Merino

Merino wool isn't an ordinary raw material: it naturally regulates body temperature, inhibits odour and sits so softly against the skin that you can wear it directly next to your body. Odlo's men's merino range covers everything from ultra-lightweight functional t-shirts for high-intensity summer sessions to warm base layer underwear built for days on the slopes. The key decisions: the right fabric weight for your activity, the ideal balance between pure wool and performance blends, and a close-to-body cut that lets merino's thermoregulating properties do their job properly.

Fabric weight determines how warm and how quickly drying your merino base layer will be. For intense activities or warmer conditions, choose a lightweight quality around 140–160 g/m² — it wicks moisture away fast and keeps your body cool. For moderate temperatures and lower effort levels, 200 g/m² delivers the ideal balance of warmth and breathability. For very cold conditions, long winter tours or low-activity pursuits like snowshoeing, go for 260 g/m² — maximally soft and exceptionally insulating. Base your decision on your planned intensity level and the temperature, not just the season.

Pure merino delivers unmatched softness, natural odour resistance and a truly pleasant feel against bare skin — ideal for moderate activities and pursuits where comfort comes first. Odlo's Performance Wool blends combine merino with synthetic fibres such as polyester or polyamide to significantly reduce drying time and increase abrasion resistance. That makes blends particularly well-suited to high-intensity sports like trail running or cross-country skiing, where fast moisture transport is critical. Some blends — those powered by Nuyarn® technology — dry up to five times faster than traditional merino. Choose pure merino for relaxed adventures, blends for maximum output.

For skiing, the key properties to look for in a merino base layer are thermal performance, moisture management and a fit that works under ski clothing. A close-fitting slim cut ensures the base layer doesn't bunch or chafe beneath ski trousers and a jacket, and allows merino's thermoregulating properties to work at full capacity. For moderate piste conditions and active skiers, weights around 150–200 g/m² do the job well. For very cold weather or long hours on the lifts, opt for heavier weights in the 200–260 g/m² range, and consider a half-zip top for quick temperature adjustment on the move. Cover both top and bottom — a merino base layer system works best as a matched set.

Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant, which means you don't need to wash it after every session. Air the garment out after activity before storing it. When washing is necessary, use a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C and only use a wool-specific detergent. Avoid fabric softener — it breaks down the natural fibre structure and reduces the garment's technical properties. Lay merino pieces flat to air dry and never wring them out. Well cared-for merino base layers retain their softness, shape and moisture management performance across many seasons. For more details explore our care guide.

Odlo's merino functional t-shirts and base layer underwear for men are made from non-mulesed merino wool, produced to high animal welfare standards. The range is knitted in Norway and assembled in Odlo's own European factories, enabling consistent quality control throughout production. Natural thermoregulation keeps body temperature stable across changing effort levels without requiring you to actively manage layers. The inherent antimicrobial properties of the wool reduce odour build-up sustainably, even after repeated wear. Whether you're hiking, skiing or trail running, Odlo's men's merino collection is designed for all intensity levels and all seasons.