Showing posts with label sport clothing brands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sport clothing brands. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Buy Columbia Men's Shimmer Flash II Jacket
The size is a bit larger than expected, but that is not a problem, it is for my teen son. The color is beautiful and the material logos great. Very comfortable and warm!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Buy Cycling Jersey Set Short-sleeved Jersey Tenacious Life/perspiration
I orderes this jersey combo a size larger than i generally use.
The jersey is too tight for me to use, reason why I removed 2 stars.
On the other hand, pants are great. They have big protection for your behind ;)
Colors are still looking good after daily use and wash; would recommend. If it were only the pants the rating would have been 5 stars.Great product...really value for your money...fast delivery... Highly recommended!!! Exceeds my expectation... The fabric is very comfy and really serves the purpose,
The jersey is too tight for me to use, reason why I removed 2 stars.
On the other hand, pants are great. They have big protection for your behind ;)
Colors are still looking good after daily use and wash; would recommend. If it were only the pants the rating would have been 5 stars.Great product...really value for your money...fast delivery... Highly recommended!!! Exceeds my expectation... The fabric is very comfy and really serves the purpose,
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Best Skirt Sports Women's Arm Warmers Deals
I was going to be running my first marathon and was a little worried about the cold in the morning. I had to be down in the corral at 6am, the race didn't start until 7am, and I knew it was going to take me at least 30 minutes to even reach the starting line. And I'm always cold. And I don't like being cold. I also don't like having to shed layers as I run.
So I got these hoping they would keep my arms warm and be unobtrusive and that's exactly what they did. I was able to wear them for the first 3 miles or so until I warmed up and then they were easy enough to just peel off while I was running without missing a stride, tuck into the waitband of my running shorts, and keep going without being weighed down. At about mile 13 I handed them off to my boyfriend on the sidelines, but it wouldn't have bothered me to keep running while holding on to them.
I got the black ones in a medium (I'm 5'7" and 160#) and they were snug enough to stay in place (no bunching or sliding!) but weren't restrictive or binding at all. In fact, they were pretty easy to forget about so I could just focus on my run.
First off, they are adorable. Just look at them. With the color scheme they go with pretty much all my other running apparel, which is another plus.
Second, if you don't already know: arm warmers in general are a great idea. They provide automatic venting when worn with a tank top or just a bra, and another layer of warmth when added to a shirt with sleeves. You can easily roll them down and wear them around your wrists if you get to warm (and easily pull them back up if you get too cool again), or take them off and tuck them into the waistband of your shorts or fuel belt. You can tie them together to make them harder to lose while storing.
The rubbery substance along the upper band really helps keep them from stretching out like other arm warmers I have.
Love!
So I got these hoping they would keep my arms warm and be unobtrusive and that's exactly what they did. I was able to wear them for the first 3 miles or so until I warmed up and then they were easy enough to just peel off while I was running without missing a stride, tuck into the waitband of my running shorts, and keep going without being weighed down. At about mile 13 I handed them off to my boyfriend on the sidelines, but it wouldn't have bothered me to keep running while holding on to them.
I got the black ones in a medium (I'm 5'7" and 160#) and they were snug enough to stay in place (no bunching or sliding!) but weren't restrictive or binding at all. In fact, they were pretty easy to forget about so I could just focus on my run.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I love arm warmers for running and cycling. I have tried skirtsports arm warmers in the past but always found them to be too big. If you normally take an XS as I do in arm warmers the S/M will sag loosely around your bicep. However I needed some arm warmers to get me through pregnancy and these are just the ticket. I am a size 4 during pregnancy (vs. my 0/2 pre-pregnancy) and the upper-arm fits nicely at this point. So I'd say if you are a 4/6 go with the S/M. Pink Crush is my favorite but I love the zebra stripes, too.Best Deals for Skirt Sports Women's Arm Warmers
I love these arm warmers!First off, they are adorable. Just look at them. With the color scheme they go with pretty much all my other running apparel, which is another plus.
Second, if you don't already know: arm warmers in general are a great idea. They provide automatic venting when worn with a tank top or just a bra, and another layer of warmth when added to a shirt with sleeves. You can easily roll them down and wear them around your wrists if you get to warm (and easily pull them back up if you get too cool again), or take them off and tuck them into the waistband of your shorts or fuel belt. You can tie them together to make them harder to lose while storing.
The rubbery substance along the upper band really helps keep them from stretching out like other arm warmers I have.
Love!
Honest reviews on Skirt Sports Women's Arm Warmers
I love the variety of colors however the material is not stretchy. I am petite 5'2 115 lbs so I ordered the s/m and it was tight, wearable but tight and these do not stretch. I also ordered the Nathan breakaway sleeve in a s/m which fit perfectly. It is about the same price and better quality. Go with the Nathan.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Skirt Sports Women's Arm Warmers
We spent five months, hiking and biking, around Europe. She wore this almost every morning and was so grateful to have them. They allowed her to "layer" clothing and easily remove them as the days warmed. The were tough, easy to use and performed as expected.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Canada Goose Men's Lodge Jacket Reviews
Excellent jacket for Australian style winter (4-15degrees +wind). Keeps you nice and warm with just a tshirt underneath and not overheating at the upper end of the thermometer. All you need to do is unzip if you're feeling overheated. The jacket breathes very well any doesn't coz you to sweat easily. Works just like a climate control and at the same time don't make you look like a Michelin man.
Might be a little pricey but you're paying for quality top grade product. Treat yourself, don't cheat yourself!
A nice warm jacket, and very light weight. A nice feature is that there is an elastic cord that goes around the bottom edge inside of this jacket. The ends of this cord are in the pockets, and there are plastic adjustment clips in the pockets which allow you the tighten or loosen the cord. Thus, you can custom tighten the bottom of the jacket against your waist to prevent warmth from escaping. There's another cord with a single clip at the back of the collar that allows you to adjust the tightness of the collar.
For Americans: Please note that like all other Canada Goose jackets, this jacket has the zipper tabs on the left. This can take a little practice getting used to. In fact, the first two or three times you try to zip or unzip the jacket, you'll swear the zipper doesn't work. But trust me, with practice it will become easier and easier.
Might be a little pricey but you're paying for quality top grade product. Treat yourself, don't cheat yourself!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
The product details for this jacket are totally wrong when it comes to cleaning. The label inside says :"Machine wash cold with mild detergent on gentle cycle, front loading machine only. Tumble dry on cool setting." Furthermore, it says, "Do not dry clean."A nice warm jacket, and very light weight. A nice feature is that there is an elastic cord that goes around the bottom edge inside of this jacket. The ends of this cord are in the pockets, and there are plastic adjustment clips in the pockets which allow you the tighten or loosen the cord. Thus, you can custom tighten the bottom of the jacket against your waist to prevent warmth from escaping. There's another cord with a single clip at the back of the collar that allows you to adjust the tightness of the collar.
For Americans: Please note that like all other Canada Goose jackets, this jacket has the zipper tabs on the left. This can take a little practice getting used to. In fact, the first two or three times you try to zip or unzip the jacket, you'll swear the zipper doesn't work. But trust me, with practice it will become easier and easier.
