Looking to get a merino wool half zip top. The weight is light enough almost like a base layer. The only thing is the fit is body snug which I don't mind since I'm pretty lean but I like a looser fit top when wearing with tights. Does it make a difference cooling wise if the fabric isn't snug up against the skin or does it have to be snug in order to get the wicking benefits?
To get the benefits of wicking, it should be close to the skin.
Wool is a great natural thermoregulator; if you get a thinner top, you won't be too warm. It also has a natural anti-microbial, and washes out cleaner than synthetics.
I keep my synthetic stuff around for super hot days, but usually if it's too hot for my thinnest wool shirts it's too hot for wearing a shirt at all.
I LOVE wool in the winter, or in precipitation. Wool continues to insulate if it gets wet, so living in Western NY I would go crazy without my wool.
What brand are you getting? What temps will you be running in?
Looking at an icebreaker or smartwool half zip. Probably running with it from 40-55 degrees. I'm not used to the form fitting fit I guess. I was thinking of sizing up to get a looser fit. I decided to try wool since i can't find any running synthetic half zips smaller than a small and smalls fit baggy on me.
So you can run when its cold and raining and still be warm? It seems like the wet wool would just absorb the rain and just weigh you down.