I continue to be very grateful to Isobaa for being super kind and sending me semi-regular clothing packages. I honestly love nothing more than getting one of their boxes in the mail. So far, I have found all the pieces I’ve tried to be excellent quality, nicely made, well fitting, and easy to care for. And you know I can’t stop talking about their basic tee.
A few weeks ago, I received two pieces from their super comfortable loungewear range. I have a pair of their Women’s Merino 260 Lounge Cuffed Joggers (in the petrol colour), and the Women’s Merino 260 Lounge Sweatshirt (in smoke). Both these items are made from Isobaa’s superfine 260gm loop back Merino, and are designed to wear to stretch, recover and relax post adventure.
A Luxurious Sweat Set
It really does feel luxurious having a sweat-set in such a fine material. This stuff isn’t cheap, but the quality is fantastic and there is something very nice indeed mooching about the house in clothing so nice. And yes, even on a working-from-home day. I really have enjoyed an awful lot of lounging in these in recent weeks, relaxing has probably been my favourite pastime of 2022. Oops.
Not only great for at home, I’ve also made use of these pieces outside, too. This Isobaa loungewear set has become my cold-weather camping pyjamas of choice. They are ideal to take me from post-adventure shower, to the campfire, and then to bed. I may have even driven home in them, too. No-one knows I slept in them (don’t tell anyone…!).
Merino Wool
Merino wool is warm when it’s cold, breathable when it’s warm, quick drying, naturally odour resistant (so you can wear it for days and days), and sustainable. Any hiker knows that it really is a great material all round, perfect for base layers, mid layers, and insulating layers. And I can attest to the fact that Isobaa make some really fantastic staples from it.
Isobaa agree with me that fresh air is a wonderful thing (where and how did you spend One Hour Outside today?). They aim to make clothing that that can help you make the most of the outdoors, whether that is while you are outside, or when you come back indoors. In this case, it’s the rest and relaxation bit of being an outdoors lover that is being catered for – clothing for getting comfy and cosy.
Both the top and bottoms, which are available in a variety of complementary colours, are made from 260gm 18.5 micron superfine 100% merino wool with a terry loop back. They are great quality, and very nicely made. The midweight layers are designed to throw on whenever you want something easy and comfortable to wear – the wool is soft, and the flatlock stitching is comfortable against the skin.
Sustainability
We can’t help but leave a footprint on the earth, but we can make wise choices that can keep that to a minimum. I certainly don’t always get my choices right, and can’t help but enjoy the benefits of manmade fibres and mass produced gear a lot of the time. But at least with Isobaa and their commitment to recycling materials where they can and working with natural fibres in all their gear, I can be comfortable in this loungewear in more ways than one.
It’s also important to know that Isobaa have high standards in caring for the sheep who provide the wool for their clothing, ensuring excellent welfare standards as well as only buying non-mulsed wool.
One of the many benefits of good quality merino is that you really don’t have to wash these well-worn staples very often, and when you do it’s an environmentally friendly cold wash you need, followed by a quick air dry on the line or on an airer.
Cuffed Joggers
It might sound like a cliché I and other bloggers say whenever we get new gear, but I can promise you it’s a genuine truth to say that I have practically lived in these joggers and this crew neck sweater since I got them. They are just so perfect. The joggers, especially, have been my go-to honey-I’m-home leg wear of choice for after hikes, after paddles, and even just after work. Honestly, every day is an Isobaa joggers day now. Except when I really have to wash them.
Talking specifics, I’ve got the petrol-coloured joggers with the lime waist cord, in a size large (I’m a UK 12 or there abouts, in case that’s helpful). They have a 30-inch leg, which works perfectly for my short legs, and plenty of material around the thighs and butt without being baggy. The tapered legs and cuffed ankle make them quite flattering, and also mean they don’t ride up when I do choose to sleep in them.
There’s a bit of elastic in the waste, and the merino itself does have a bit of stretch to it, meaning they move with my body nicely. They even have two decent sized pockets.
Lounge Sweatshirt
While the joggers have become my indoor wear of choice, the lounge sweatshirt is what I grab when I want something to wear at any time – with jeans, for travel days, or when I’m lounging about at home. In fact, I’m wearing it right now, with my Alpkit jeans, as I prepare to drive home from a fabulous weekend in the Lake District. And I will almost certainly wear it to work tomorrow. It really is the perfect everyday piece.
I have the smoke-coloured sweater, also in a size large. It comes up a little baggy, perhaps, but that is what I was going for when I chose this one. A medium would probably fit my UK 12 frame fine, but it would have less room – that’s my personal choice and preferred style at the moment.
The dark grey is a classic goes-with-everything colour, the jumper looks great, and even reasonably smart given the right pairings (as in, not with the joggers!). The neckline is a traditional crew style, which works well with pretty much anything underneath.
I might not be treating this item as strictly speaking loungewear, but it is definitely that. It really is a true wardrobe staple, great for outdoors, indoors, at home, travel, at work – one sweater for all circumstances. I need another one.
Isobaa Loungewear
I think you get the picture that I really am a fan of Isobaa, including these two fabulous bits of loungewear. If you are looking to treat yourself or someone you love this winter, some Isobaa loungewear really would be an excellent choice. A luxurious yet hugely practical addition to any outdoor lover’s wardrobe.
You’ll find the full range of Isobaa loungewear (and the rest) over on the Isobaa website. On looking at the website to help write this post, I noticed that the team have just introduced a range of beautiful merino wool blankets into their collection. I wonder if they will have an end of year sale?!
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