Lightweight merino hoodie for women and men.
Sun Protection
I have not had Ridge Merino’s Solstice Sun Hoodie for very long, but I have been wearing it every day for the past week. It’s so soft against my skin, and the relaxed fit makes this hoodie ideal for all of my active needs.
During the day, the breathable top provides UPF 30 sun protection. I’m not great at remembering to wear sunscreen, so I really appreciate that I can just wear this comfy top to protect my skin. I’m surprised by how comfortable the Solstice Sun Hoodie is, even in temps up to 85 F.
Versatility
I’ve been wearing the Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie for the past few days in Malmö, Sweden, where it’s been overcast and in the 60s. It’s been comfortable for long walks, doing a great job of wicking and breathing.
Last week it was in the mid-80s, and I was feeling the heat, but the fabric breathes well that I didn’t feel too hot when I wore it, even when I was in the car (I don’t have air conditioning in my vintage car). I’ve been wearing the top alone when I’m out and about, running errands and going to appointments. I’ve also worn it over a tank top when early evening temps drop into feeling chilly. The Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie is also ideal as an over shirt for my afternoon lake swims because it dries quickly. In all instances, I have never felt too hot in this top.
When I’m active I tend to warm up very quickly, so the Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie is going to be perfect over a merino tee or as a mid layer under a rain shell for fall hiking and power walks in breezy, rainy Seattle.
The Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie provides the usually merino benefits: I can wear it for days without washing because wool is naturally odor-resistant and it helps with thermoregulation because the fabric wicks and breathes, keeping me cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold.
Fit
I’m quite tall, with a very large chest, a very long torso, and long arms. The women’s XL, my usual size, fit me and was long enough through the torso and sleeves, but it was almost snug across the chest.
I ended up testing a men’s size L because I wanted a slightly looser fit and longer sleeves. The sleeves have thumb loops, which helps me keep the fabric covering the backs of my hands. Again, it’s a nice way to protect my skin without having to pack sunscreen every time I leave the house.
Both of the tops I tried on seem to fit the same in the shoulders, and the shoulder seams extended an inch or more past where I thought they should. I think this is part of the relaxed fit style. (Personally, I wish all tops had raglan sleeves, which provide a custom shoulder fit. Ridge Merino has another hoodie style with heavier weight merino that has raglan sleeves.) The Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie is cut longer (an inch or more) in the back for better coverage. Always nice to get more length. I love the loose-fitting hood; the drapy feel is comfortable. Also, I like wearing baseball caps, and the hood easily fits over them. I like the hoodie ties for their contrast color
appearance and because they are substantial enough to stay put in the washing machine.
Bottom Line
A lightweight, relaxed fit hoodie for the beach, trail, park, travel, and all points in between. The merino is soft and so thin, and the fabric has just a bit of nylon in it for durability. The Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie has quickly become one of my favorite summer tops.
Details
Made out of sustainably sourced merino wool from New Zealand, reinforced with nylon. (87% Merino wool 13% Nylon).17.5M Merino wool, 145g/m. Men’s size M hoodie weighs just over eight ounces. Ridge Merino donates to 1% for the Planet, contributing to: The Access Fund, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, East Sierra Avalanche Center, Protect Our Winters, and Waterkeeper Alliance.
Available in men’s sizes: S-XXL in a variety of bright and pastel colors: Blue Sky, Coyote, Fire Red, Summer Spice, Sierra Cement, Wild Sage, Outerspace
Available in women’s sizes: XS-XL in almost the same variety of bright and pastel colors: Blue Sky, Coyote, Fire Red, Summer Spice, Morning Dew, Wild Sage, Outerspace.
(A few of the colors have already sold out in both men’s and women’s styles.)
Manufacturer: ridgemerino.com
$84.95 available at ridgemerino.com
images from ridgemerino.com