Best Deals for Canada Goose Men's Lodge Jacket
I bought a CG Jacket in Medium (Hybridge Lite) and returned it as it was too small and bought this one in large, which turned out to be too large. So I had to return this as well. I like the brand and the materials, but the sizing put me off and I've bought Arctertyx instead.Honest reviews on Canada Goose Men's Lodge Jacket
bought this jacket for a trip to switzerland. was an awesome insulation jacket for the trip. Wore a Norrona Narvik as a hard shell which was a great combo. Worked well in the rain, snow, and cold. I did wear this jacket alone on many days and it worked superbly. Not too 'puffy', warm, kept out the wind, and light rain in London and Paris. Packed very light and compact, and didn't need to take it off when going inside. the double outer layer keeps the down dry, and dries easily if it gets wet. the chest pocket is big, hand pockets are big, and the neck wasn't too bulky. All in all, a well constructed jacket, easy to travel with, kept me warm in sub zero, but not arctic cold temps (not tested below minus 10 Celsius). I'd have no hesitation purchasing this jacket againWednesday, October 29, 2014
Cheap ExOfficio Men's Geotrek'r Long Sleeve Shirt
List Price: $65.00
Sale Price: Price Unavailable
Today's Bonus: 29% Off
A functional trekking as advertised. I will be using it to trek the tropical rainforest of Malaysia and Singapore. Material is stiffer than the Bear Grylls trekking shirt.The material and stitching are very good, the the cut isn't standard. If you have any muscle then try this on in the store or get 1 size bigger.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Buy Vector Sports Watch
I've owned the Suunto Vector for more than three years after purchasing it when I first became interested in adventure racing. While many top racers wear it, I would highly recommend it for the serious hiker, climber or backcountry skier for it's solid construction, design and versatility.
While I also wear this as my everyday watch, it's extra large size should be taken into consideration if that's something you have in mind.
There are a couple other brands available in this market segment, but the relatively low price and exceptional feature set are what continues to set this tool apart from the crowd.
Here's what you should know:
* Expect to replace the battery at least once a year. This is due to a number of reasons, one of which is the powerful backlight on the face that when activated can nearly illuminate the inside of a small tent at night. If you believe the manufacturer's warnings and want to play it safe, you may want to have this procedure performed by a professional (watch, not outdoor) shop. Suunto sells a battery pack that comes with a replacement seal and screw-in back, and this is definitely something to consider every other replacement opportunity, but you can get by with a lower-cost Duracell type 2430 3V lithium if you're on a budget.
* The altimeter is one of the strongest features, allowing you to quickly pinpoint your location on a topo map. However, plan to reset it regularly, especially after a plane ride or frequent and significant changes in altitude, or weather. This is rather easy as along as you have a confirmed location metric, but you have to remember to do it regularly to ensure the greatest accuracy. The 24-hour memory provides a total measurement of your ups and downs (ascents and descents) over that time period, a really cool record for runners, mountain bikers and skiers.
* The compass is one of the strongest in this class of devices, which to be sure isn't the greatest to begin with ... but even the serious orienteerer would be impressed. The ability to adjust for local declination is really nice.
* The barometer is good, but not great. However, if you want to be aware of potential weather changes, this will provide you with some peace of mind. Better to be safe than sorry (or worse) in this regard.
* The thermometer isn't accurate at all unless you take the watch off for 15-20 minutes or so to eliminate the warming effect of your skin/body temperature.
* Some of the controls and settings are not easy to comprehend or remember. I've never been able to figure out how to use the stopwatch, timer and lap features. If you're a swimmer or triathlete and this is important to you, look to the Timex Ironman standby.
* Waterproofing is rock solid. No worries.
* The soft-rubber watchband is comfortable to wear, but will deteriorate over time, even more rapidly in chlorine. Suunto offers a much lighter nylon/velcro alternative that I personally prefer.
Overall, I really like the Vector. But for a number of reasons already mentioned, would not feel comfortable giving it a perfect 5.0 score. But consider my 4.0 more like a 4.7 ... you can't go wrong here.
Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Depth Measurement
While I also wear this as my everyday watch, it's extra large size should be taken into consideration if that's something you have in mind.
There are a couple other brands available in this market segment, but the relatively low price and exceptional feature set are what continues to set this tool apart from the crowd.
Here's what you should know:
* Expect to replace the battery at least once a year. This is due to a number of reasons, one of which is the powerful backlight on the face that when activated can nearly illuminate the inside of a small tent at night. If you believe the manufacturer's warnings and want to play it safe, you may want to have this procedure performed by a professional (watch, not outdoor) shop. Suunto sells a battery pack that comes with a replacement seal and screw-in back, and this is definitely something to consider every other replacement opportunity, but you can get by with a lower-cost Duracell type 2430 3V lithium if you're on a budget.
* The altimeter is one of the strongest features, allowing you to quickly pinpoint your location on a topo map. However, plan to reset it regularly, especially after a plane ride or frequent and significant changes in altitude, or weather. This is rather easy as along as you have a confirmed location metric, but you have to remember to do it regularly to ensure the greatest accuracy. The 24-hour memory provides a total measurement of your ups and downs (ascents and descents) over that time period, a really cool record for runners, mountain bikers and skiers.
* The compass is one of the strongest in this class of devices, which to be sure isn't the greatest to begin with ... but even the serious orienteerer would be impressed. The ability to adjust for local declination is really nice.
* The barometer is good, but not great. However, if you want to be aware of potential weather changes, this will provide you with some peace of mind. Better to be safe than sorry (or worse) in this regard.
* The thermometer isn't accurate at all unless you take the watch off for 15-20 minutes or so to eliminate the warming effect of your skin/body temperature.
* Some of the controls and settings are not easy to comprehend or remember. I've never been able to figure out how to use the stopwatch, timer and lap features. If you're a swimmer or triathlete and this is important to you, look to the Timex Ironman standby.
* Waterproofing is rock solid. No worries.
* The soft-rubber watchband is comfortable to wear, but will deteriorate over time, even more rapidly in chlorine. Suunto offers a much lighter nylon/velcro alternative that I personally prefer.
Overall, I really like the Vector. But for a number of reasons already mentioned, would not feel comfortable giving it a perfect 5.0 score. But consider my 4.0 more like a 4.7 ... you can't go wrong here.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
... and buy a GPS instead. I agree with previous reviewer (Dave57), I WOULD NEVER BUY A SUUNTO AGAIN. Worst than Dave, I simply got caught in heavy rain during a hike and my Vector was full of water, couldn't even tell the time. I send it to Suunto Finland for repair and they say that it leaked from the housing and "kindly" offered a repair for 140 Euros.Best Deals for Vector Sports Watch
I had a Suunto for 10 months. The face scratched VERY easily which was disappointing. However the worst thing is after swimming in a pool that I could stand up in the watch FILLED with water and died. On returning to Suunto they refused to fix it under warrantee because swimming is not covered ! They say the forces created by swimming are to much for this watch and it was never designed for this purpose, despite the sales literature saying it is water proof to 100m. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER SUUNTO PRODUCT. Whatsmore the shop I bought it from say they have lots returned for the same reason and non of them were fixed under warranty either. It is also very difficult to use and you cannot hear the alarm at all.Honest reviews on Vector Sports Watch
I got a vector 3 years ago and was very pleased with it most of the time. The altimiter is not very useful because it is based off barometric pressure so your reading will vary wildly and you need to keep resetting it. The big flaw with this watch is that in 3 years the face has broken twice. The first time the bezel broke off. Luckly it was still under warranty and they replaced it. Now the faceplate has cracked and is letting moisture in. I don't use the watch for any crazy sports, it's just my everyday watch so the fact that it is broken astounds me. Sunnto have a minimum $85 repair charge, which could go up, so at this stage I'm bowing out with two watch failures in 3 years.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Vector Sports Watch
23 years of Army service and 4 Suunto watches. Cheap G-Shock watches have lasted much much longer! I have had to replace 5 bands all in the period of 4 -5 months. I have had 3 of the 4 Suunto's shut down in less the 30 feet of water. (Suunto claims they are water resistant to 80 meters on thier advertising however when you return them after they stop working in less then 10 meters they claim the warranty does not cover swimming. Hmmmmmmm swimmers and divers usually look at the water resitance of a watch to mean they are water resitant while swimming. Unless I am messed up and doing it wrong.........do most people wear the watch on thier wrist or do they just drop it down in the water and go back to check to see how deep it is or how much time they have spent in the water. Anyway, enough ranting on a cheaply made but exspensive watch that the company does not care enough about it's customers to replace or fix it under warranty. Thanks Suunto........G-shock has won my service back.Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Depth Measurement
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Wigwam Men's Avenger Socks Review
These are extremely comfortable socks, with plush terry padding in the soles, a smooth toe seam, and non-binding tops that stay up. They are durable and maintain their appearance well.
