There isn’t a brand more classic. Simple design. Comfy fit. Materials to drool over. The Patagonia Merino 3 offers nothing less. A friend told me he threw out all his cotton shirts to replace them with merino. I’m not there yet, but when I can let go of my soft cotty tees, merino will definitely be moving in the closet.
The all mighty Green
When I think of being obsessive about going green I first think of the innovators of going green. In fact, Patagonia doesn’t even call it going green, they call it; everyday values. Made in the USA, recyclable through Common Threads program, and durable material so you aren’t having to replace it abnormally frequently. Now I know what you’re thinking, “$90 for a long sleeve shirt that I’m suppose to recycle?”. I think Patagonia is trying it’s best to continually lower their footprint. It’s your shirt, turn it in if you want.
This shirt fits different, I swear!
I’ve had capilene and other merino shirts feel too lose and under ski clothes they bunch up causing an annoyance. Patagonia seemed to have tightened up the fit which really helps in the arms. It bugs me when you drop a chunk of change on a merino shirt that dries quick, but fits awkward. The collar also fits flat and I have yet to see it loosen.
The merino material doesn’t ride up my forearm like I have had capilene. The cuff fits snug but if I want to roll up my sleeves for a climbing session they don’t cut off circulation. The lower part of the shirt is the perfect length. Once again, doesn’t bunch up. It’s like the designers tailored it just for me. Which, might be bad for the rest of you. You definitely get what you pay for in many aspects, not just the merino material.
Thumb holes?
Nope. Not for this shirt. I’ve had a couple ski layers with thumb holes and have really enjoyed them. Maybe its on the dock for Patagonia but they might be holding back because its one more seam, one more hole, and one more chance to wear out a cuff. I am a fan of thumb holes however when you put your thumb through it stretches the shirt. Now you have to figure out how to mix lycra with merino; designers nightmare I’m sure.
This Pata-Gucci shirt homes the logo at the bottom left of the shirt, out of the way for logo-overloaded souls. Your addicted to merino anyway, might as well step it up a notch with this well thought out crew.
BUY NOW: The Patagonia Merino 3 Classic Crew.
