ICEBREAKER

Merino wool is a natural performance fibre that is perfect for running. Its key benefits include:

• Temperature Regulation: It keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
• Moisture Wicking: It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp, actively pulling sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.
• Odour Resistance: Merino wool is naturally antibacterial, meaning you can wear it for longer between washes without it developing odours.
• Softness: Icebreaker uses ultrafine merino fibres that are soft and itch-free, unlike traditional wool

Most Icebreaker products have a very high percentage of merino wool or other plant-based fibers. For performance running gear, a small amount of LYCRA® is often added for stretch and freedom of movement, while nylon fibers are sometimes wrapped around the merino core (Corespun fabric) to enhance durability without sacrificing the softness of merino against the skin.

Icebreaker uses a fabric weight system to help you choose:

• 125-150 (Ultralight): Best for running in warm to hot conditions, offering maximum breathability.
• 200 (Lightweight): The most versatile weight, ideal for a wide range of temperatures. It's a perfect single layer for cool days or a base layer for cold days.
• 260 (Midweight): Designed for running in the cold, offering significant thermal insulation.

Cool-Lite™ is a technical fabric blend designed for optimal performance in warm weather. It combines premium merino wool with TENCEL™ Lyocell, a sustainable fiber sourced from eucalyptus trees. This blend wicks moisture 40% faster than 100% merino, keeping you cooler and more comfortable during intense summer runs.

BodyfitZone™ is Icebreaker's intelligent construction method for base layers. It involves mapping the body's heat zones and using panels of more breathable, eyelet merino mesh in areas that tend to overheat, like your back and underarms. This targeted ventilation helps to dump excess heat and regulate your temperature more effectively during a hard run.

Caring for Icebreaker merino is simple. Machine wash on a gentle, cold cycle (30°C) with regular detergent. Do not use fabric softeners, as these coat the merino fibers and reduce their natural performance. It's best to air dry your gear by laying it flat in the shade, but you can also tumble dry on a no-heat setting.

One of the key advantages of merino wool is that it continues to insulate even when it gets damp from sweat or light rain. Unlike cotton, which draws heat away from the body when wet, merino wool will keep you warm, a critical safety and performance feature for any runner.