Merino Wool Base Layers

Which weight should I choose?

Choose the fabric weight based on how much you move, not on temperature alone.

• 150 g/m² – Touch, Motion and Intense pro 150. Our lightest base layers, for cross-country skiing and running, and for discreet everyday wear under your clothes.
• 180–210 g/m² – Intense pro 180, Multi Action 200 and Active 210. All-round base layers for downhill skiing, hiking and everyday wear.
• 225 g/m² – Sensitive 225. Merino wool on the outer face of the fabric, soft bamboo viscose against the skin.
• 260 g/m² – Arctic 260. The heaviest base layer in our range: a merino thermal for freezing weather and stationary activities such as ice fishing and outdoor work. In severe cold it is also worn as a mid layer over a lighter base layer.

Rule of thumb: the more you move, the lighter the base layer. When you stay still, you need more insulation.

Is a merino wool base layer a good choice?

A merino base layer works best when your time outdoors alternates between activity and breaks. The fibre absorbs moisture into its core, so the surface feels dry for longer, and wool naturally helps prevent odours from forming – often simply airing it out is enough between wears. Our lightest Touch and Motion fabrics also contain 12% recycled polyamide and 5% elastane, which add durability and stretch.

Synthetic or merino base layer?

A synthetic base layer (polyester or polypropylene) absorbs hardly any moisture; instead it moves it to the fabric surface to evaporate. It dries quickly and suits hard, sweaty efforts. Merino wool absorbs moisture into the fibre, so it feels drier when you stop. It also resists odour better. If you alternate between moving and taking breaks – hiking, downhill skiing, ice fishing – merino is usually the more comfortable choice.

Is merino wool warmer than regular wool?

Warmth depends above all on the thickness of the fabric and the air trapped in it. What sets merino apart from regular wool is the fineness of the fibre: a fine fibre bends against the skin, whereas the ends of fibres over 30 microns press into the skin and cause prickling. That is why merino can be worn directly against the skin, and skin that stays dry feels warmer.

Is a merino wool base layer itchy?

The merino fibre in our base layers is 17.5–19.5 microns, so for most people it does not trigger an itch response. Skin sensitivity does vary from person to person, though. For particularly sensitive skin there is Sensitive 225, with bamboo viscose against the skin and merino wool on the outer face of the fabric. Read more: is merino wool itchy?

Should a base layer fit tightly?

A base layer should fit close to the body. It only moves moisture when the fabric touches the skin; a loose base layer leaves moisture on the skin, and excess fabric rubs as you move. You will find the measurements in our size guide.

How do I wash a base layer?

Wash your base layer at 30 °C on a wool or delicates programme with a wool detergent that has a pH of 7 or below. No fabric softener and no tumble dryer. Merino base layer fabric shrinks by about 3–5% in the wash, which is allowed for in our sizing. To find out whether to wash a base layer before first use and what to do if a garment has shrunk, see our merino wool washing guide.

Base layers for women, men and kids

You can also browse the range on separate pages: women's merino wool base layers, men's merino wool base layers and kids' merino wool base layers. The differences between our product lines are explained in the base layer guide, and how to combine a base layer with a mid layer and an outer shell is covered in our layering guide.

Mulesing-free merino wool

North Outdoor is a Finnish company specialising in merino wool clothing. We design our products in Finland. We use only mulesing-free merino wool in our products. All products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, which means an independent testing institute has confirmed that they contain no substances harmful to health in contact with the skin.