Merino wool is one of the best materials to wear when playing outside. The buttery-soft fabric is also super comfy to lounge around in. The only problem: it can be expensive. That’s why I love Ridge Merino. Founded in 2014, the brand sells directly to consumers (so you won’t find it in REI or your local gear store), so it can offer high-quality merino wool products for half the price of their competitors.Â
Ridge Merino’s pullover hoodie has been a staple in my closet for a couple seasons now and I can attest to the quality and durability of the wool blend. That’s why I nearly fell out of my office chair when I saw the Jovi Tank ($35), a sleeveless shirt made from the same plush fabric. These days I pretty much live in it. Here’s why.
Fabric
The fabric is the star here. The tank is made from a yummy blend of 30 percent merino wool and 70 percent Tencel, an eco-friendly material made from wood fiber that is sourced from ethically farmed eucalyptus trees and feels like heaven on your skin. Because it’s only 30 percent wool, the tank isn’t scratchy but still has wool’s odor-resistant, quick-drying properties. I can wear it to the gym at lunch and come back to the office without worrying that I’m going to stink out my deskmates.Â
Fit
I’m a big fan of wearing sleeveless shirts, and I love the muscle-tank vibes of the Jovi. The high neckline makes it professional enough to wear to the office, and even though it’s sleeveless I never have to worry about showing more than I’d like to. The longer hem also makes it a great layering piece over a pair of leggings. My one complaint about the fit is that the arm holes are a little large and have stretched out a bit. I’ve found that this issue fixes itself with a quick washing.
Cost
At just $35, this is one of the most affordable merino shirts you can buy. It currently comes only in gray but hopefully Ridge will expand its offering soon. If the muscle tank isn’t your style but you’re looking for something similar, check out the Frankie tank, which is more of a traditional racerback.