Merino wool budget base layer

[Achy4days]

I see that Uniqlo has a sale on their merino wool jumpers today. An extra fine knit jumper made with 19.5 micron merino wool and treated with anti-piling for £19.90, which is a bargain in comparison to the merino base layers by dedicated outdoors brands like Icebreaker. I am tempted to try running in it and see if it performs better than my usual synthetics. Has anyone run in high street merino wool? If so, how do they compare to the expensive ones?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I have loads of merino wool items for skiing. I find no difference in quality between the branded and non branded. The benefits of course are breathable and dont seem to hold odour. I've even been known to wear my best top one in the summer. Go for it. Enjoy.

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

That's great to know. I got a few that I used to wear for work but is now looking a bit battered for the office so I might try trail running with them instead

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

Perfect, enjoy

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Once you get your merino top on you don’t want to take it off do you 😁

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Just been out leading my health walk group - once again merino tops did the job of keeping my body at the perfect temperature on uphill and downhill sections.

[misswobble Graduate10]

I only do budget running stuff, unless OH is paying 🙂. I got my budget long-sleeved merino top from Aldi years ago and it’s fine. I always wash it in non-bio at 30 degrees and dry it on the clothes horse or out on the line if it’s fine - not on the radiator It cost £15.99

I wear it on colder runs - but only if it’s dry - as I don’t have a waterproof run jacket and I wouldn’t like to run in it if it got wet.

I have some merino ladies boxer shorts too which I save for very cold days. I wore them on my marathon on Sunday 🙂

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Ah shame that I haven't got an Aldi anywhere near me, or I wouldn't mind a £15.99 merino wool base layer that I can wash in the washing machine either At the moment, I waste my weekends hand washing all my woolies. I need to get a life

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

You can buy aldi online. Sportsdirect have them too A bit dearer at 19.99 last time I checked

My washer has a sports button which is a boon You could select 30 degree gentle wash and short spin Non bio, Halo sports wash detergent or Woolite etc

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

aldi.co.uk/search?text=Meri...

Here's the link. I have aldi stuff. All my marino items whatever original price go in machine and last years

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Achy4days ...I can't advise on the Merino wool but all I can say is that running in wool makes me sweat even when I'm sat down...I thought only sheep did that?!!! 😁

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Yeah I haven't tried running in wool yet exactly because of the bucketload I sweat. As for people who swear by wooly running underwear is completely beyond me! lol

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

Well, I've heard it all now!!! Lol

[misswobble Graduate10]

Merino is specifically for sports as it’s like nature’s Dri-fit 😃. Sweat-wicking. Very very light

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

I will have to give it a try, maybe when the temperature drops down to freezing again

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

Yeah, otherwise you'll get too hot. It's quite balmy out there at the mo. Just got back with the dogs and I was roasting

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Sportpursuit also currently have a 50% sale on Isobaa and other branded merino base layers

[Silverfox1943 Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I recently bought a Lidl ski top, slim fitting & ideal for an under layer.

£6:99 - you cant beat that.