Your base layer can either save your life or ruin it, depending on the circumstances and desired comfort level. When the cold eats through your top layers and the situation seems desperate, the underwear is the last line of defence - or you could think of it as the very core element of your whole ensemble. From Varusteleka you can select the right stuff for any purpose: Merino wool, synthetics and even cotton. Sometimes the materials are a blend of these.

Merino wool

If you're not allergic to wool and have a buck to spare, we heartily recommend dressing up in merino wool; regulates temperature, transfers moisture away from skin, doesn't even feel too bad when moist and stays fresh for a long time than others thanks to the natural anti-bacterial properties, decreasing the need for washing.

By default all merino clothing we sell is made of mulesing free wool.

Synthetics

Synthetic, or so called technical underwear is almost as good as merino wool, but come with a more wallet friendly price tag. It also tends to withstand use and abuse a bit better. You'll have to wash them more often though. Also if you're concerned about micro plastics (underwear doesn't release them much though), synthetics might not be for you, unless you use a separate washing bag.

Lyocell

Do you like wooden clothes? Lyocell (also goes by the name Tencel) contains wood fibre and is similar to viscose, but way more environmentally friendly to manufacture. It's kinda like cotton, but with benefits: it feels nicer when wet, dries a bit faster and won't cost a fortune. For everyday wear it's an excellent material!

Cotton

Yeah we know, "cotton kills". However cotton is usually very durable and might work well enough in everyday use. For high intensity activity it's not very good though, as it just soaks up moisture and feels like wet rag. It even dries pretty slowly, damnit. Everybody has probably used cotton T-shirts and underwear, so it's no stranger to mankind. If you've never tried anything else, we suggest giving merino wool a chance!