Merino wool is not the first fabric that comes to mind when thinking about high-performance sportswear. Or sports gear at all, for that matter, especially in warm weather. But the New Zealand brand icebreaker is on a mission to change that. With a 30-year history deeply connected to sheep farming and responsible production, the brand is hustling to transform our understanding of what our activewear can be — for performance and planet.
icebreaker’s perspective has always been outside the norm. Back in 1995, it set out to create a new performance category, one with a value system informed by nature, not synthetics; progress, not perfection. And it found the answer in merino wool, a lightweight, soft material built from natural fiber that adapts to your body temperature and is resistant to body odor, quick drying, breathable, and resilient. All the things you want from sports gear, basically, with fewer plastics and chemicals. (Today, 97.56% of Icebreaker collections are plastic-free).
Sounds too good to be true? We thought so too, which is why we put its gear to the test alongside running crew The Fresh Patterns Collective (TFPC), who joined us at the Highsnobiety Store for a 10k pre-Berlin Marathon fun run around the city. Specifically, we tried out two pieces: the Merino Blend 75 Cool-Lite ™ Featherlight™ and the Merino Blend 125 Cool-Lite™ Speed Tee. Both tops are crafted from a merino wool x TENCEL™ Lyocell (a plant-derived fiber made from wood pulp, mostly eucalyptus, beech, or fir) blend, purpose built primarily for lightness, breathability, and quick-drying.
After the run, the collective returned to the Store to share their thoughts and feelings on the icebreaker gear. The consensus? Not too good to be true — it is true. “It was really, really nice,” said Aaron McCammon, TFPC founder and sports coach. “It was super light. I'm wearing a long sleeve, which I thought would be a bit too hot, but it was just the right kind of thickness. It was the perfect weather condition to try it, too, because it's quite warm today. The sun is out, it's a bit shaded, and a bit windy, so I can get a feeling of how the fabric is, especially now, after the run. I was sweaty but the shirt's still light. It’s a nice piece of kit.”
That review was echoed by every other runner we spoke to, many of whom had their perspective on wool transformed. “It's really nice to run in,” said Allan Whyte, for example. ”I would never have chosen it, but I'm glad I'm wearing it. I'll be running again later, so I'm gonna wear it tonight, too.” Rex Adams shared a similar sentiment: “I associate wool with being itchy and uncomfortable but this top is the complete opposite. It's absorbing the sweat, it's regulating my body temperature, it's very lightweight, it’s really nice.”
As if that wasn’t enough, another pro is that the designs are so simple, style-wise they can be thought of like a canvas. The branding is subtle, the colors are classic, and you’re left to do your own style thing. Plus, they’re thin enough to layer, light enough to one-bag travel with, and thanks to the odor elimination, stay fresh enough to wear on repeat.
Of course, icebreaker is not only a running brand, but one that encourages connection and reflection across a myriad of outdoor pursuits. So, after the run we took a moment to think about its “Move to Natural” motto and how that mindset can be incorporated into our actions in different ways, beyond the gear.
And that’s where experience designer Bruno Sitton’s tea ceremony and sound bath came into the picture. The ceremony also took place in the Highsnobiety Store and, as Sitton described, it was “a deeply powerful experience” — partly because of the connection he felt with the brand. “icebreaker brings functionality and harmony with nature to performance and lifestyle, which deeply matches with my core values. I chose a 60 minute format that was immersive yet challenging, much like running a 10.”
“It brought positivity to everyone and there were some beautiful conversations afterwards,” he continued, “from purposeful to fun. In a ceremony, you experience that we are interconnected with everything. A simple moment of embodiment turns into something extraordinary, and reveals that when you connect with yourself, you open to others, and through that you feel your place underneath the sun.
“Rituals make us anchor, reset, and step into our authentic power. From that place we can bring more positivity into life and into the world.” And that’s exactly what icebreaker is aiming for.
Explore the collection here.
