Looking for a warm lightweight top

[cmbicycles]

So my better half told me that she has been looking for a warm, non-synthetic, not too bulky, and general/casual wear shirt and hasn't come across anything for the last couple years. I of course thought this sounds like a problem for the paceline. Not looking for something sport specific, and fit (a little longer) and aesthetics play a part too. Anyone have suggestions for some good places to start looking?

[Steve in SLO]

Don’t know much about this subject, but rule number one is make it merino.

[MagicHour]

Icebreaker (https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/home) Merino or Patagonia (https://www.patagonia.com/home/) make nice stuff - not sure about their women's stuff, or if those are too sporty for what you're looking for, though?

[eddief]

https://www.smartwool.com/shop/womens-tops-1?gclid=Cj0KCQiArdLvBRCrARIsAGhB_szeQvq4DfTf3bN1ot e-EKGRvnOBR7QW8OUmUhwU7lqahbp7nwr_J0gaAj3lEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[zambenini]

I second the above suggestions. My wife has an Icebreaker 1/4 zip and it's nice. I had a Smartwool 1/4 zip (that I lost!! NO!) and it was one of two smartwool products I owned that did NOT develop unnecessary worn-out holes far too quickly. I am done with Smartwool socks. They break my heart every time. That said, the other smartwool object I loved was a pair of cycling-specific socks. Can't find 'em anymore.

I think Pata is steering people toward its Capilene now, which they swear the new version of won't stink. It's not that I don't believe them, it's just that 100% of capilene stuff I've ever had before ... stunk to high heaven. I might try again. I put a Pata MTB jersey on my xmas list, which I understand is the same material. Will report back.

But yeah, Merino is king with this kind of stuff. I would also check Toad and Co. though they seem to make less technical gear. They are on the same eco-friendly supply chain bandwagon as Pata, plus they employ people with disabilities in their warehousing/supply chain, which is extremely cool.

[veloduffer]

i like Kuhl wool tops and sweaters. Fit nicely and wear & wash well. They have fleece and organic cotton tops as well, and their pants are terrific. i wear their stuff for hiking and casual wear.

[jamesdak]

I'm with everyone on the Merino Wool stuff. Most wool makes me itch but not Merino. I have a Minus 33 baselayer that I've used for around 10 years now. Finally developed a whole where my heart moniter strap is about a year ago but the hole hasn't grown. I've also had really good luck with my Icebreaker stuff.

I did try a "softer" Alpaca baselayer that just itches me. But I also have a baby Alpaca Poncho that is the softest thing I have and does not itch me. It's extremely light but very, very warm. I'd be tempted to look into a shirt made of that if it's the softer baby Alpaca wool.

[fishwhisperer]

Check out Duckworth Wool. Merino wool grown and sewn in the USA that has slowly taken over my running and MTB gear. They have a variety of densities available and a few different blends, but my favorite is the Maverick which is 100% merino in a lightweight weave. Lots of women's gear and a fair price, too.

https://www.duckworthco.com/