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    Are your Leggings Impostors?

    July 03, 2019 3 min read

    Are your Leggings Impostors?

    Not all leggings are created equal. But if it’s warm legs you want, this is what you need to know.

     

    Killer Cotton.

    We’re going to try to be nice here, but honestly, if you’re wearing cotton to keep your legs warm, you’ve basically chosen the worst possible option other than actually wearing an ice pack. There’s a reason Search & Rescue teams around the world call it ‘Killer Cotton’, because it won’t just fail to keep you warm, it can actually make you colder. And under extreme conditions, dangerously cold. If you really want to wear cotton casually, go for it. But please, please do not wear it to keep yourself warm. Especially if there’s a chance you may get even slightly damp - from the environment or perspiration. Cotton leggings are not suitable to keep you warm when you’re out in the elements. (Without overloading you with the science, when cotton gets wet, the air pockets fill up with water and if the air is colder than your body temperature, you're in big trouble.)

    SHOP WARM, COMFORTABLE, TEMPERATURE REGULATING MERINO TIGHTS AND LEGGINGS

     

     

    Stinky Synthetics.

    Depending on how fancy you like to look, and how much of a statement you want to make with your legs, regular synthetic ‘tights’ or ‘leggings’ may or may not be a bit of a fashion statement to express your personality. But that’s about it. Not that looks aren’t important, of course, but they won’t really keep you warm. Even if they look hot. We’ve heard people say wearing them is like they’re “Wrapped in plastic wrap”. Which is hardly surprising because that’s essentially true. And Polyester, like plastic, cannot absorb moisture or perspiration. To be fair, some synthetics are better than others at keeping you warm, but then there’s the smell. “My husband wore polyester undershirts on his tours to Iraq, and years later, they still smelled bad no matter how many times I washed them.” Stinky synthetics. Enough said.

     SHOP STINK-FREE, NATURAL MERINO TIGHTS AND LEGGINGS

    Compression Tights.

    There’s some pretty awesome brands out there making compression garments. And those garments are great for, not surprisingly, providing compression if that’s what you’re looking for. What regular compression tights are not great at, is keeping your legs warm. There’s a very good reason trail races like Ultra Trail Australia do not allow these as their mandatory thermal leggings. Because they’re not thermal leggings. Most of them will not keep you warm. Plain and simple.

    Now, don't be fooled by our 'Merino Compression Leggings', these are not those legging. Our revolutionary new Merino-Compression fabric combines all the benefits you expect from our high-performance merino fabrics, with the high performance of compression garments. Now you don’t have to choose between the breathability, thermo-regulation, moisture wicking, warmth and the odour resistant qualities of Merino or the fit, feel and performance of a compression garment - you can have both.

    Remember, almost all other types of compression garments are simply for compression and don't have thermal properties like our Merino-Compression leggings.

    SHOP OUR MERINO-COMPRESSION LEGGINGS

    Merino.

    OK, now we’re talking. You may say we’re biased because that’s what we do, but no, it’s just a fact, If you want warm legs when it’s cold, you want actual thermal leggings. Ask around, and even the experts will tell you there’s still no man-made fiber that performs like Merino. There are, of course, a few different types of thermal leggings going around - from stinky synthetic ones to awesome natural merino ones - like ours. But the extra benefits that come with choosing a natural fiber like Merino, and our extra soft and comfortable MicroMerino® thermal leggings in particular, make them almost impossible to beat. Natural. Moisture-wicking. Temperature-regulating. Breathable. Odour-resistant. And warm. Now that’s what a good pair of thermal leggings should be. Plus, with our revolutionary new Merino-Compression Leggings, you can get all the benefits of compression with the performance of Merino combined.

     SHOP THE MERINO-IEST THERMAL LEGGINGS YOU'LL EVER FIND.

    Let customers speak for us

    from 1812 reviews
    Comfort and smart enough to wear out

    Comfort and smart enough to wear out.

    brendan finnigan
    Glacier Tracksuit Pants
    Worth the expense

    Best and most comfortable merino clothing for the UK and Canada winter. A must buy is the base layers. Tops and leggings. Very happy with my purchase.
    Easy to care.
    Can't wait to use my gear for next trip to Finland 2025.

