The Capilene Air in particular is unique: it mixes Patagonia’s Capilene polyester and merino wool in a stretchy and incredibly warm design. Some materials like for example Merino wool and silk are naturally odor-resistant, while others like polyester can be treated in order to provide odor-resistance. Synthetics are engineered plastics that have a much more attractive price point and are very durable. MATERIAL – 83% merino wool/12% nylon/5% spandex. That’s not to say that merino wool can’t be a great base layer, but for moto related activities in hot or cold, polypropylene is the most efficient and easiest to maintain. These are mostly used in party and evening wear, cold weather and survival clothing. A polyester or nylon with silver is another alternative to merino wool. I use both merino and polyester base layer tops and tights. PROS – Highly breathable with excellent moisture wicking and fast dry time. They also tend to have superior dry times when compared to the natural characteristics of wool. The most popular anti-odor textile treatments for synthetic fabrics include silver-based compounds … Wool also doesn't smell and is slightly more breathable and comfortable when it's wet. DESIGN – Boxer Briefs. It acts as an anti-microbial agent and keeps odor-free longer than other synthetics. However, merino isn’t for everyone. Merino wool is odor and moisture resistant, dries quickly and keeps you warm without being heavy. The shirt is extremely expensive at $129 (and $149 for the hoody), but offers a fit and performance that 100-percent merino can’t match. Perhaps wool is slightly warmer but my skin is sometimes allergic to it. Tencel. CONS – Seams on the gusseted crotch are fairly pronounced. There are manufacturers that make combination merino wool and polypropylene base layers. Wool is the name given to spun fibers from the hair of several animals, but, technically, wool comes from sheep (Dorset, Lincoln, Merino, etc) and hair comes from other animals (eg mohair and cashmere from goats, alpaca from alpacas and angora from rabbits). Merino wool and polyester base layers. Another benefit of synthetic base layers is washability. The difference is so small that I don't usually remember which one I'm wearing. Whether the provide the best and/or the worst of both is debatable. Wool/Polyester Blends Vs 100% Wool or 100 % Polyester ((())) From an expert's perspective let’s say 100 % Polyester is the least recommended, followed by blends and finally, of course, 100 % Wool. The best merino alternatives are made of synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. Tencel (formerly Lyocell) is … There is much debate about which is superior. Normally just pick up which ever one is in hand. 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