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Great item. Reported issue, received new item in mail within 2 weeks. Reported 2nd issue and have had no response. Reported 2 more x with no response. Dissapointed in the customer serivce.Best Deals for Wigwam Men's Avenger Socks
I just bought 15 pairs of these socks. I wear them everyday...for running and for just walking the street. Out with the old and in with the new. I gave my last 15 pairs away and will now cycle through these for the next two or three years. To my mind, they are the best fitting and longest wearing socks in the world.Honest reviews on Wigwam Men's Avenger Socks
The only thing i have an iwssue with is the price. I've worn these socks along time, the price was and still is quite highReview of New Balance Men's Nb Micro Short
Nice and Light weight , very night light weight material , Quick dry and comfortable work out shorts . would say they are bigger and loser than I expected ,
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Buy NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Vintage Hooded Sweatshirt Men's
List Price: $62.00
Sale Price: $16.99
Today's Bonus: 73% Off
Loved this shirt! I bought this for a huge steeler fan that owns practically every shirt and sweatshirt put out there. This shirt has a whole unique look to to it. And it was very soft and comfortable. Too bad I'm not a steeler fan..wouldve added it to my collection!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
A great sweatshirt for the price, would highly recommend. Fit is true to size and not to heavy or bulky.Best Deals for NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Vintage Hooded Sweatshirt Men's
This Steelers hoodie is very comfortable and soft, but the sleeves are a little bit tight. I love the design, though, and the wear on the logo and helmet look great.Honest reviews on NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Vintage Hooded Sweatshirt Men's
Fits great, looks great. Love it. It arrived within the delivery time so I can't complain. I'm a big Steelers fan and this is a must, well for me. I would recommend it, no doubt.Thursday, September 18, 2014
Review of Bella Ladies 6.5 oz. Cotton/Spandex Half-Zip Hooded Pullover
It arrived very quickly, so that pleased me. What pleased me even more is that the material and construction feels like high-end, even though the shirt itself really didn't cost too much. It fits just right and it's light weight enough to wear under a hoodie or jacket without over heating. Love this shirt so much that I've ordered more in other colors!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
NFL San Diego Chargers Vintage Hooded Sweatshirt Men's Reviews
List Price: $62.00
Sale Price: $59.00
Today's Bonus: 4% Off
For a sweatshirt it is very thin, definitely not for use in very cold weather. Not sure if its worth the money.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
my boyfriend loves this zip up hoodie! it's lightweight and soft. he is a football fanatic and has tons of nfl gear but this hoodie is uniquely designed, the logos are distressed and retro looking. This one is definitely his favorite! I'm glad I ordered one size larger, he's 6' 220 with a muscular build, I ordered an xxl and it fits him comfortably, not too tight and not too loose. Will definitely be buying more in other teams!Thursday, August 7, 2014
Reviews of Icebreaker Women's Long Sleeve Bodyfit 260 Crewe Top
Because some of Amazon's listing descriptions for Icebreaker items have very few details about the products, making it difficult for the customer to make an informed purchasing decision if he/she is unfamiliar with this brand of clothing, below I'll type some information and personal impressions about Icebreaker clothing.
(Some of Amazon's Icebreaker listings do provide a lot of useful detail from the manufacturer -such as the product description on the following listing: "Icebreaker Women's Tech Bodyfit 260 Top".)
Note that my review is quite long and usually only the first half of it is shown on this page. If this happens on your screen and you wish to read the second half, all you have to do is press the "read more" button at the bottom of the review and Amazon will show you the rest of it. :-)
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
Icebreaker's marino wool items are generally made well, last a long time, are easy to care for, feel fantastic on the skin, are "natural", don't get smelly easily like polarfleece does, let the skin breathe, etc.
Many of my Icebreaker items have been worn and washed several hundred times and are still holding up much better than would be expected.
I am a BIG fan of this company's products. For my overall experience of them from around 2000-2010, I would give them a solid "5 stars"!
However, I regret to say that my opinion of the items I have bought from Icebreaker in 2012 is not as high. In the last 2 weeks (late 2012), I have bought 7 items from them and I decided to return all of them because they aren't as well-cut as the very "same" items that I bought in the 2000s (which I still have and wear, so I can make like-for-like comparisons easily).
Based solely on my 2012 experience of Icebreaker products, I would give them 3 stars, "it's ok". For me, this is not good enough to command prices of $50 $100+ for quite simple items, even if the basic wool material itself is outstanding and long-lasting.
For my star-rating on this review, I will average the "5" I give Icebreaker historically and the "3" that I would give Icebreaker in 2012, and give them a "4".
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MY EXPERIENCE WITH ICEBREAKER
I bought my first Icebreaker clothing about 13 years ago when I needed some long underwear for skiing.
Up until about 6 years ago, I had been buying Icebreaker items very sparingly, due to the eye-watering prices at London UK sporting goods shops . Then, I discovered that Sierratradingpost sells various Icebreaker styles (usually discontinued items from years past) on their site for a discount. Fortunately, for a couple of years after I discovered this, they had a large selection of women's Icebreaker stuff, so I bought quite a few things for great prices. (These days, Sierra's Icebreaker selection for women appears to be smaller, and the prices comparatively higher, than before. I expect that there are more discounters they have to compete with now, to get that kind of stock.)
In addition to bricks-and-mortar sports shops and Sierratradingpost, I have also bought Icebreaker items from several sporting goods online retailers, Amazon, and the Icebreaker website.
I still have almost every Icebreaker item I've bought. Even the discounted items have been somewhat pricey, but the quality and longevity were worth the initial investment.
In the last two weeks, I have tried to replace a few of my key Icebreaker items but found the fit and cut of the current versions of the same items to be sub-par. I will keep using my old items for another year, and hope that next year's fit and cut will be better-suited to my body shape.
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CAVEAT
What I have written below is based on my current knowledge about their products, but it is possible that I have misunderstood some aspects of the brand.
If you wish to better understand their product offerings, I would absolutely recommend that you have a look at the Icebreaker official site to view their entire range and gain more clarity about what items are for what purposes, what the wool weights are about, what the quality levels of the different clothing collections are, etc.
