Icebreaker

Icebreaker started in the mid‑1990s, when founder Jeremy Moon was introduced to a merino farmer and a simple hand‑sewn merino top that felt totally different to the old‑school, scratchy wool layers most people knew. He was struck by how soft, breathable, and easy‑wearing it felt, even during high-output activity, and realised that this “new” wool could go head‑to‑head with the fast-growing world of synthetic fleece. It sparked the idea for a brand built on natural fibres rather than plastics, and Icebreaker was born, with Moon setting up long-term relationships with New Zealand merino growers and refining those early Icebreaker thermals into a reliable, repeatable product.

As demand grew, the range evolved from a handful of tops into a full Icebreaker base layer collection with different weights for everything from cool-weather running to full-on winter mountaineering. The brand added mid layers, leggings, underwear, socks, and accessories, all designed to work together as a simple, mix‑and‑match system, so your Icebreaker merino base layer, mid layer, and outer pieces feel like one cohesive kit rather than a random pile of separates. Along the way, Icebreaker expanded from its New Zealand roots into Europe and North America, becoming a go‑to name for anyone who wanted performance without relying on plastic-heavy fabrics.

Fast-forward to today, and Icebreaker is a global name in merino, with a full range of base layers, mid layers, and everyday pieces available through Icebreaker UK partners like Cotswold Outdoor. You’ll now find everything from technical Icebreaker thermals for deep winter days on the hill to lightweight Icebreaker T-shirt styles that are just as at home on a summer hike as they are on your daily commute. The brand has grown from a single experiment into a complete layering system that can cover almost every part of your outdoor life.

At the heart of Icebreaker is a simple philosophy: move to natural. Instead of relying on petrochemical-based fabrics, the brand focuses on merino wool and plant-based fibres wherever possible, designing Icebreaker clothing to perform without feeling technical or fussy. That “less but better” mindset shows up in everything from clean silhouettes to the way pieces are built to mix, match, and last.

Icebreaker also puts a lot of emphasis on traceability, long-term relationships with growers, and animal welfare. The goal isn’t just to make high-performance Icebreaker merino base layers, but to do it in a way that respects the land, the sheep, and the people involved in every step. It’s an ongoing journey, and the brand is very open about the fact that it’s still pushing to reduce synthetics and go even more natural over time.

The magic of Icebreaker clothing comes down to the fibre itself. Merino wool is incredibly fine, much thinner than traditional wool, which means it feels soft against your skin while still trapping warm air close to your body. Those super-fine fibres help regulate your temperature by moving moisture vapour away from your skin, so you stay drier and more comfortable as your effort level changes, instead of overheating on the climb and then chilling the moment you stop. Instead of that clammy, plastic‑y feel you can get from some synthetics, you get a steady, breathable microclimate that works whether you’re grinding up a climb, ticking off miles on a thru‑hike, or standing around at the summit enjoying the view.

Merino is also naturally odour-resistant because it absorbs and locks away the molecules that cause odours, rather than allowing them to sit on the surface of the fabric. That’s why so many people swear by an Icebreaker merino base layer or Icebreaker T-shirt for multi‑day trips: you can wear the same piece again and again without it announcing itself to the whole bothy or train carriage. It also dries quickly and feels warm even when damp, which is ideal if you’re caught in a shower or pushing hard up a wet, windy ridgeline. Pack fewer pieces, carry less weight, and focus more on where you’re going rather than what’s in your kit bag.

Even though Icebreaker champions natural simplicity, there’s plenty of quiet innovation happening behind the scenes. The design team is constantly tweaking knit structures, fabric weights, and fibre blends to squeeze out better performance without adding bulk or gimmicks. You’ll see this in the way certain fabrics are tuned for high-output activities while others are dialled in for all‑day warmth, giving you lots of choice without overwhelming you with tech jargon.

In some pieces, merino is carefully blended with plant-based fibres to improve drape, softness, and long-term durability, so Icebreaker clothing feels just as at home in a café or office as it does halfway up a ridge. These blends are selected to preserve the core benefits of merino while making the garments even more versatile for everyday wear.

Outer layers in the Icebreaker system are there to keep the warmth in and the weather out. They sit over your base and mid layers, adding wind-resistant, weather-ready protection while still letting your body breathe. Built with merino insulation or merino-rich blends, they’re ideal when you want a natural-feeling setup from your first layer right through to your outer shell.

Icebreaker base layer tops are the starting point for most layering systems, giving you next-to-skin comfort and reliable warmth across a wide range of conditions. On the Cotswold Outdoor range you’ll typically find long-sleeve crew necks, half-zip styles for easy venting, and hooded options for extra coverage around the neck and head. Many of these sit within weight-led collections like the 200 series and 260 series, so you can quickly choose between lighter, more breathable tops for high-output days and heavier options for deep winter and slower-paced adventures.​

Mid layers from Icebreaker build on your base by adding breathable insulation, ideal for cooler days on the hill or stop–start activities. Think merino hoodies, zip-through tops, and sweaters that trap extra warmth while still allowing moisture to move away from the body. They slot neatly between your base layer and shell, so you can fine-tune comfort simply by adding or removing a piece as conditions change.

Base layer bottoms complete your Icebreaker merino foundation, providing warmth and moisture management for your legs in cold or changeable weather. These leggings and tights are typically offered in similar weights to the tops (including 200 series and 260 series), allowing you to match your lower-body insulation to your activity and the temperature. Soft, close-fitting, and designed to sit comfortably under shell trousers or ski pants, they help keep your muscles warm without restricting movement.

Icebreaker underwear is designed to be the very first layer against your skin, using soft merino or merino-rich blends for all-day comfort. Briefs, boxers, and bras benefit from the same temperature regulation and odour resistance as the rest of the range, making them especially useful for travel and multi-day trips. By starting your kit with merino underwear, you extend that “wear it longer, wash it less often” performance from the ground up.

Icebreaker beanies round out the accessory lineup, providing packable head warmth that works from trailheads to town. Lightweight merino knit constructions help regulate temperature so you avoid that sweaty-overheating feeling, even when you’re working hard on a steep ascent. They pair neatly with the rest of your Icebreaker system—throw a 200 series or 260 series base layer on underneath your shell, add an Icebreaker beanie and neckwarmer, and you’ve got a simple, fully natural setup ready for cold-weather adventures.

Icebreaker gloves bring merino performance to your hands, adding lightweight warmth and moisture control in a low-bulk package. They work well as stand-alone liners on cool days or as part of a layered glove system when the temperature really drops, taking advantage of merino’s ability to stay warm even when slightly damp. Many styles are slim enough to keep on for map reading, camera use, or adjusting zips, making them a versatile addition to your pack.

Icebreaker neckwarmers (or neck gaiters) are small pieces that make a big difference, sealing out drafts and adding flexible warmth around your neck and face. Made from soft merino or merino blends, they’re easy to pull up over your nose in a biting wind or wear low like a scarf when you just need a touch more insulation. Because they share the same moisture-wicking and odour-resistant properties as your base layers, they stay comfortable on long, hard days in the hills.

Icebreaker socks extend merino performance all the way to your boots, combining targeted cushioning with excellent temperature regulation. Different heights and weights cover everything from lightweight hiking and trail running to fully cushioned winter or ski socks. With merino’s natural odour resistance and moisture management, they help keep your feet comfortable and fresher for longer on big days out.