Patagonia Releases Fair Trade Merino Bike Jersey

We’re big fans of merino wool. It’s naturally anti-bacterial, comfortable, and insulating. Polyester jerseys fall short in all these attributes. All that said, I’ve destroyed over a dozen 100% merino shirts from other brands. The most durable I’ve come across is Specialized’s Utility Crew… but, it’s now discontinued. On paper, the new Patagonia Merino Bike Jersey looks promising. It has a clean T-shirt silhouette, somewhat similar to the company’s merino T from several years back, but looks a little more substantial. It also has longer sleeves and a longer back hem contour for cycling-specific posture. It’s made with a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester (35%), which Patagonia claims has “soft, quick-wicking next-to-skin temperature control.” Hopefully, that blend will offer a little more durability than 100% Merino, without getting smelly like other polyester jerseys. The Merino Bike Jersey is also Fair Trade Certified sewn, which means extra dollars for factory workers, according to Patagonia.

Patagonia Merino Wool Bike Jersey Features

• Articulated seams and longer back hem contour to body posture on the bike
• Slightly longer sleeves
• Locker loop at neck lets you hang jersey for quick dry-out
• No tags at neck for itch-free comfort
• Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
• 142 g (5 oz)
• 3.4-oz fabric with 65% merino wool and 35% recycled polyester.
• Fabric is certified as bluesign® approved.

The Patagonia Merino Wool Bike Jersey is available in Black, Carbon, or Feather Gray. Priced at $89, it’s not cheap, but hopefully it’s durable. And if you’re like me and wear one shirt for the entirety of a trip (or for multiple seasons), it might be worth it. Learn more over at Patagonia.com.

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