(Unfortunately, their website, while snazzy, does not fully explain these things, leaving it up to the customer to piece some of the puzzle together.)
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ICEBREAKER WOOL WEIGHTS:
Icebreaker's marino wool items generally come in four weights of fabric: 150, 200, 260, or 320. This is "grams per square meter".
150 is quite thin.
It provides light warmth.
The material is generally see-through. (I wouldn't wear items of this weight out and about in public without anything over them, but some reviewers have said that they do.)
It's good for a first base layer, for strenuous exercise, or for sleeping in.
Their items of this weight, especially in the ranges intended for athletic use, tend to be really form-fitting in one's typical size.
All Icebreaker material seems VERY resilient and long-lasting to me, but because the 150 wool weight is pretty thin, it is the likeliest to be torn, develop holes, get "runs" (like pantyhose). I don't think this happens too much with it, but I've seen some reviewers mention it (most often talking about how they accidentally poked holes in it with long fingernails), and three of my 150-weight leggings have developed runs in them after several years of heavy use.
200 is slightly thicker, but still on the thin side.
It's pretty warm.
The lighter colors are definitely see-through, such as grey and cream. My older black and brown items made out of 200 weight wool don't seem to be see-through, but some of the newer dark-colored ones might be.
It's good for a base layer or mid-weight layer, for exercise, and sleeping in.
Especially in the ranges intended for athletic situations, their items of this weight tend to be form-fitting in one's typical size.
260 is on the thicker side.
It's definitely warm, a cozy weight.
None of my 260 items are see-through. I can wear tops made out of this weight on their own (without anything over them) and not worry that my underwear or too many lumps&bumps will show through.
It's good for a mid-layer or top-layer, and sleeping in (if you get cold at night, like I do).
Items of this weight tend to fit looser than items of the same size in the 150/200 weights do. This may have something to do with how much naturally-stretchier the thicker fabric is, but it also seems that they cut these 260-weight items bigger because this weight is often worn as a top-layer or middle-layer, instead of as a base-layer.
I like this weight the best. I think that the company says that this is their most popular weight across the board.
320 is thickest, of course.
It is quite warm, very toasty and sturdy.
This weight is generally a top-layer, so items made out of this material are relatively loosely-cut.
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ICEBREAKER LINES / RANGES / "COLLECTIONS" OF CLOTHING:
Icebreaker makes different ranges some intended for wearing as normal underwear (like panties and sports bras and tank tops), some intended for wearing as thermal/long underwear, some intended for wearing as everyday clothing, and some intended for wearing as athletic wear.
Even though at first glance most of their items appear VERY similar to each other, there are different feelings to the fabrics (even in fabrics of the same wool weight), different quality levels, different cuts, and different design details amongst these different lines, so it is good to check their website about the particular Icebreaker item you are thinking of buying to make sure that it is intended for the activity you want it for.
Two of the popular ranges at the lower end of the Icebreaker price scale are:
Bodyfit
The Bodyfit range seems to be for athletic situations, but also casual-wear and sleeping-in. The knit of this range's wool is usually flatter and less stretchy than the knit of the ranges that are for underwear or purely casual wear. Items in this range are usually cut to fit relatively snugly.
Everyday
This range is made of a looser, thicker, stretchier knit than the Bodyfit, and is more for general sleeping-in and casual long-underwear needs, not so much for athletic situations. (However, I'm sure that they would be okay in many athletic situations, and I have worn them skiing and hiking.) Everyday items tend to be made of a stretchier knit and cut to fit more loosely than the Bodyfit items. I wear a size below my ordinary size in this range.
Other ranges
Their other ranges appear to include: Black Sheep Collection, RealFleece Collection, Pure Plus Collection, Journeys Travel Collection, Premium Underwear Collection, GT Technical Sports Collection, GT Bike Collection, Technical Base Layers Collection, and Technical Mid Layers Collection. Please see the Icebreaker site for more information on their ranges.
Frankly, I feel that they've made this aspect of their brand over-complicated and too confusing for the average customer, and I have not been able to locate any overview of the various collections on their site or on their product packaging materials.
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ICEBREAKER COLORS:
Icebreaker tends to make most items in black, as their basic universal color.
Many items are offered in about 2 to 8 other colors, as well. There is often some version of blue, red, grey, and green sometimes a pink, sometimes a brown or purple, etc. Often the colors are skewed towards the cool end of the spectrum (which I notice because my coloring is on the warm end of the spectrum and cool tones look awful on me).
The different weights of wool and/or different ranges (e.g., Bodyfit, Everyday, Journeys Travel Collection, etc.) will tend to have their own mini-set of color options. (For example, the current grey color in the 200 Bodyfit is a medium-grey and is called "blizzard" and the current grey color in the 260 Bodyfit is a dark-grey and called "metro", and they don't offer those particular colors in other weights of wool or other ranges, as far as I know.)
They change their colors every year or so (I think), and some colors tend to sell out mid-way through a season and are not restocked, so if you see an item in a color that you love, or there is a matching set (of long underwear or something) and you want both pieces in the same color, you probably should get it at the time, because it's not guaranteed that it will be available in the future.
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EXTRA DESIGN FLOURISHES:
A couple of their ranges, mainly the more athletic lines, feature "pops" of contrasting color in a certain part of the garment, such as a stripe running down the sleeves or down the sides, or a triangle of bright material at the ankle. Most internet retailers' photographs of the garments do show these features because the areas of differing colors are pretty obvious, but it pays to read the item descriptions (and check out the manufacturer's site for confirmation) if this kind of thing is not what you are looking for.
In a couple of their clothing ranges, mainly the underwear, 150-weight, and casual-wear lines, some of the tops and bottoms have printed patterns (like floral motifs or abstract swirls sometimes in contrasting colors) on the sleeves or in the hip-region. This *can* escape your notice when the only images of the item you have available to you are the tiny product photographs that most internet retailers provide, so do double-check the customer reviews of the item, and maybe the Icebreaker site's own full description of the item, if you want to know for sure if the item comes with a printed pattern on a section of it.
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ICEBREAKER SIZING:
Sizing and fit are so variable from person to person and from brand to brand, but in case it may help, I'll talk about my experiences with Icebreaker clothing.
For reference, generally I am usually a women's size 4 or 6 in US sizing, a women's size 8 or 10 in UK sizing, and a small when it comes to small/medium/large sizing. This goes for both tops and bottoms.
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Sizing of Tops
Almost all of my Icebreaker tops from the last 13 years -crew tops, long-underwear tops, turtlenecks, and zip-up jackets -are women's size small.
The only tops I have in size extra-small are from the Skin range (which they phased out in 2006, but the sizing and type of material used for the Skin range appear to be very similar to those of the current range called Everyday).
Generally, I know that an Icebreaker small top is probably going to fit me.
The main issue that I've had with their tops is sleeve length (too long). This is not uncommon for me, because I do have arms that are on the petite side: most suit jackets I buy have to be shortened a little in the sleeves, and I often have to turn up sweaters one turn at the cuff. And one feature of some Icebreaker tops is a thumb loop which necessitates that the sleeves are meant to be about three inches longer than the wrist I understand this, and just roll those tops up a turn or two. However, I've read quite a few reviewers' comments that mention that Icebreaker sleeves tend to be long, and I do think that their sleeves are longer than normal. ["Normal" being subjective, of course! ...the only women I've met from New Zealand actually did happen to be tall, lithe, and willowy, so maybe that's normal there. :-) ] Last week, I bought a 2012-made Icebreaker "Oasis" top in a size small, and while it was too tight in the chest area (which is normally NOT a problem for me with Icebreaker), the sleeves were a crazy four or five inches past my wrist, even though they didn't have thumb holes and therefore were meant to end at the wrist. I had to return it.
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Sizing of Leggings:
I have run into inconsistency in Icebreaker legging sizes. I have some in extra-small, some in small, and some in medium. (And in one 2012 collection, the extra-smalls are a little too big for me but there isn't a smaller size to go to.)
I have not found Icebreaker's official sizing chart (available on their site) to be terribly accurate for leggings.
For the leggings, it seems to me that one must experiment in each Icebreaker clothing range and wool weight to discover the best size and fit for oneself.
I will spell out below the ones that I have tried. Because the sizing of the "same" leggings sometimes has varied across the years, I will mention what year I got them.
1. BODYFIT range
1a. Bodyfit 150 leggings
2006 or 2007 Bodyfit 150 leggings
Size medium. The label says "slim fit" (possibly back then they had different "fits" within the Bodyfit range, but they don't seem to now).
Fit me snugly, but well.
Waistband comes up to the belly button, feels secure.
2008 Bodyfit 150 leggings
Size small.
Are a bit too small for me this winter they fit me when I'm about 5-to-8 pounds less than I am at the moment.
Waistband hits 1 inch below the belly button, feels okay.
2012 Bodyfit 150 leggings
I decided not to buy new 150-weight leggings in 2012 because after a few years of heavy use, my old Bodyfit 150 leggings developed some un-mendable "runs"/"ladders". I still wear them and love them, but they are slowly self-destructing. It is comparatively easy to snag them on a rough surface or to poke a fingernail through them when pulling them on or off.
Actually, I've just looked on the Icebreaker site (December 2012) and they don't list ANY Bodyfit 150 leggings. The only 150 weight leggings they list are the "Sprite" leggings from the Premium Underwear Collection. Also, I think that the "Nature" leggings (which are a discontinued style) were of 150 weight, and I have seen these still on sale on a few websites.
1b. Bodyfit 200 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around eighty (discounted price of around sixty).
2008 Bodyfit 200 leggings
Size medium.
Fit me, and there is extra room in them I probably could go up 5 to 8 pounds and they would still fit. When I purchased those mediums, I tried on the small size and found it to be way too small, especially along the tight and narrow waistband that these leggings were made with at the time. (I think it was a reaction to the consumer response to that waistband that they made the newer waistbands really wide and soft.)
Waistband comes up to the belly button, feels secure.
2012 Bodyfit 200 leggings
At first, based on the Icebreaker official size chart, I ordered a medium in these. They were too big, so I exchanged them for a size small.
The small fit relatively well snug, but acceptably so.
Waistband came up to 2 or even 3 inches below the belly button. This is a more "modern" position for a waistband, of course, compared to coming up to the true waist, but I prefer "athletic" base layers to cover my entire body neck to ankle, to enable the base layer shirts to be securely tucked inside the base layer pants, and to feel really secure when I'm moving around -but this waistband was so low on me, and so wide and stretchy that it felt like it was about to slide down to my hips at any moment because the elastic wasn't very tight.
Not only from the practical side was this low waistband a problem, but MAN, the whole cut of the upper part of these leggings seemed to be designed to make my tummy area look as flabby and unattractive as possible! I tried my old leggings on when I took these off -just to check that it wasn't bad lighting or post-Thanksgiving excess weight that was to blame for how these made me look, but my older Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 leggings looked a lot better on me than these leggings did.
I had to return them. I have decided to wait until next year's production, to see if they alter the cut of the waist area.
1c. Bodyfit 260 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around ninety (discounted price around seventy-five).
2012 Bodyfit 260 leggings
Size small.
Fit relatively well snug, but acceptably so.
Waistband came up to 2 inches below the belly button. They had the same issues as the 2012 Bodyfit 200 leggings did waistband too low, too loose, too wide, and quite unattractive in the belly region!
I also had to return these. I hope next year's will be cut higher on the waist.
2. EVERYDAY range
2a. Skin 200 leggings (discontinued 2006) the Skin range was probably similar to Everyday.
2005 Skin 200 leggings
Size extra-small, yet are the largest I own I could gain 15 pounds and they would still feel okay. But they fit me nicely when I'm at any weight 10 pounds less or more than my present size they are simply the coziest and softest that I own.
Waistband comes to about 1 inch higher than belly button, feels secure.
2b. Everyday 200 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around sixty (discounted price of around forty-five).
2012 Everyday 200 leggings
Two weeks ago, I bought them in size small which were too big, so I exchanged them for an extra-small. Even the extra-smalls had extra material in places on the legs, which is unusual because my legs are not toothpicks (this kind of legging is not supposed to be baggy, so the cut of these must have been off).
Worse, the upper part of the extra-small leggings was cut strangely the waistband was in a deep V, so that the middle was 3 inches below my belly-button (which is way too low for me), but the sides rose up 3 inches higher than that (it wasn't a curve, it was a visible V). Yet the waistband elastic wasn't tight enough, so the tall sides wanted to sag down and bunch up around my hips -strange. (And that was not the way the smalls I tried on the week before had fit my waist area! In fact, I think the smalls of last week fit me better generally than the extra-smalls of this week.) I don't have the energy to go through the rigamarole of ordering a different pair of extra-smalls, but maybe I just got a bad apple.
I had to return the extra-smalls.
I was very disappointed because they were the 7th Icebreaker product I've tried in the last 2 weeks. This Icebreaker shopping quest has taken up a fair bit of my time lately, but I have nothing new to show for it. I've given up trying to get anything now and will wait a year and see how their 2013 production fits me.
3. OTHER ranges
Their other legging types are more expensive than the Everyday and Bodyfit, and seem to be geared towards high-tech athletic use, or constructed to be worn on their own as pants/trousers. Some have Lycra in them. Check out Icebreaker's site for more info.
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OTHER TIPS
The other main retailers of this kind of product sometimes offer free shipping on their Amazon listings of an item but don't offer free shipping on the exact same item when sold through their own site (even when the price of the item itself is the same on both sites), so it can save you money if you pay attention to that.
The best selection BY FAR is available from the manufacturer's site, but the prices there are generally higher. However, they have discounts from time to time, such as their "Black Friday" sale when they offer 30% all items that are black in color.
Amazon sometimes calls the Icebreaker Bodyfit range "BF" and sometimes "Bodyfit", so if you are searching here for Icebreaker's Bodyfit range, do a separate search under each of the two search terms to get the most accurate results.
In terms of merino wool socks, I prefer Smartwool socks over Icebreaker's. Sierratradingpost is one retailer which often carries a large selection of them at good prices. Those socks last a really long time. I wear them almost year-round because the lightweight ones breathe really well even when it's warm out.
The Smartwool women's small size is the only sock I can find that truly fits my feet (which aren't even that small, all things considered!) without bunching up inside my shoes.
If you have a smaller foot (size 7 or less) and are female, note that the Smartwool unisex socks in the small size are bigger than the smalls made just for women, even though that company's size guide says that they both are meant to fit the same range of women's shoe sizes.
