Base layers
Merino wool base layers and thermal underwear for the whole family
A base layer sits next to the skin, and its job is to move moisture away before it has a chance to cool you down. Merino does that without starting to smell, because the fibre evaporates odour molecules by itself. The merino in North Outdoor base layers measures 17.5–19.5 microns – about a third the thickness of traditional sheep's wool.
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Which weight should you choose?
Choose the knit weight by how you'll use it and how much you'll move, not by temperature alone.
- 150 g/m² – the lightest. For active movement and as an unnoticeable base layer.
- 200–225 g/m² – the all-round set. Works both in everyday life and outdoors.
- 260 g/m² – the heaviest, a thermal set. For sub-zero weather and standing still: fishing, walking the dog, outdoor work.
Rule of thumb: the more you move, the lighter the base layer. Staying still calls for more insulation.
What does thermal underwear mean?
Thermal underwear is the everyday name for the heaviest base layer – in our range, 260 g/m². It is not a different product from a base layer, but the same product in a heavier knit. The weight brings the warmth, the fineness of the fibre brings the softness.
Does a merino base layer itch?
Prickle comes from wool fibres over 30 microns, which do not bend against the skin but press into it. The merino fibre in our base layers is 17.5–19.5 microns, so it bends softly and does not trigger a prickle response in most people. Skin sensitivity is individual, however. For particularly sensitive skin there is the Sensitive range, where soft bamboo viscose sits against the skin and the merino stays on the outer face of the fabric.
Does a merino base layer work in summer?
A lightweight one does. Merino moves moisture away from the skin and feels dry to the touch even when you sweat, and wool fibre absorbs UV radiation naturally. The heavier weights are a winter choice.
Base layers for women, men and children
The range covers tops, bottoms, half-zips and underwear for the whole family. A base layer should sit close to the skin so the fabric can move moisture and no excess material chafes as you move.
How do you wash a base layer?
At 30 °C on a wool or delicates programme, with a wool detergent at pH 7 or below. No fabric softener and no tumble dryer. Merino base layer knit shrinks roughly 3–5 % in the wash, which is allowed for in the sizing – gently stretching it while damp restores the shape.
Responsibly sourced merino wool
We use only mulesing-free merino wool in our products. All our products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, which means an independent institute has verified that they contain no substances harmful to health in skin contact.
