Review on MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Lightweight Form Fit Top Thermal Shirt by James Wilson

I still haven't washed this top yet (It's merino, so you don't have to every time, and you shouldn't, especially in a machine - NEVER dry!), so I can't give durability impressions yet, but I've worn it snowboarding a few times now, and it's performing really well as a midweight top. I even fell asleep in it. This is Australian sourced and made, like similar larger companies. As with any merino layers, there's no itch factor and it doesn't take on odor. I was concerned about the stretch factor, as some athletic merino pieces don't give much and therefore wear out quicker, but this knit is very stretchy and pliant. This should bode well for washing and durability, but I'll need to report back.If you've read other reviews, you know that the arms are incredibly long. They are, but I'm 4'11", and they haven't interfered with my life or handwashing at all. They're just scrunchy at the wrists. I'm used to everything being too long, though, so I guess this just doesn't seem like a dealbreaker to me. It's also quite long in the body. If you are tall, you'll love it. I'm short, and I love it, because it stays tucked into my pants while I'm riding, but has plenty of fiber memory so that when it's untucked, it doesn't hang to my knees, either. If you're buying this as a layering piece, it's great! I really don't know what all the fuss is about.I've been wearing Icebreaker for over a decade, and never paying retail, because $100 per piece is a lot to swallow, even if they do last many years. Even on sale, they're at least 20% more than this top, and truthfully, I like the length of this one better. I think Smartwool layers (their socks are great) are vastly inferior to Icebreaker, and so far, I'm more impressed with the quality here. I also like knowing where the wool is sourced. Australia and New Zealand are renowned for their merino sheep, and they all graze freely. Using local supply to make garments in a small country is environmentally sound, too.