Icebreaker Bodyfit's range and packaging are certainly sleeker and more premium looking than Icebreaker's RedRam but functionally, it's similar. The weight of this Bodyfit 200 is better for colder zones, as I am finding out today. I am wearing it in 13 degrees celcius, and it is doing well as a solo piece, although when I am in a sedentary mode (eg. in front of the computer), I need to put on another pullover. The good thing about these ice breaker thermals is that they are no longer designed as just a 'thermal' to be hidden under other clothing, but they are stylishly designed so they are wearable on their own. The only complaint I have about this garment is that it is quite thin and one can see the shadow of one's fingers through the material. I am 5'3" and 54kg, and I usually wear an S size. As I have had increasingly fatter arms and broader shoulders of late, I tried an M for this and it is slightly loose fitting but it still works well if you are wearing a tighter base under it. I am happy with my purchase and would buy another one if they priced it slightly lower but the quality commensurates with the price paid.
(Some of Amazon's Icebreaker listings do provide a lot of useful detail from the manufacturer -such as the product description on the following listing: "Icebreaker Women's Tech Bodyfit 260 Top".)
Note that my review is quite long and usually only the first half of it is shown on this page. If this happens on your screen and you wish to read the second half, all you have to do is press the "read more" button at the bottom of the review and Amazon will show you the rest of it. :-)
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
Icebreaker's marino wool items are generally made well, last a long time, are easy to care for, feel fantastic on the skin, are "natural", don't get smelly easily like polarfleece does, let the skin breathe, etc.
Many of my Icebreaker items have been worn and washed several hundred times and are still holding up much better than would be expected.
I am a BIG fan of this company's products. For my overall experience of them from around 2000-2010, I would give them a solid "5 stars"!
However, I regret to say that my opinion of the items I have bought from Icebreaker in 2012 is not as high. In the last 2 weeks (late 2012), I have bought 7 items from them and I decided to return all of them because they aren't as well-cut as the very "same" items that I bought in the 2000s (which I still have and wear, so I can make like-for-like comparisons easily).
Based solely on my 2012 experience of Icebreaker products, I would give them 3 stars, "it's ok". For me, this is not good enough to command prices of $50 $100+ for quite simple items, even if the basic wool material itself is outstanding and long-lasting.
For my star-rating on this review, I will average the "5" I give Icebreaker historically and the "3" that I would give Icebreaker in 2012, and give them a "4".
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MY EXPERIENCE WITH ICEBREAKER
I bought my first Icebreaker clothing about 13 years ago when I needed some long underwear for skiing.
Up until about 6 years ago, I had been buying Icebreaker items very sparingly, due to the eye-watering prices at London UK sporting goods shops . Then, I discovered that Sierratradingpost sells various Icebreaker styles (usually discontinued items from years past) on their site for a discount. Fortunately, for a couple of years after I discovered this, they had a large selection of women's Icebreaker stuff, so I bought quite a few things for great prices. (These days, Sierra's Icebreaker selection for women appears to be smaller, and the prices comparatively higher, than before. I expect that there are more discounters they have to compete with now, to get that kind of stock.)
In addition to bricks-and-mortar sports shops and Sierratradingpost, I have also bought Icebreaker items from several sporting goods online retailers, Amazon, and the Icebreaker website.
I still have almost every Icebreaker item I've bought. Even the discounted items have been somewhat pricey, but the quality and longevity were worth the initial investment.
In the last two weeks, I have tried to replace a few of my key Icebreaker items but found the fit and cut of the current versions of the same items to be sub-par. I will keep using my old items for another year, and hope that next year's fit and cut will be better-suited to my body shape.
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CAVEAT
What I have written below is based on my current knowledge about their products, but it is possible that I have misunderstood some aspects of the brand.
If you wish to better understand their product offerings, I would absolutely recommend that you have a look at the Icebreaker official site to view their entire range and gain more clarity about what items are for what purposes, what the wool weights are about, what the quality levels of the different clothing collections are, etc.
(Unfortunately, their website, while snazzy, does not fully explain these things, leaving it up to the customer to piece some of the puzzle together.)
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ICEBREAKER WOOL WEIGHTS:
Icebreaker's marino wool items generally come in four weights of fabric: 150, 200, 260, or 320. This is "grams per square meter".
150 is quite thin.
It provides light warmth.
The material is generally see-through. (I wouldn't wear items of this weight out and about in public without anything over them, but some reviewers have said that they do.)
It's good for a first base layer, for strenuous exercise, or for sleeping in.
Their items of this weight, especially in the ranges intended for athletic use, tend to be really form-fitting in one's typical size.
All Icebreaker material seems VERY resilient and long-lasting to me, but because the 150 wool weight is pretty thin, it is the likeliest to be torn, develop holes, get "runs" (like pantyhose). I don't think this happens too much with it, but I've seen some reviewers mention it (most often talking about how they accidentally poked holes in it with long fingernails), and three of my 150-weight leggings have developed runs in them after several years of heavy use.
200 is slightly thicker, but still on the thin side.
It's pretty warm.
The lighter colors are definitely see-through, such as grey and cream. My older black and brown items made out of 200 weight wool don't seem to be see-through, but some of the newer dark-colored ones might be.
It's good for a base layer or mid-weight layer, for exercise, and sleeping in.
Especially in the ranges intended for athletic situations, their items of this weight tend to be form-fitting in one's typical size.
260 is on the thicker side.
It's definitely warm, a cozy weight.
None of my 260 items are see-through. I can wear tops made out of this weight on their own (without anything over them) and not worry that my underwear or too many lumps&bumps will show through.
It's good for a mid-layer or top-layer, and sleeping in (if you get cold at night, like I do).
Items of this weight tend to fit looser than items of the same size in the 150/200 weights do. This may have something to do with how much naturally-stretchier the thicker fabric is, but it also seems that they cut these 260-weight items bigger because this weight is often worn as a top-layer or middle-layer, instead of as a base-layer.
I like this weight the best. I think that the company says that this is their most popular weight across the board.
320 is thickest, of course.
It is quite warm, very toasty and sturdy.
This weight is generally a top-layer, so items made out of this material are relatively loosely-cut.
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ICEBREAKER LINES / RANGES / "COLLECTIONS" OF CLOTHING:
Icebreaker makes different ranges some intended for wearing as normal underwear (like panties and sports bras and tank tops), some intended for wearing as thermal/long underwear, some intended for wearing as everyday clothing, and some intended for wearing as athletic wear.
Even though at first glance most of their items appear VERY similar to each other, there are different feelings to the fabrics (even in fabrics of the same wool weight), different quality levels, different cuts, and different design details amongst these different lines, so it is good to check their website about the particular Icebreaker item you are thinking of buying to make sure that it is intended for the activity you want it for.
Two of the popular ranges at the lower end of the Icebreaker price scale are:
Bodyfit
The Bodyfit range seems to be for athletic situations, but also casual-wear and sleeping-in. The knit of this range's wool is usually flatter and less stretchy than the knit of the ranges that are for underwear or purely casual wear. Items in this range are usually cut to fit relatively snugly.
Everyday
This range is made of a looser, thicker, stretchier knit than the Bodyfit, and is more for general sleeping-in and casual long-underwear needs, not so much for athletic situations. (However, I'm sure that they would be okay in many athletic situations, and I have worn them skiing and hiking.) Everyday items tend to be made of a stretchier knit and cut to fit more loosely than the Bodyfit items. I wear a size below my ordinary size in this range.
Other ranges
Their other ranges appear to include: Black Sheep Collection, RealFleece Collection, Pure Plus Collection, Journeys Travel Collection, Premium Underwear Collection, GT Technical Sports Collection, GT Bike Collection, Technical Base Layers Collection, and Technical Mid Layers Collection. Please see the Icebreaker site for more information on their ranges.
Frankly, I feel that they've made this aspect of their brand over-complicated and too confusing for the average customer, and I have not been able to locate any overview of the various collections on their site or on their product packaging materials.
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ICEBREAKER COLORS:
Icebreaker tends to make most items in black, as their basic universal color.
Many items are offered in about 2 to 8 other colors, as well. There is often some version of blue, red, grey, and green sometimes a pink, sometimes a brown or purple, etc. Often the colors are skewed towards the cool end of the spectrum (which I notice because my coloring is on the warm end of the spectrum and cool tones look awful on me).
The different weights of wool and/or different ranges (e.g., Bodyfit, Everyday, Journeys Travel Collection, etc.) will tend to have their own mini-set of color options. (For example, the current grey color in the 200 Bodyfit is a medium-grey and is called "blizzard" and the current grey color in the 260 Bodyfit is a dark-grey and called "metro", and they don't offer those particular colors in other weights of wool or other ranges, as far as I know.)
They change their colors every year or so (I think), and some colors tend to sell out mid-way through a season and are not restocked, so if you see an item in a color that you love, or there is a matching set (of long underwear or something) and you want both pieces in the same color, you probably should get it at the time, because it's not guaranteed that it will be available in the future.
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EXTRA DESIGN FLOURISHES:
A couple of their ranges, mainly the more athletic lines, feature "pops" of contrasting color in a certain part of the garment, such as a stripe running down the sleeves or down the sides, or a triangle of bright material at the ankle. Most internet retailers' photographs of the garments do show these features because the areas of differing colors are pretty obvious, but it pays to read the item descriptions (and check out the manufacturer's site for confirmation) if this kind of thing is not what you are looking for.
In a couple of their clothing ranges, mainly the underwear, 150-weight, and casual-wear lines, some of the tops and bottoms have printed patterns (like floral motifs or abstract swirls sometimes in contrasting colors) on the sleeves or in the hip-region. This *can* escape your notice when the only images of the item you have available to you are the tiny product photographs that most internet retailers provide, so do double-check the customer reviews of the item, and maybe the Icebreaker site's own full description of the item, if you want to know for sure if the item comes with a printed pattern on a section of it.
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ICEBREAKER SIZING:
Sizing and fit are so variable from person to person and from brand to brand, but in case it may help, I'll talk about my experiences with Icebreaker clothing.
For reference, generally I am usually a women's size 4 or 6 in US sizing, a women's size 8 or 10 in UK sizing, and a small when it comes to small/medium/large sizing. This goes for both tops and bottoms.
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Sizing of Tops
Almost all of my Icebreaker tops from the last 13 years -crew tops, long-underwear tops, turtlenecks, and zip-up jackets -are women's size small.
The only tops I have in size extra-small are from the Skin range (which they phased out in 2006, but the sizing and type of material used for the Skin range appear to be very similar to those of the current range called Everyday).
Generally, I know that an Icebreaker small top is probably going to fit me.
The main issue that I've had with their tops is sleeve length (too long). This is not uncommon for me, because I do have arms that are on the petite side: most suit jackets I buy have to be shortened a little in the sleeves, and I often have to turn up sweaters one turn at the cuff. And one feature of some Icebreaker tops is a thumb loop which necessitates that the sleeves are meant to be about three inches longer than the wrist I understand this, and just roll those tops up a turn or two. However, I've read quite a few reviewers' comments that mention that Icebreaker sleeves tend to be long, and I do think that their sleeves are longer than normal. ["Normal" being subjective, of course! ...the only women I've met from New Zealand actually did happen to be tall, lithe, and willowy, so maybe that's normal there. :-) ] Last week, I bought a 2012-made Icebreaker "Oasis" top in a size small, and while it was too tight in the chest area (which is normally NOT a problem for me with Icebreaker), the sleeves were a crazy four or five inches past my wrist, even though they didn't have thumb holes and therefore were meant to end at the wrist. I had to return it.
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Sizing of Leggings:
I have run into inconsistency in Icebreaker legging sizes. I have some in extra-small, some in small, and some in medium. (And in one 2012 collection, the extra-smalls are a little too big for me but there isn't a smaller size to go to.)
I have not found Icebreaker's official sizing chart (available on their site) to be terribly accurate for leggings.
For the leggings, it seems to me that one must experiment in each Icebreaker clothing range and wool weight to discover the best size and fit for oneself.
I will spell out below the ones that I have tried. Because the sizing of the "same" leggings sometimes has varied across the years, I will mention what year I got them.
1. BODYFIT range
1a. Bodyfit 150 leggings
2006 or 2007 Bodyfit 150 leggings
Size medium. The label says "slim fit" (possibly back then they had different "fits" within the Bodyfit range, but they don't seem to now).
Fit me snugly, but well.
Waistband comes up to the belly button, feels secure.
2008 Bodyfit 150 leggings
Size small.
Are a bit too small for me this winter they fit me when I'm about 5-to-8 pounds less than I am at the moment.
Waistband hits 1 inch below the belly button, feels okay.
2012 Bodyfit 150 leggings
I decided not to buy new 150-weight leggings in 2012 because after a few years of heavy use, my old Bodyfit 150 leggings developed some un-mendable "runs"/"ladders". I still wear them and love them, but they are slowly self-destructing. It is comparatively easy to snag them on a rough surface or to poke a fingernail through them when pulling them on or off.
Actually, I've just looked on the Icebreaker site (December 2012) and they don't list ANY Bodyfit 150 leggings. The only 150 weight leggings they list are the "Sprite" leggings from the Premium Underwear Collection. Also, I think that the "Nature" leggings (which are a discontinued style) were of 150 weight, and I have seen these still on sale on a few websites.
1b. Bodyfit 200 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around eighty (discounted price of around sixty).
2008 Bodyfit 200 leggings
Size medium.
Fit me, and there is extra room in them I probably could go up 5 to 8 pounds and they would still fit. When I purchased those mediums, I tried on the small size and found it to be way too small, especially along the tight and narrow waistband that these leggings were made with at the time. (I think it was a reaction to the consumer response to that waistband that they made the newer waistbands really wide and soft.)
Waistband comes up to the belly button, feels secure.
2012 Bodyfit 200 leggings
At first, based on the Icebreaker official size chart, I ordered a medium in these. They were too big, so I exchanged them for a size small.
The small fit relatively well snug, but acceptably so.
Waistband came up to 2 or even 3 inches below the belly button. This is a more "modern" position for a waistband, of course, compared to coming up to the true waist, but I prefer "athletic" base layers to cover my entire body neck to ankle, to enable the base layer shirts to be securely tucked inside the base layer pants, and to feel really secure when I'm moving around -but this waistband was so low on me, and so wide and stretchy that it felt like it was about to slide down to my hips at any moment because the elastic wasn't very tight.
Not only from the practical side was this low waistband a problem, but MAN, the whole cut of the upper part of these leggings seemed to be designed to make my tummy area look as flabby and unattractive as possible! I tried my old leggings on when I took these off -just to check that it wasn't bad lighting or post-Thanksgiving excess weight that was to blame for how these made me look, but my older Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 leggings looked a lot better on me than these leggings did.