    Graham White
    Altitude Tee - Southern Cross
    Spot on

    Great slogan as well. As used by owners of e72.au

    G Daly
    Universal Nature Tee
    Perfect

    All set for winter!

    G Daly
    Altitude Crew
    Fantastic for the Camino/long hikes

    I wore this tee on the Camino and loved it. I hand washed it every second night and by morning it was always dry. I love the dazzling blue colour, the higher neckline was great for preventing sunburn and the sleeve length was perfect. I only had two tees with me for 42 days and I never tired of wearing this tee. It has kept its shape and has plenty more wear left in it.

    S.
    Universal Tee - Explore All The Places
    Walked the Camino in them

    Fantastic for hiking and everyday use. I bought two pairs of the bikini briefs for the Camino (40 days of walking) and they were fantastic. They dry really quickly. I would hand wash out a pair at night, roll them in a towel to get the excess moisture out, hang them up and by morning they were always dry. The hot pink colour made them easy to find in my pack too. Love them!

    SUSI
    Zodiac Bikini Brief
    Altitude Boxers

    The boxers themselves are excellent. Great material and a great fit. What set ioMerino apart was the proactive customer service. I was very impressed

    David Fell
    Altitude Boxers - Ready for Adventure
    Best ever socks

    These are the best socks I have ever had. Cushioned and extremely comfortable, they fit in my shoes like much thinner synthetic socks, they can be worn for days before they need washing and they don’t walk down into my shoes.

    Maggie Ramsay
    No Show Socks
    A great investment

    This jumper is going to be my new best friend, even in Australian spring/autumn (or Melbourne summer!).
    In Norway at present - well and truly minus- and it performs wonderfully as a layer, or a quite-dressy top indoors.
    I'm really pleased with the quality, and it's NOT made in China!

    D W
    Pinnacle 2.0
    Altitude Zip

    Perfect for when riding my bike. Long sleeves are great for keeping the sun at bay. I find it breathes well and wicks very nicely. Highly recommended.

    Neil Penny
    Altitude Zip
    Works for me

    This is my 2nd pair. I don't see myself as a leggings bloke so wear shorts over them. Perfect for recovery, camping, bush walking and around the house. Woll on the skin works for me.

    Richard W.
    Pace Compression Leggings - Original
    Excellent product

    Excellent, comfotable, dry, long lasting merino socks. I love them for trail running and casual no show in shoes or 3/4 boots.

    Richard W.
    No Show Socks
    Best Pants EVER

    These Tights are the best - I have six pairs. They keep me warm and dry in the winter, but I also wear them all through summer ( see below 34 degrees and very happy) I mean, how can millions of sheep be wrong? As far as comfort and fit they are true to size and the most comfortable pants I own.

    Minnie
    Pace Compression Leggings - Outsider Edition
    Loving this Gaiter

    With Io Merino and cold weather it is a pleasure looking forward wearing their gaiters. So soft and has this silk like texture to their high quality Merino and lighness having around neck. Sits great and comfy and make one look forward to just enjoy wearing it. Colours!! Such a great selection and really fab to add colour to whatever wearing with and stylish too. The logo is comfortable too as can wear showing or not and still looks good on show too. I have them in two more colours and gifting one. The colours on this Merino superb with fabric and shades are different to anything I have seen before. Makes for great feel to adventuring outdoors or being extra snug indoors.

    Grace I
    Altitude Neck Warmer
    Best Ever Merino wear

    I have worn Merino for years with a big brand and trying Io Merino I can't look back, they are that good. Did not know what I was missing! The texture is smooth and beautiful, so comfortable and with durability to the fabric. The team at Io Merino are just fab if need to make contact and online ordering smooth and reliable process. Tip: I always wash Merino in wash bag to keep.as new and avoid snags in machine and handwashing is a great option too. I added two more colours as I live in Merino long sleeve tops in cooler weather bike riding or everyday wear as lightweight and warm and can layer easily without bulk to stay warm. So good having colours! and styles to choose from first time ever with Merino I have seen and to experience high end merino I never had before. Look forward to adding other styles for warmer weather..

    Grace I
    Altitude Crew