Lightweight wool shirt options

Started by Optimist, October 17, 2023, 11:35:40 PM

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Optimist

I've been thinking about switching to wool for my everday shirts. I've heard a lot of people say that while they are warm when it's cold they still feel comfortable when it's hot. I've found that to be true with socks but I have no experience with wool shirts.

We usually have pretty cool and wet summers, so I think wool would be nice in that regard. On "hot" days (by my far northern standards) I worry a wool shirt might be too much but chasing something that works at every temperature might be a pipe dream. I think something as light as possible without getting so flimsy it will tear when rubbing up against stuff would be good.

It seems like most of the lighter merino wool options seem to be super tight fitting in and in wild colors. I think they're for cyclists or something. I'd like something that looks more normal in terms of fit and color for everyday use.

What I'm trying to find:
Thin so it's not too hot but not so thin to be flimsy
Long sleeves
Regular fit/cut
Normal colors*
A few neck buttons or full button-up* (I don't like zippers)
A chest pocket, preferably two*
*preferable but not necessary

I'm not sure what options are out there. I have a hard time judging things based on the weight of fabric alone. It's a long drive to town to where I could try them on. I think I'll end up buying a variety, see which one I like the best and then buy a bunch of those for my everyday wear.

This Varusteleka shirt looks like what I'm going for but it's ridiculously expensive:
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-light-wool-check-shirt/74240

Another option might be to wear wool long underwear tops and a tougher cotton shirt over top to protect them. I guess the thing that I mentally struggle with there is that in the past when I would wear long underwear under regular clothes it would be way too hot when inside. However, that was synthetic long underwear and also the older I get the colder I generally feel.

Optimist

Been poking around and it looks like wool shirts have just become crazy expensive.

I'll probably just need to keep my eyes open for sales.

echo83

Quote from: Optimist on October 17, 2023, 11:35:40 PMI've been thinking about switching to wool for my everday shirts. I've heard a lot of people say that while they are warm when it's cold they still feel comfortable when it's hot. I've found that to be true with socks but I have no experience with wool shirts.

We usually have pretty cool and wet summers, so I think wool would be nice in that regard. On "hot" days (by my far northern standards) I worry a wool shirt might be too much but chasing something that works at every temperature might be a pipe dream. I think something as light as possible without getting so flimsy it will tear when rubbing up against stuff would be good.

It seems like most of the lighter merino wool options seem to be super tight fitting in and in wild colors. I think they're for cyclists or something. I'd like something that looks more normal in terms of fit and color for everyday use.

What I'm trying to find:
Thin so it's not too hot but not so thin to be flimsy
Long sleeves
Regular fit/cut
Normal colors*
A few neck buttons or full button-up* (I don't like zippers)
A chest pocket, preferably two*
*preferable but not necessary

I'm not sure what options are out there. I have a hard time judging things based on the weight of fabric alone. It's a long drive to town to where I could try them on. I think I'll end up buying a variety, see which one I like the best and then buy a bunch of those for my everyday wear.

This Varusteleka shirt looks like what I'm going for but it's ridiculously expensive:
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-light-wool-check-shirt/74240

Another option might be to wear wool long underwear tops and a tougher cotton shirt over top to protect them. I guess the thing that I mentally struggle with there is that in the past when I would wear long underwear under regular clothes it would be way too hot when inside. However, that was synthetic long underwear and also the older I get the colder I generally feel.
I was whispering "Varusteleka," to myself two lines into your post. I have one of their wool t shirts, and their zippered hoodie, and the hype is real. Super comfortable, great in all temperatures, and naturally odor resistant. It's why I've worn wool socks in all climates for years. 

Their merino layers are phenomenal, but super expensive. 

Please keep us posted on what other options you find. 

Fatty

Goruck's been doing some work with merino wool.  A lil pricey but I haven't found a reason to be disappointed in their products.  I've been thinking along the same lines as you in this regard.

https://www.goruck.com/collections/mens-apparel

Optimist

I bought a whole bunch of socks from Darn Tough and groceries took a bigger bite than I was expecting, so I might have to wait for a few paychecks to refill my reserve before buying any more wool.

There was a sale on Icebreaker wool long-sleeve shirts that didn't have any of the features I wanted but they were only $40. That was before I knew how expensive wool had become, so I stupidly didn't jump on them. I could have had 3-4 for the price of a single shirt at normal costs.

I checked the prices on other wool stuff that I already own and I probably have close to $2000 worth if I were to buy it today.  :eek1: It surely didn't cost that much back when I originally got it.

Uomo Senza Nome

I last bought wool at the factory Store in County Kerry back in 2017. Wow, I wish I had bought more. Appears they have either been bought out or somehow consolidated with the other regional wool producers and the prices are crazy high now. The same exact shirt I bought in 2017 for $30 is now $90.
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes 'em afraid. "

"There's plain few problems can't be solved with a little sweat and hard work."

Moab

Keep an eye on https://www.sierra.com/

Sierra Trading Post sells overstock and leftovers from just about every outdoor brand there is. At deep discounts. There amount of product is larger than any other retailer like this. I've bought darn tough socks and many other oroducts from them for cheap.

Their stock changes alot. But they usually have a large selection of wool. If not, give it a week or a couple days. Their massive stock is constantly changing. 
"Ideas are more dangerous than guns. We don't let our people have guns. Why would we let them have ideas?" Josef Stalin

Optimist

Quote from: Moab on November 02, 2023, 01:46:27 PMKeep an eye on https://www.sierra.com/

Sierra Trading Post sells overstock and leftovers from just about every outdoor brand there is. At deep discounts. There amount of product is larger than any other retailer like this. I've bought darn tough socks and many other oroducts from them for cheap.

Their stock changes alot. But they usually have a large selection of wool. If not, give it a week or a couple days. Their massive stock is constantly changing.
Thanks for the heads up about Sierra, I've been checking them every once in a while over the winter and they sure discount the hell out of things!

Moab

#8
Quote from: Optimist on April 19, 2024, 10:30:09 PM
Quote from: Moab on November 02, 2023, 01:46:27 PMKeep an eye on https://www.sierra.com/

Sierra Trading Post sells overstock and leftovers from just about every outdoor brand there is. At deep discounts. There amount of product is larger than any other retailer like this. I've bought darn tough socks and many other oroducts from them for cheap.

Their stock changes alot. But they usually have a large selection of wool. If not, give it a week or a couple days. Their massive stock is constantly changing.
Thanks for the heads up about Sierra, I've been checking them every once in a while over the winter and they sure discount the hell out of things!
It's almost to much stuff. Hard to sesrch thru. Unless your looking for a specific brand. But truly the biggest seller of overstock and discounted outdoor clothing and goods. Their fishing section is massive.
"Ideas are more dangerous than guns. We don't let our people have guns. Why would we let them have ideas?" Josef Stalin

Optimist

I finally got around to putting my order in at Sierra got three different Smart Wool tees with different wool/polyester blends to test out and one Icebreaker. All were about $30 each, which was way cheaper than what I had been looking at originally. Unfortunately I did not get the free shipping because of Alaska.

Considering what they have available changes so rapidly I don't think I'll be able to get multiples of whatever one I like the best (if any of them work out) but it should at least give me an idea of what I want so I can put in an order for multiples of whatever in the future.

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