Collection: Icebreaker

Explore Icebreaker's Full Range of Merino Wool Clothing

With "Move to natural™" their motto, Icebreaker invite you into a whole new world of performance-driven outdoor clothing.

Using their premium quality merino wool as the base for all their clothing, they are passionate about leading a movement towards a more natural way of living. Their goal is to take unnecessary plastic out of performance apparel, and still maintain its effect. 

The brand began in New Zealand in 1995, and they bill themselves under 5 key terms: Achievers, Adventurous, Authentic, Passionate, and Belonging. For them, it's all about holding themselves responsible and accountable, offering transparency and sustainability, and providing nature-inspired innovation to bring you the very best in outdoor clothing.

Icebreaker clothing includes a range of base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers for both men and women. They also produce socks, underwear, and accessories, all designed to perform well for all your outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, running, travel, and sailing.

Icebreaker Merino Wool: The Natural Choice for Outdoor Adventures

With its outdoorsy lifestyle, New Zealand offers a fantastic foundation for brands to test their range of garments in tough, real life conditions. So we love stocking Kiwi brands because we know their clothing is going to be the real deal. Icebreaker certainly didn't let us down!

Their merino wool base layers and thermals are the ideal choice for anyone seeking a soft, lightweight, and exceptionally comfortable piece of kit for their outdoor gear. Not to mention, it's itch-free, odour-resistant, and environmentally friendly. It also comes in modern, neutral designs that pair with just about anything in your wardrobe. You're ticking all the boxes - and then some.

At the heart of Icebreaker thermals and layering pieces is a dedication to keeping you at ease, whatever the countryside has in store. From insulating layers for cooler days to lightweight options for warmer months, their sustainable merino wool range is naturally suited to the demands of rural living.

What is Merino Wool?

This natural material comes from one of the world’s hardiest sheep breeds: the resilient merino. These sheep thrive in New Zealand’s harsh climate, enduring freezing winters down to -10°C and scorching summers as hot as +30°C. How they manage to cope with such changes in weather conditions is down to their ingenious fleece that protects them.

And it's this fleece which Icebreaker uses. While traditional wool might provide warmth, it can sometimes be a bit bulky and itchy, and we know that synthetic fibres are low-maintenance, but they can induce sweat. The benefits of merino wool, on the other hand, provide temperature regulation and moisture management, as well as offering a natural odour resistance.

Is Merino Wool Environmentally Friendly or Sustainable?

This is one of the best things about the material! 

Merino wool is a natural, renewable resource that fits well with a sustainable lifestyle. Every year, sheep produce new fleece, and when the wool has reached the end of its life, it biodegrades naturally, breaking down and returning nutrients to the soil.

By choosing Icebreaker merino, you’re supporting a fibre that has a smaller environmental footprint compared to synthetic materials. It’s a choice that not only performs well in the outdoors but also aligns with a more thoughtful, eco-friendly approach to living in the countryside.

How Does Merino Wool Regulate Body Temperature?

Merino wool has an incredible ability to regulate your body temperature thanks to its natural moisture-wicking properties. The fibres absorb moisture from your skin and release it into the atmosphere, keeping you dry and comfortable. In fact, very impressively, merino wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in water without feeling wet. 

Not only that, but Icebreaker's merino fibres are super stretchy, able to extend over 30% without breaking, which is great for active work or leisure activities, as you get that natural freedom of movement. 

Is Merino Wool Good for Both Cold and Warm Weather?

A lot of people might think a merino base layer is only for cold weather, but it actually offers year-round unbeatable performance. 

In cold conditions, the fine fibres help to hold warmth close to your body, providing insulation without weighing you down. When it’s warmer, it naturally wicks moisture away from your skin and releases it, helping to keep you feeling fresh and cool.

So there is no need to regulate it to the back of your wardrobe when we finally get some sunshine!

How Do You Care for Merino Wool Clothing?

Caring for your Icebreaker merino wool clothing is easier than you might think.

Thanks to the natural spring-like structure of the fibres, merino wool holds its shape, so there’s no need to worry about shrinking after washing. Most merino garments can be machine-washed, staying soft and performing well wear after wear.

For best results, hang your items to dry and store them folded. And always double-check the care labels on each piece of clothing to see if there are any particular instructions to bear in mind.

Is Merino Wool Suitable for People with Sensitive Skin?

If you typically avoid wool clothing due to it feeling rough or itchy, you will love knowing that soft merino wool is nothing like that! The natural fibres are much finer, so they feel gentle against your skin, and the material's natural elasticity allows it to move when you move, so it won't rub or cause discomfort either.

It’s also hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals often found in synthetic fabrics, making it less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Discover the Comfort and Performance of Icebreaker Today

If you're someone who loves the outdoors, this performance-driven clothing is hard to beat. Shop the full Icebreaker collection and experience the natural benefits of high-quality merino wool, all while supporting a brand dedicated to sustainability and innovation.