Cotton Can Be Dangerous. Here Is a List of Merino Wool Cotton Alternatives

January 9, 2018

The structure of merino wool fibre as photographed by Textile and Fabric Technology.

Cotton kills. Literally. Just read this statement given by Alaska State Troopers about the death of a hiker in Alaska in 2005. "He was wearing all cotton, which is the worst fabric for cold, wet weather", they said.

Cotton garments can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water, which means they take forever to dry out and actively work to cool your body, even when when you don't want them to.

Why is this a problem?

According to the United States Search and Rescue Task Force, "Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air because it has a greater density (therefore a greater heat capacity).

In conclusion, getting and staying wet, even in above-freezing temperatures can rapidly cool your body. Not to mention, water leaves cotton garments slowly due to evaporative heat loss, which is sped up by wind chill.

So what do you wear?

Merino wool. Each wool fiber can absorb up to 37 percent of its weight without feeling wet, pulling water vapor away from your body and spreading it across a larger surface area so it can evaporate. The "crimp" or kinkiness of the wool fibers also builds dead air space into any wool garment, providing insulation even when wet.

During the colder months, we bring in two brands to handle the majority of your cotton-alternative merino wool baselayer needs. Icebreaker and Smartwool.

Icebreaker

Icebreaker Oasis Collection

The Oasis Collection from Icebreaker is one of the largest in the franchise. These 200 gram baselayers are made of 100% merino wool and are made for anything: running, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, travel, and even Netflix-ing. Merino wool is naturally odor resistant, so you can wear these pieces multiple days in a row and your shirt won’t smell. This winter, see amazing purple hues like Eggplant and Silk in the Oasis Long Sleeve and Half Zip on the women’s side. Over on the men’s side, we loved the bold hues of Oxblood and Largo.

Women's Oasis Long Sleeve

Men's Oasis Longsleeve

Women's Oasis Half Zip

Men's Oasis Half Zip

Icebreaker MerinoLoft Ellipse Long Sleeve Half-Zip Hood

Probably one of the more unique pieces we’ve brought in for 2018, the MerinoLoft Ellipse Long Sleeve Half-Zip Hood is a runners dream. No really. Crafted for those who want warmth without a lot of layers, even in dead winter, this is for you. The body is made of a hybrid material of 75% merino wool/25% polyester waffled fabric for maximum sweat-wicking and warmth capacities, while the quilted panels are filled with 70g MerinoLOFT.

Men's MerinoLoft Ellipse Long Sleeve Half-Zip Hood

Women's MerinoLoft Ellipse Long Sleeve Half-Zip Hood

Icebreaker Women’s Affinity Thermo Half Zip

This mid-layer half-zip item from Icebreaker is so cute we’ll take it in both colors. Please. The textured fabric sets this piece apart from traditional half-zips, not only in style but in function, too.The pattern is designed to provide optimal trapping of heat to keep you warm no matter your activity. The zipper chin guard and interior storm flap prevents chafing while the underarm gusset is design for optimal comfort and mobility.

Icebreaker Men’s Descender Long Sleeve Zip

Though this is something out of the ordinary for us, we had to bring it in. With a high warmth-to-weight ratio this zip is perfect for the upcoming winter months in Chicago. The brushed interior provides extra softness and is easy to layer for any activity. The fabric features Corespun, which is nylon fibers wrapped in merino wool for extra durability.

Smartwool

Smartwool Merino 250 Collection

This collection is made of Smartwool's warmest fabric. The 250 gram merino wool works as a single layer in cooler temperatures or as a baselayer in colder temperatures. These pieces are woven with chafe-free seam construction and panels that offer more comfort with a pack.

Men's Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew