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Ibex Men’s Woolies Tech Review

Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew

The Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew is an ideal base layer top for any cold weather adventure.


Ibex Woolies Tech Specs

MSRP: $115 (on sale for $97.75)

Fabric: Merino wool

Intended Use: Insulated base layer

Weight: 6.3 ounces


About the Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew

As the weather turns cold I’ve been throwing on the Woolies Tech as a base layer to keep me warm while running and hiking. The flatlock seams mean the shirt is smooth next to my skin and the merino wool doesn’t itch. And the Ibex merino wool shirts I’ve worn for years haven’t picked up a stink. I’ve been wearing Ibex merino wool shirts and hoodies for several years and have been pleased with their quality and durability.


Woolies Tech Features

Materials: Ibex’s Pro Tech collection clothes are made of 81% wool, 12% nylon, and 7% elastane, a stretchy synthetic material that keeps the shirt from losing its shape.

Comfort: The Woolies isn’t itchy again my skin, and the flatlock seams mean I’m not feeling an uncomfortable bump against my skin when I put on another layer.

Moisture Management: Wicking and breathable. Merino wool keeps my body cool during exertion by trapping moisture and releasing it as vapor before it condenses on my skin.

Odor Resistance: Merino wool is known for providing years of use without picking up body odor, which I can attest to after wearing other Ibex merino wool clothing.

Warmth: The Woolies Tech as a sole layer kept me warm down to about 50; I put on another layer when the temperature dropped below that.

Thumb Holes: Ibex doesn’t cut a thumb hole in the sleeve cuffs, but leaves stitching to be cut away if you want a thumb hole. Ibex will not accept returns of shirts with cut thumb holes, so be sure you want them.

Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish, and a size large is loose on me. A medium would be a better fit.

Care: Cold wash, line dry.

Colors: Deep ocean, black, olive, and deepest red.

Sustainability: The Woolies shirts come in a compostable bag.

Manufactured: Vietnam

What’s Next: Ibex recently launched its Woolies Pro Tech collection, which uses Nuyarn technology for a warmer, lighter Woolies base layer.


Woolies Tech Pros

Simple and Light: The Woolies Tech is a no-frills, lightweight base layer.

Comfort: The flatlock seams rest comfortably against my skin, and the merino wool doesn’t itch.

Warmth: Good for a base layer in low temperatures and as a standalone layer when the temperature climbs.


Woolies Tech Cons

Thumb Holes: Cutting the stitching to open up the thumb holes on a shirt is a first for me. The sleeves are long enough to grasp the cuffs when putting on another layer so I didn’t need to open the thumb holes.


Overall Value

The Ibex Woolies Tech shirts fall within the price range of other brand name merino tops. I’ve worn Ibex shirts for several years and can attest to their durability, comfort, and smell resistance, so Ibex has that going for it.


Similar Merino Wool Base Layers

Artilect Boulder 125 Crew Base Layer Top

MSRP: $120

Material: Merino wool

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top

MSRP: $130

Material: Merino wool

REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top

MSRP: $79.95

Material: Merino wool


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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