Work Out in Wool this Winter: Why & Wear

Okay, it sounds bizarre, but wool does not need to live solely in your cozy sweater drawer this season. You can actually work out in it—at least the merino variety—and it may even outperform the Lycra you're used to.

Merino wool keeps you cool while you work out because it transports the moisture from your body away from the skin. And get this: after you cool down (or if it's a particularly freezing day for a run), it will also keep you warm, by absorbing moisture from the environment and locking it in tiny air pockets that trap body heat.

It's kind of like you're wearing a body temperature regulation system, with one more bonus feature: merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, which means the bacteria that causes odor isn't going to bind to the fiber, so you won't smell. And guess what? It also doesn't itch, which surprised me on a sweaty test-run, and it felt super breathable compared to synthetics.

Because of all of this, lots of fitness apparel brands are now tapping the fabric. The coolest pieces in the category bring you these four active ways to wear merino—none of which include scarves, hats, gloves, or cardigans. 

Tanks
You'll be surprised by how quickly these tanks dry after spin class, which is ideal for preventing skin irritation and for jetting to an appointment after a fitness class that doesn't come with a shower.
From left: $80, Icebreaker Sublime Tank | $89, Vie Active Maya Scoop Tank | $95, Vielet Tara Merino Bra Tank Top 

Long Sleeve Shirts 
Layering with long-sleeve merino wool shirts on cold-weather runs will keep you warm as you warm up and cool as you cool down.
From left: $135, Vielet Anastasia Merino Long Sleeve Tee | $90, Ibex Woolies Zip T-Neck Stripe Base Layer Top

Intimates
Sports bras and underwear are usually the sweatiest article of clothing after a workout. These merino wool intimates let your most sensitive areas breathe.
From left: $90, Mover Stretch Jersey Mesh Sports Bra | $25, Minus33 Merino Wool ] Zealand Lightweight Hipster

Leggings
Combat the wind-chill in leggings that won't leave you overheated once you're inside sweating through intervals.
From left: $90, Icebreaker Oasis Leggings | $125, Smartwool NTS Micro 150 Bottom | $125, Ibex Energy Free Tights

—Thanks to Jamie McKillop