Functionality or beautiful design? Kari Traa’s merino functional base layers have both
8.2.2024
Translation: Megan Cornish
At the international sports trade fair ISPO, my eye was drawn to Kari Traa’s colourful functional base layers made from 100 per cent merino wool. Then I had the chance to test them out for two months. Read on to find out how they handle biking, snowshoeing and walking.
Grey, black and – if things get really crazy – sometimes dark blue: until now, colour hasn’t typically played a big role in functional base layers. After all, they’re usually hidden under additional layers of clothing. But as base layers made of merino wool can also be worn as normal long-sleeved shirts and leggings, Kari Traa’s colourful sportswear – which is inspired by traditional Norwegian patterns – immediately appealed to me. The tops and tights are available in different colours, patterns and designs. I chose the «Rose» design in black and white and fucha (yes, that’s really what the colour’s called).
First impression: soft, warm and well made
The leggings and long-sleeved shirt with stylised snowflake patterns feel soft and durable without itching. At second glance, merino garments often turn out to be a merino-polyester blend. That’s not the case here: the label states 100 per cent merino. The special knitted fabric makes the material significantly less sensitive than cheaper Merino garments from other manufacturers, which show small holes after just a few washes.
Olympic freestyle medallist and founder of her namesake brand, Kari Traa, grew up on a farm in Norway. Animal welfare is particularly important to her. According to the manufacturer, the mulesing-free Merino wool used comes from certified companies.
The cut of the clothing is women-specific, true to the motto «For her by her». It’s designed for sporty women. How do I know? The arms and shoulders on many items of clothing from other sports brands are too tight for me and hinder my movements, and there’s often too much material around the stomach. Kari Traa’s long-sleeved shirt fits perfectly and gives me enough freedom of movement in all directions. It’s still figure-hugging. Base layers – i.e. the closest layers of clothing to the body for outdoor activities – should fit tightly anyway in order to transport moisture well away from the skin. The colourful sportswear does this well, as the practical test shows.
Pleasant warmth when snowshoeing, biking, walking and jogging
First, I tested long-sleeved shirts and leggings as my base layer when snowshoeing. Their snow motif makes the pieces perfect for this. I wore the base layer with a merino vest under a Gore-Tex jacket, which I was soon able to take off because I felt pleasantly warm.
Source: Photo: Siri Schubert
The short front zip allowed me to regulate my body temperature depending on how warm I felt by letting the wind blow around my neck or blocking it with the mid-high collar. I think this has another advantage: even when I close it, the zip doesn’t scratch or chafe under my chin.
Source: Photo: Stefan Munsch
I wore the leggings under the waterproof Fox bike pants , which I also like to use for other outdoor activities. During the three-hour snowshoe tour, I felt pleasantly warm and my skin stayed dry, even though I climbed several hundred metres in altitude. I stayed warm even when I stopped to take photos or grab a snack. This is where merino wool shows its strengths, as it regulates temperature well and keeps you warm even when wet. I was also impressed by the smell of the items: after the snowshoe trip, the top and leggings were still fresh.
I also like the sewn-in side stripes made of thinner merino, as they help with temperature regulation but also ensure that no seams join in the sensitive underarm areas, making sure nothing chafes or rubs.
Speaking of seams, they’re all sewn flat, which also prevents unpleasant chafing.
Source: Photo: Stefan Munsch
When walking in temperatures around 10° C, I initially wore the long-sleeved shirt and tights with a quilted vest, but after the warm-up phase and when the sun was shining, I took off my outer layer and was pleasantly warm too.
I also found the top comfortable while biking. It could be a little longer at the back, but Kari Traa’s base layers are primarily made for winter sports, not for biking. It’s my own fault if I don’t use it for what it was designed for. I do it because I’m always looking for workout clothes that I can wear during different activities so that my wardrobe doesn’t collapse due to overloading.
When I went for a light jog in winter temperatures, I wore the top with polyester compression tights. Of course, it always depends on your personal feeling of warmth or cold and the intensity with which you run. The merino long-sleeved shirt is too warm for me for more intensive runs, but it’s very comfortable for easy recovery runs. Again, I appreciated the fit and temperature management.
After jogging, I washed the top. Not because it was absolutely necessary, but because I’d like to wear it again in everyday life. It works well on the washing machine’s wool programme, retaining its shape and colour. I also didn’t notice any pilling or lint formation. I washed the leggings with the same good results.
Conclusion: good base layers for active women that also work for downtime
When I discovered Kari Traa at the ISPO sports trade fair, I was curious about the concept of functional sportswear specifically for women.
After testing it out, I’m convinced. The biggest plus for me is the way Kari Traa integrates functional properties such as moisture management, freedom of movement and a certain robustness into the clothing and consistently meets the needs of sporty women.
Source: Photo: Siri Schubert
Because the clothes are so warm and comfortable to wear, I often wear them to relax at home. I like the Norwegian pattern and the clothes always make me feel a bit like I’m on a skiing holiday in everyday life.
Header image: Stefan Munsch
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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