More on Icebreaker

The Icebreaker story begins in the mid-1990s in New Zealand, a landscape shaped by rugged mountains, open plains, shifting winds and extreme temperatures. Founder Jeremy Moon met a local sheep farmer who introduced him to a Merino wool T-shirt. The moment he put it on, he realised it felt unlike anything he had worn before: soft, smooth against the skin, warm when needed and surprisingly breathable. That single experience became the starting point of Icebreaker – a brand built on the natural performance of Merino wool.

Merino became the foundation of everything Icebreaker would go on to create. The wool comes from Merino sheep that live outdoors year-round in New Zealand’s challenging climate. Over thousands of years, nature shaped a fibre with remarkable properties. Merino fibres are exceptionally fine and flexible, which means they do not itch like traditional wool. They regulate temperature naturally, resist odour, breathe efficiently and manage moisture better than synthetic materials. This makes Merino ideal as a next-to-skin layer: a shirt or long underwear that keeps you warm when it’s cold, yet prevents overheating during activity.

Icebreaker set out to offer an alternative to the growing world of plastic-based sportswear. Instead of creating more synthetic textiles, the brand turned to nature’s own technology. Merino proved to be a fibre that performs effortlessly: it feels soft, absorbs perspiration without feeling clammy, and maintains warmth even when slightly damp. It also slows down the build-up of odours naturally, allowing you to wear your clothing longer without frequent washing.

For outdoor users, this is a real advantage. An Icebreaker Merino shirt or pair of long underwear can be worn for several days on a trek, during a ski trip or while travelling, without losing comfort. The fibre works with your body and adapts to changing conditions – exactly as nature intended.

As Icebreaker grew, the brand stayed close to its origins. Merino is a renewable fibre, and Icebreaker works with selected farmers under long-term agreements to guarantee animal welfare and responsible land management. Transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing have been central to the brand since the very beginning.

Today, the Icebreaker collection includes shirts, long underwear, leggings, socks and midlayers in different fabric weights, designed for a wide range of temperatures and activities. Lightweight Merino layers are perfect for high-intensity movement or warmer weather, while heavier layers are ideal for winter, mountain sports or cold-weather hiking. When combined, the layers create a versatile system that works throughout the year.

It is easy to see why Icebreaker has become so popular. The brand offers clothing that feels natural, performs reliably and is produced with respect for animals, people and the environment. No itching, no synthetic odour, no unnecessary complications – just simple, functional and comfortable clothing. Whether you are hiking, travelling, skiing, training or simply seeking everyday comfort, Merino continues to prove itself as one of the most versatile fibres in the outdoor world.

Those who explore Icebreaker further discover a brand that embraces the power of nature to reduce dependence on synthetic materials. A warm, breathable and long-lasting base layer is not a luxury; it is a smart choice – and that is exactly why Icebreaker Merino shirts and long underwear are loved by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.