I workout, stretch and run outdoors three to four times a week, it’s a routine I like.
It’s November already and it’s getting cold. I have a 100% merino wool mid layer long sleeved shirt I spent 130$ on I wear to the office but I don’t want to ruin it working out, stretching and running because it was expensive.
This piece of clothing is quite thick, like 2 layers put together. I don’t want to buy anything thinner for sport because I’ve read thinner undershirts/base layers break due to friction.
This is what I fear is going to happen with my merino mid/base layer if I workout with it, even if it’s on the thicker end of layers.
Another option would be to buy a regular polyester base layer to use with a synthetic mid layer or combine a synthetic base layer and a cotton mid layer. Would these be stupid ideas?
What should I use as an outer layer?
Overall, what brands would you recommend? I’m a skinny 5’6’’ woman.
Wool should not be a base layer, but in the mid-layers. It can be a decent shell in lightning, and felt can hold against light rains (and will stay warm even if it does get soaked.)
Merino wool can be considerably less scratchy than lower-quality wool; alternatively wool blends will also be better (“smart wool”).
As a material, it can be quite hard wearing if it’s made sturdy. That’s less about the material and more about how it’s made.
You might want to consider a shell layer that’s wind proof, but for fall, a light sweater and a shell while active should be enough unless it’s ghastly out. (Cold and rainy. That shit seeps; and nothing wholesome ever seeps.)
Remember the critical thing is to dress in layers so you can adapt.