I don’t mind the summer is winding down because now it’s chilly enough at night that I can wear my Smartwool Men’s NTS Micro 150 Henley shirt.
Made out of ultra-thin 100% merino wool, this lightweight, long-sleeved top keeps me warm in cool weather. I love wearing this top with knee-length shorts (my all-purpose faded, stretched-out Sporthill tights that I turned into shorts years ago) and track-style sweat pants. As an every-day top, it’s comfortable and goes well with jeans, khakis, and shorts. I like the feel of the light, soft fabric on my skin.
As an activewear top, the Smartwool Men’s NTS Micro 150 Henley shirt has performed well. I’ve been going on lots of fast-pasted long walks with my neighbor, and even though I heat up very fast, I never overheat because the ultra-thin fabric wicks and breathes well. My temperature stays regulated, and I stay comfortable.
I like the raglan style sleeves, which allow more freedom of movement in my shoulders, prevents bunching when I’m wearing a pack, and gives me a more custom fit through the shoulder. It’s a more flattering look since my shoulders don’t have to fit into the shirt. I also like that the top has flat seams that have never chafed me.
The henley style is a nice change, too, from my other merino tops, which are all either crew neck or half-zip. I like the contrast of the black fabric that runs from my wrists to the neck band with the black and taupe thin striped fabric of the rest of the shirt.
Merino is always a favorite with me since it’s naturally odor-resistant (I wear it four or five days before washing, making it ideal for travel) and quick-drying (post-exercise and post-washing machine).
Available in men’s sizes S-XXL. (I’m a woman who wear-tested a men’s size M. On men, the top is designed to be form-fitting, but I liked that on me it was looser and had a long torso and sleeves).
Bottom Line: An ideal shoulder season top for casual wear and for exercising. It keeps me warm in cool and cold temps and breathes well when I wear it for exercise.
Manufacturer’s Site: www.smartwool.com
$90 (on sale for less at Moosejaw)