Merino wool is the bomb. If it were up to me, I’d be wearing it all day every day. Well, come to think of it, I do that as much s my washing schedule and wife will allow. So, I came into the testing period of the Stio Basis Stretch Merino baselayer with a bit of a bias and it has certainly lived up to expectations.
Stio Basis Stretch Merino Crew Features:
- Merino ST™, 95% Merino 5% Spandex
- Athletic design ideal for aerobic activity
- Flatlock seams for comfort
- Heat transfer interior labels
- Stio® Wrap logo label
- Made in North America
- Center back length 27 3/4”, size M
- Weight: 9 oz.
- Price: $95
Basis Stretch is Merino done well
I have a love affair with Merino wool, so it didn’t take much to decide to bring in the new baselayer from Stio in for review. Stio is on a roll with their full complement of apparel and outerwear and the new Basis Stretch Merino tops and bottoms are a great combo for those who appreciate all that these natural woolies provide.
The fit is athletic, no question. I’ve got the size Medium top and it fits my 5’11” 170 lb frame perfectly. Form-fitting without being too tight, is how I’d call it. Sleeve and hem length are perfect to maintain coverage in the critical backside and wrist areas.
Something to love about these is the heat transfer labels. Most apparel is going this route — particularly base layers — but, it’s always refreshing. It’s even more refreshing after wearing another base layer with 5 pages of legalese in tow in every language in the Western world. Get rid of those tags, people! And, thank you Stio for doing it right.
The simple Stio wraparound tag on the left cuff is classy and unobtrusive to the otherwise straightforward top.
Moisture wicking is excellent with minimal sagging when saturated. The fabric maintains a good structure in those instances — which not all Merino can boast. My time in the Basis Stretch top has been spent skiing and trail running and it is most certainly a high-quality piece that competes with the best mid-weight base layers I’ve got.
The Good
- Excellent quality Merino
- Durable fabric has no snags or signs of wear
- Tag-free design (hooray!)
- Made in North America
- Resists stinky body odors
- Flatlock stitching
The Bad
- Only two retail stores means online-only for most of us
- Price may be slightly above comparable items from other Merino brands
The Bottom Line: Stio Basis Stretch Merino
Not much better (in my opinion) than Merino wool — all the time, all year-round. The Stio Basis Stretch Merino is an excellent midweight baselayer top that’s been durable for a variety of athletic uses.
Buy Now: Available at Stio.com