I had to return them. I have decided to wait until next year's production, to see if they alter the cut of the waist area.
1c. Bodyfit 260 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around ninety (discounted price around seventy-five).
2012 Bodyfit 260 leggings
Size small.
Fit relatively well snug, but acceptably so.
Waistband came up to 2 inches below the belly button. They had the same issues as the 2012 Bodyfit 200 leggings did waistband too low, too loose, too wide, and quite unattractive in the belly region!
I also had to return these. I hope next year's will be cut higher on the waist.
2. EVERYDAY range
2a. Skin 200 leggings (discontinued 2006) the Skin range was probably similar to Everyday.
2005 Skin 200 leggings
Size extra-small, yet are the largest I own I could gain 15 pounds and they would still feel okay. But they fit me nicely when I'm at any weight 10 pounds less or more than my present size they are simply the coziest and softest that I own.
Waistband comes to about 1 inch higher than belly button, feels secure.
2b. Everyday 200 leggings
Current suggested retail price of around sixty (discounted price of around forty-five).
2012 Everyday 200 leggings
Two weeks ago, I bought them in size small which were too big, so I exchanged them for an extra-small. Even the extra-smalls had extra material in places on the legs, which is unusual because my legs are not toothpicks (this kind of legging is not supposed to be baggy, so the cut of these must have been off).
Worse, the upper part of the extra-small leggings was cut strangely the waistband was in a deep V, so that the middle was 3 inches below my belly-button (which is way too low for me), but the sides rose up 3 inches higher than that (it wasn't a curve, it was a visible V). Yet the waistband elastic wasn't tight enough, so the tall sides wanted to sag down and bunch up around my hips -strange. (And that was not the way the smalls I tried on the week before had fit my waist area! In fact, I think the smalls of last week fit me better generally than the extra-smalls of this week.) I don't have the energy to go through the rigamarole of ordering a different pair of extra-smalls, but maybe I just got a bad apple.
I had to return the extra-smalls.
I was very disappointed because they were the 7th Icebreaker product I've tried in the last 2 weeks. This Icebreaker shopping quest has taken up a fair bit of my time lately, but I have nothing new to show for it. I've given up trying to get anything now and will wait a year and see how their 2013 production fits me.
3. OTHER ranges
Their other legging types are more expensive than the Everyday and Bodyfit, and seem to be geared towards high-tech athletic use, or constructed to be worn on their own as pants/trousers. Some have Lycra in them. Check out Icebreaker's site for more info.
--------------------------------
OTHER TIPS
The other main retailers of this kind of product sometimes offer free shipping on their Amazon listings of an item but don't offer free shipping on the exact same item when sold through their own site (even when the price of the item itself is the same on both sites), so it can save you money if you pay attention to that.
The best selection BY FAR is available from the manufacturer's site, but the prices there are generally higher. However, they have discounts from time to time, such as their "Black Friday" sale when they offer 30% all items that are black in color.
Amazon sometimes calls the Icebreaker Bodyfit range "BF" and sometimes "Bodyfit", so if you are searching here for Icebreaker's Bodyfit range, do a separate search under each of the two search terms to get the most accurate results.
In terms of merino wool socks, I prefer Smartwool socks over Icebreaker's. Sierratradingpost is one retailer which often carries a large selection of them at good prices. Those socks last a really long time. I wear them almost year-round because the lightweight ones breathe really well even when it's warm out.
The Smartwool women's small size is the only sock I can find that truly fits my feet (which aren't even that small, all things considered!) without bunching up inside my shoes.
If you have a smaller foot (size 7 or less) and are female, note that the Smartwool unisex socks in the small size are bigger than the smalls made just for women, even though that company's size guide says that they both are meant to fit the same range of women's shoe sizes.
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Purchased this shirt for running in -20 degree weather. Did it ever stay true to it's name. It truely broke the ice from getting through! On milder days (15 degrees) I wore this top alone without a wind breaker jacket and stayed plenty warm.Best Deals for Icebreaker Women's Long Sleeve Bodyfit 260 Crewe Top
Icebreaker shirts are expensive, but they are truly worth the price. Fantastic fit (they run a bit big -I'm 5'6" and 138 lb and the small fit perfectly). Incredibly soft and comfortable. The best part is that they are warm without bulk. This shirt washed beautifully (I hung to dry).Honest reviews on Icebreaker Women's Long Sleeve Bodyfit 260 Crewe Top
Good stylish design, suited for base layer or casual wear.Icebreaker Bodyfit's range and packaging are certainly sleeker and more premium looking than Icebreaker's RedRam but functionally, it's similar. The weight of this Bodyfit 200 is better for colder zones, as I am finding out today. I am wearing it in 13 degrees celcius, and it is doing well as a solo piece, although when I am in a sedentary mode (eg. in front of the computer), I need to put on another pullover. The good thing about these ice breaker thermals is that they are no longer designed as just a 'thermal' to be hidden under other clothing, but they are stylishly designed so they are wearable on their own. The only complaint I have about this garment is that it is quite thin and one can see the shadow of one's fingers through the material. I am 5'3" and 54kg, and I usually wear an S size. As I have had increasingly fatter arms and broader shoulders of late, I tried an M for this and it is slightly loose fitting but it still works well if you are wearing a tighter base under it. I am happy with my purchase and would buy another one if they priced it slightly lower but the quality commensurates with the price paid.
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I am in love with the Icebreaker. I am purchasing another 2 for a trip to Italy in January. They are warm and stylish and we all need to look good in Italy!! ;) I wear mine with black jeans, high black boots, pearl ear rings and a beautiful silk scarf!! The sizing is true to measurements and they wash really well.Monday, July 14, 2014
Best prAna Women's Stella Top Deals
I ordered an XL because in PrAna you have to size up. I am a 38.5 C bust and a 32/33 waist. The XL is conforming without being trashy tight but will reveal any spare rolls if you have them. The sleeves are long enough to be a little long for my long arms but I like it. They are a lacy burnout look but the same lightweight feels like soft cotton stretchy knit. The main body of the top is a little heavier than the sleeves and solid color but still somewhat sheer. The material is comfortable and the design is unique and quirky. The off white is definitely cream colored and will require a camisole or bandeau unless you want to advertise your bra details. A comfortable and kind of romantic top that will look great with jeans and boots. The unusual design keeps it from being plain and combined with the fit makes it a winner.
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This is beautiful, soft and classy looking. The fit is really flattering. The sleeves are nice and long. The length is perfect.Best Deals for prAna Women's Stella Top
Once again, prana is perfect. I wear this top for yoga and if too warm I can roll up the sleeves. The top rarely creeps up even in down dog. Love, love, love prana.Monday, June 23, 2014
Sport Tek Men's Comfortable Jersey Knit Short Reviews
These are very good basic shorts that can be used for a variety activities. If you want to walk, go to the gym, cut the grass, paint the deck, sun yourself, go to Starbucks these shorts will fit the bill. They are inexpensive (I bought 3 pairs) but the construction is good. Again just a first rate basic short.
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For us certified Geezers who aren't too concerned with fashion these shorts are great to wear around the house. They are almost as much fun as running around naked and much more socially acceptable.Best Deals for Sport Tek Men's Comfortable Jersey Knit Short
These shorts are not as advertised. They are short, shorts and your junk will show if you aren't careful. Be sure to not squat!
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