Icebreaker Women''s Long Sleeve Siren Crewe Top

I was excited when I purchased this Icebreaker long-sleeved shirt (I also got matching leggings), because I am familiar with the brand and have heard rave reviews about their products. However, the lightweight Merino wool shirt just didn''t work for me.

First, the pros. The shirt fit perfectly and was true to size. It really is lightweight; I could easily wear it under another shirt or by itself when hiking. Although I didn''t test it in ultra-cold weather, it kept my torso noticeably warmer when I was wearing it. Plus, it comes in a fun reddish pink color (called "cherub").

Unfortunately, despite the no-itch guarantee, the shirt just irritated my skin. I talked to an Icebreaker representative, who was lovely, and was told that chemicals used in the manufacturing process may cause itchiness. She recommended that I wash the shirt with a pair of jeans and tumble it dry with no heat. I did so, but the fabric still caused my skin to feel itchy. It may be that I tend to have dry skin, but I''m not able to moisturize constantly just to wear a special shirt.

Overall, I would recommend this product to individuals without sensitive or particularly dry skin. If you''re prone to finding wool products itchy, consider looking elsewhere (the no-itch guarantee doesn''t work for everyone!). If, on the other hand, you''ve worn Merino wool products in the past with no problems, this is lightweight and perfect for everyday wear.

I recently moved to the Carolinas from South Florida. I bought this base layer because I heard Icebreaker had quality products for keeping warm during outdoor activities.

What a bummer! This top itches so bad. Really uncomfortable. I was going to return it immediately, but my fiancé and I already had a long biking weekend planned. I decided to give it a try, hoping that after a wash it would improve. Well, no luck.

Though, I did start to get used to the itchiness. I''m giving this product 3 stars just because it does keep me warm. I don''t want to go another week of outdoor activities without a base layer, so I''m going to keep it. But, still not enthused about the itchy material.

UPDATE: 2/6/13

I''m glad I kept it. It is still itchy, but it works great to keep out the cold. It''s worth getting used.

Buy Icebreaker Women''s Long Sleeve Siren Crewe Top Now

Been buying Icebreaker tops ever since I started biking again and this long sleeve has not disappointed. It''s handled beautifully as a base layer during exercise and biking, keeping me warm--but not hot--and dry. This won''t be my last long-sleeve from Icebreaker.

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