I grew up wearing kangaroo-pocket hooded sweatshirts, but I long outgrew the heavy weight of sweatshirt material. With Ibex’s Indie Hera Hoody, I’m happy to have an old standard back in my wardrobe without the bulk.
Made out of 100% 18.5 micron merino wool, this stylish, cozy hoody has so much more to offer than less bulk than a sweatshirt. The lightweight materials hangs nicely for a flattering fit. The raglan sleeves also give me a custom fit through the shoulders and make layering more comfortable since I don’t have shoulder seems to worry about.
Merino is also extremely more performance oriented than the heavy cotton sweatshirts I ran in back in my cross-country team days. Wool offers superior breathability and wicking; both help keep sweat from clinging to my clothes and making me feel clammy. What I love about merino shirts are their adaptability. I head off for a power walk every day without checking the temperature. I usually overdress. Not a problem because in 40 degree F temps I can peel off my jacket and be warm enough in this top. In colder weather, the wool does a great job of keeping me warm and releasing heat so that I don’t overheat. Love that.
The Indie Hera Hoody is a Relaxed Fit, although I found it more of a slim fit (but I”m also about 30 pounds overweight, still squeezing into my regular size). I like the longer cut of this top. I’m 6′ tall and have very long arms and a long torso. It’s hard to find women’s tops that are long enough. I love the cuffs and hem which keep cold air out! The hood is lovely–nice and loose so I can wear it without smooshing my hair. The front of the foot comes up quite high, so it provides good neck protection.
Of course, I love the large kangaroo pocket. I’m a marsupial at heart, and love stashing things in their as I go through the day. It’s also an ideal hand warmer.
I wear the Ibex Hera Hoody all the time. Most often, it’s just the first top I grab in the morning. It looks great with jeans and skirts, and passes for casual wear (thanks to the lack of logos – just a discrete Ibex icon at the left sleeve hem. It’s also the top I wear for exercising. Because merino wool naturally resists odors I can wear it for exercise and for casual wear for days before it needs to be washed. Love that.
Available in women’s sizes XS-XL, in pink, green, and dark grey. The men’s Straightaway Hoody is very similar in fabric and style, although it doesn’t have a kanga pocket. (Striped top in photo.)
Bottom Line: The Ibex Hera Indie Hoody is one of my favorite test items of 2015. It’s comfortable, it fits well, it performs well. It’s ideal for daily wear, exercising, and travel.
Manufacturer’s Site: www.ibex.com
at Moosejaw $130