CORE Merino Long Sleeve Crew Neck Merino Wool Base Layer for Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Long Sleeve Crew Neck Merino Wool Base Layer for Women Vital Statistics: Colours: Black, Ink Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL SRP: £46.00

Long Sleeve Crew Neck Merino Wool Base Layer for Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black, Ink

Sizes:
S, M, L, XL, XXL

SRP:
£46.00

Features to Note:

100% Superfine (18.9 micron) merino, single jersey (180 gsm)
Flat shoulder seams
Men's range of tops and leggings also available
Made in Fiji from South African Merino

In-use Test:

CORE Merino are a South Africa based manufacturer of merino wool socks, tops and leggings for both leisure and 'active' wear.

I've been trying out one of the long sleeve, crew neck tops and been wearing it as a base layer for some late Spring day walks around the White Peak.

Made from 180 gsm merino, this is a light weight, relatively thin garment. It was a close but comfortable fit on the body and both the sleeves and body length were fine on me; it appears to be pretty true to size. (I'm 5'7'', a very standard UK size 12 and was wearing the Medium size.)

I've been wearing the CORE baselayer in temperatures ca 10-12 deg C with just a (Paramo Mirada) waterproof jacket plus daypack and been very comfortable - warm and I wasn't conscious of the sleever seams under my daypack's straps. As I've experienced with other merino products, this feels lovely next to the skin, the wicking is good and the odour retention pretty well minimal. Whilst this wouldn't be my normal approach to laundry! - for the purposes of this test - I have worn this top probably 6 or 7 times without feeling it desperately needed to be consigned to the laundry basket. As well, there's a very slight stretch in the wool so I didn't feel there was any restriction in movement.

I have now washed it twice (on a wool cycle) and it's looking ok; the seams are hanging straight and there is little sign of bobbling. Because of its thinness, a slight concern is that it may not wear that well with very frequent use.

Available in the UK from The New Zealand Sock Company

Buying Advice:

If you like wool based garments, this CORE baselayer is a comfortable, lightweight base layer for spring/summer walking or indeed for general leisure wear. Due to its thinness - it's perhaps not the best option for very 'heavy' use or wear in lower temperatures. If you want to stay with a pure merino product but want a base layer for frequent, year-round use - you may be better investing a little more and getting a baselayer with a higher density (195gsm or higher) merino.

What do you think?

Have you got a CORE Merino Long Sleeve Crew Neck Merino Wool Base Layer for Women?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of CORE Merino Long Sleeve Crew Neck Merino Wool Base Layer for Women - so we can publish your important views below.

• Very soft, stretchy, cuddly, comfortable. Like a second skin. Love it and the leggings, too. A bit thin, good for wearing under anything else. Not itchy at all.

Maah, Suva