Clothes fabric

It all started slowly when Icebreaker had a 40% sales on 100% merino wool socks. My feet were freezing while working on my desk at home and needed some thick wool socks. Tried some merino wool blend underwear at the same time and the rest is history.

A long time ago, I was using more than 14 pairs of cotton boxers per week. 7 pairs for sleeping and 7 pairs for day time. For gym, I would use Uniqlo AIRism polyester underwear. Then, I decided to reduce laundry load by using the polyester underwear to sleep. I could hand wash it in the morning and let it air dry throughout the day. The polyester underwear is good for gym and sleep, but doesn’t perform well during the day because it stinks.

What if there is an odour resistant fabric that can dry quickly when air dry. BOOM! Merino wool has antibacterial property and air dry faster than cotton, but not as fast as polyester. I gave it a try with “Men's Merino 150 Anatomica Boxers wFly” (83% Merino Wool/ 12% Nylon/ 5% Elastane). Amazing fabric! No bad odour throughout the day and can rotate between two merino underwear.
Old system: 1x polyester underwear for sleep, 7x cotton for day time -> Weekly laundry
New system: 2x merino wool underwear (one for day time, one for sleep) -> no more laundry, just hand wash and air dry.

• “Icebreaker Men's Merino 150 Anatomica Boxers wFly” (83% Merino Wool/ 12% Nylon/ 5% Elastane) -> Quickly develops holes and thinning between the legs area, caused by thighs rubbing when walking.

• “Icebreaker Men's Men's Merino 175 Everyday Thermal Boxers wFly” (100% Merino Wool) -> Works much better and 100% merino wool. No issues between the legs area since the material is a little thicker. Because it’s 100% merino wool, it can develops small holes on the underwear.

What if I can go full natural fabric instead of relying on cheap polyester that stinks?

• Old sleepwear: old Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt (53% Cotton, 47% Polyester), sport shorts 100% polyester

• New sleepwear: 100% organic cotton t-shirt and shorts
  Organic cotton fabric is very breathable even more than merino wool. It feels soft and solid and cheap price.
  Machine wash and air dry once a week. Thinking getting a second set if I want to push laundry to once every two weeks.

T-shirts: needs to be breathable and comfortable. Hard to find a good white t-shirt.
- running errands or anything outdoor: Men's Merino 150 Tech Lite Short Sleeve T-Shirt (100% merino wool)
- Loungewear or eating out: Cotton t-shirt, Uniqlo/ Muji Cotton & polyester blend oversized t-shirt

Winter base layer: Needs to be odour resistant, warm, moisture-wicking, air dry fast
- Top base layer long sleeves: “Men's Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top” (100% merino wool)
- Bottom base layer leggings: “Smartwool Men's Merino 250 Baselayer Bottom” (100% merino wool)

Top: wool or cashmere -> odour resistant, soft, warm, moisture-wicking
- Turtle neck: Italian Merino Turtleneck Sweater (100% merino wool) - Banana Republic
- thin cardigan: EXTRA FINE MERINO V-NECK CARDIGAN (100% merino wool) - Uniqlo
- Thick cardigan: Forest Green Regular-Fit Wool Cardigan (100% responsible wool) - H&M
- Any dress shirt: 100% linen or 100% cotton

Bottom: trying to slowly move away from synthetic material since they stinks after one use and focus more on 100% wool. Nevertheless, synthetic pants are good for running quick errands outdoor.
- Uniqlo SMART ANKLE PANTS (67% Polyester, 29% Rayon, 4% Spandex)
- Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme (53% Elastomultiester, 47% Polyester)
- Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit shorts (53% Recycled Polyester, 43% Elastomultiester, 4% Elastane)
- Spier & Mackay Charcoal Prince of Wales High Twist High Rise Neo 2 Trousers (100% merino wool, 320GSM)

Socks: merino blend with nylon will be the best option -> odour resistant, moisture-wicking, dry fast
- Outdoor: Darn tough Men's Run Quarter Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks (50% Merino Wool, 46% Nylon, 4% Lycra Spandex)
- Indoor when cold: Icebreaker Merino Ski Lodge Socks Crew (94% Merino Wool, 4% Nylon, 2% Elastane)
- Normal indoor: Uniqlo Low ankle socks (71% Cotton, 26% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Nylon)

Outer wear:
- Overcoat: Spier & Mackay Charcoal Overcoat (85% Wool 15% Cashmere, 560 GSM) - lining 100% Bemberg Cupro*
Definitely 100% wool or wool/ cashmere blend -> softness, warmth, and durability.
*”Bemberg Cupro is a premium, natural regenerated cellulose fiber (from wood pulp/cotton linter) known for its silky feel, breathability, and anti-static properties”
- Winter hat: Simon’s Ribbed 100% merino wool tuque
- Leather gloves: Martelli Glove Factory Florence Augusto Button Top Cashmere (100% Goat Leather, 100% Cashmere Lining)

Can I still use polyester clothes?
Yes! Polyester is a performance fabric.
- Amazing for sports activity. Polyester tank tops + shorts. Use them once then throw them to the laundry.
- Good for mid layer to add warmth: Fleece or light down jacket
- Rain coat, snow pants, snow gloves
- Unique clothes piece: Some unique statement clothes is fine too. I like my Muji polyester cardigan because of the design and wear it for occasions only. But, daily clothes are all natural fabric.

I think the goal here is to be more intentional about the fabric, style, function of the garment.
What if I can do laundry once every two weeks instead of every weeks?
What if I can sleep comfortably at night?
What if my feet doesn’t smell as bad after a long day of walk?
What if wool and polyester clothes can coexist and be the best during certain situation?

My next big purchase would be 100% cashmere thick cardigan. It would be a nice piece for winter.

Merino sheep

SimpleLifeBalancing.