool clothing, including summer wear. Merino wool clothing tends to be expensive, but you can find Smartwool at Altrec.