Description of Icebreaker BodyFit260 Tech Top - Long-Sleeve - Women's:
Icebreaker made the midweight Women's BodyFit260 Tech Top from high-quality New Zealand merino wool. The Tech Top has a mid-height, three-way collar (zipped up to your chin, zipped up and rolled down, or open) so you can seal out the cold or dump excess heat as needed. The thumb loops keep the sleeves where they belong as well as help keep your wrists warm in chilly weather. Merino wool insulates when wet in case you get caught in the rain, doesn't stink like synthetics when you sweat in it, and offers expedition-weight warmth at half the bulk. Plus, this top breathes so you stay comfortable and dry when you exert. Wear the Icebreaker Tech Top as a base layer when skiing or alone for cool-weather aerobic activities. Make no mistake, merino is not the like the wool in your mom's old ski sweater—merino keeps you warm without the itch.
Bottom Line: The Icebreaker Tech Top is a simple and versatile top for all your cool-weather sports.
This was my first piece of Icebreaker clothing. Warning - once you start you won't wear anything else again. The Tech Top is very versatile. Wear it on it's own or as a layering piece. Get it looser for that reason. Merino wool fibers are so fine and soft that they do not cause any irritation. (Unless you are one of few that just can't tolerate the feeling of wool) Does not smell, drys quickly. Keeps you warm when wet. Really there is no synthetic product that can compete with Icebreaker and the inherent qualities of merino wool.
This and the Oasis BF200 are my two favorite Icebreakers. I wear it for running and snowshoeing and appreciate the zip ventilation. I found it far more comfortable than the altitude zip (no annoying arm seams) and just slightly looser. It's still very flattering/formfitting but not painted on. I was really skeptical about the anti-stink claim but it's true. I wear my shirts many times before I wash them and only then because I think they must be dirty, not because they seem so.
While this is slightly itchier than the SmartWool (this is coming from someone who cannot stand the itch of wool!) but still very wearable. I love the fit even after washing, the finger holes, and the extra tall collar even more so than the SmartWool mid-weight. It wicks the moisture great and looks fashionable to boot! Looks and feels great even off the slopes with jeans if you want something to throw on with a vest. Works wonderfully as the only base layer under a North Face HyVent snowboarding jacket down to around 30 degrees - and I'm the type who is always freezing. Not any more...
