Product reviews/05/16/2024

ISPO Award Winner 2024: The Featherlight Baselayer from Icebreaker

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With the Featherlight Baselayer, Icebreaker has developed a baselayer that is completely free of petroleum-based fibers and is literally as light as a feather, making it the perfect first layer for summer outdoor adventures.

Winner of the ISPO Award 2024: The Featherlight Baselayer from Icebreaker.

When it comes to base layers, it's hard to avoid the classic petroleum-based functional fibres these days: Wherever you look, almost all underwear manufacturers use polyester or elastane in their baselayer collections, and usually both. New Zealand merino wool specialist Icebreaker has been proving for many years that it is possible to do without plastic. Merino wool naturally has excellent temperature-regulating properties - you don't need petroleum for that. People in New Zealand and Australia have known this for a long time and wear merino wool as a matter of course, even in summer. But Europeans are slowly getting used to this great idea.

Ultra-light base layer without plastic

With the new Featherlight baselayer, Icebreaker is doing a good job of reinforcing this process. The shirt consists of 20 percent ethically sourced merino wool and 80 percent TENCEL™ cellulose fiber. TENCEL™ is made from sustainably grown wood and supports the wool fibers in transporting moisture. TENCEL™ is particularly skin-friendly and has a cooling effect. 
The shirt is the lightest baselayer Icebreaker has ever developed and one of the lightest in the market. Breathability is its strongest benefit, but it is also quick-drying, naturally odor-resistant and extremely soft against the skin, which increases comfort. "We know how well merino works in summer, especially when we blend it with Tencel," says Icebreaker of the new development. "We wanted to create our lightest baselayer yet that can be worn under other garments when it's cool but not cold, or when the intensity increases."

The baselayer is completely plastic-free.
Image credit:
Icebreaker

Close to the body

The baselayer was designed for all nature adventurers who want to go running or hiking in it. The shirt is cut close to the body for an active, high-performance fit and therefore fits perfectly under any midlayer or light jacket.

The baselayer is available for men and women as a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt and a tank top in various colors.

This is what convinced the jury:

  • incredibly light functional shirt
  • great feel with a soft touch
  • completely plastic-free

Statement from Icebreaker:

"We know how well Merino performs in summer, especially when we blend it with Tencel. We wanted to create our lightest baselayer yet, to be used under other garments for cooler environments, and when the temperature rises. It’s truly a 4-season tool. Surprisingly lightweight, confidently technical. Our lightest-weight baselayer to date. 100% plastic free, extremely lightweight, incredibly breathable, and it dries in a flash. With the Featherlight, we’ve created a super-lightweight layer that can be worn as a stand alone piece, giving you just enough coverage and comfort, but allowing for maximum airflow and minimum weight. We crafted a fit that eliminates excess material, giving you everything you need, and nothing you don’t.”
Neil Baker, Senior Director Global Creative, Icebreaker

What the jury said:

"The baselayer feels sensational and is literally as light as a feather. It is made entirely from renewable raw materials and does not pose a problem at the end of its life".
ISPO Award Jury
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