Icebreaker 260 Midweight LS Crewe

Summary

Great winter weight shirt! Nice heavy weight, but not too hot when worn in warm weather!

Men's M fits great (slim fit) for 5'10"/160lbs.

This shirt continues to wear well after owning for about a year. I always handwash/wash gentle cycle and air dry. A nice slim fit, I typically wear a synthetic long sleeve underneath for my winter layering system, then a highly breathable mid-layer, and eVent shell. Waist and sleeve length are perfect.

I've never had a concern with itching; great wicking as a standalone, or when layering. Very breathable when weather permits no coats! This merino wool shirt does a great job against STINKY B. O. I've always found sufficient warmth with this 260 series, never getting overheated either.

I'm careful with abrasion, as any wool will snag... manufacturing appears to be great, looks like it will be several years at minimum before retiring. 

There is no doubt that Icebreaker merino wool is supersoft and warm, but its durability has been very disappointing. I purchased 3 different merino shirts of different weights and had the same problem with all of them. After just one washing it had already started to pill up, and in less than a year of owning, they developed small holes that quickly got bigger with wear and washing (no moths in the house!). So a little disappointed with the quality for the price.

Yes, they are very warm but wearing any kind of wool on your bear skin will always be itchy. I'v had mine for about 12 weeks and just couldn't handle it on my skin so I now wear a Helly Hanson dry baselayer under it, which is perfect.